Feelings chart for kids, with an emotions color wheel

What a feelings chart is for

A feelings chart gives a child words and colors to show how they feel. It is not a reward chart, so nothing on it earns a sticker.

Put the chart where the child can check in quietly, not on the busiest surface. A calm spot, like a low hook by the door or a bedroom wall, works best for ages 3 to 10.

Use the chart to name a feeling before it becomes a behavior. This helps a child pause and choose what to do next, without medical claims or labels.

The feelings chart

The printable is one page with a row of drawn faces and the feeling word under each face. It has a 'today I feel' line and a blank name line so the child can write or trace there name.

Every chart is a one-page PDF in letter and A4, in a color version and an ink saving black outline version. Print at 100 percent, not "fit to page".

Check in twice a day: at breakfast and after school or before bedtime. A quick, calm check helps the child name the feeling and move on.

If you want more guidance on using check-ins, see this short guide: How are you feeling today chart. You can also grab printable files from the downloads. If you sign up, the builder prints the child’s name on a sticker sheet, a star chart and a chore chart, all made in the browser.

The emotions color wheel

The second printable is an emotions color wheel. It has eight slices in eight colors. The child colors the slice that matches how they feel that moment.

Coloring can be easier than saying the word for some children. It gives a simple choice that still names the emotion. Two adjacent slices are fine when a feeling is mixed.

For a longer mood record, try the mood tracker for kids. The wheel is meant for quick check-ins and simple practice with feelings language.

Colors and emotions

The wheel uses a simple convention: each color links to a feeling and a small idea for what helps. The colors are a convention, not a rule. Let your child pick the match that feels right to them.

Keep the table visible as a quick reference. Encourage your child to try a small strategy that evening or the next day.

Using it without turning it into a test

A feelings chart should stay friendly and low pressure. Avoid asking for an explanation that makes the child defend their choice.

• The parent points to their own feeling too
• Say there are no wrong answers
• Do not offer a sticker for the choice
• Ask 'what would help' instead of 'why did you feel that way'
• Keep the chart up, not hidden away
• Reprint the wheel when colors look worn

If you used a sticker system before, note the difference between this and a chore chart. See how feelings work alongside routines and behavior tools in the behavior charts section or the smiley face chart.

Feelings charts in the classroom

A simple check-in on the way in helps teachers notice a child who needs a quiet minute. Keep it brief and private to avoid singling anyone out.

Use reflection sheets after an incident, and keep a kindness chart for the room to encourage a caring atmosphere. See clasroom tools like the reflection sheets and the kindness page for ideas.

Also in this section: Kindness chart and manners chart. The guide Calm down corner ideas for home and the classroom covers the rest.