Examples of Setting Up a Feelings Chart for Daily Check-Ins

Discover practical examples of setting up a feelings chart to enhance emotional intelligence in children.
By Taylor

2. The Emotion Wheel Chart

This chart is ideal for older children who can handle more complex emotional concepts. It helps them delve deeper into their feelings by exploring various emotions.

Create a large wheel divided into sections, each representing different core emotions like joy, sadness, fear, and anger. Within each of these sections, include sub-emotions. For example, under joy, you might list excited, content, and proud. You can either draw this wheel or print one from online resources. Hang it in a private spot where your child can refer to it. During daily check-ins, encourage them to spin the wheel and choose a section that resonates with their feelings for the day. Ask them to elaborate on why they felt that way, promoting discussion and understanding.

Note: Consider a digital version of the wheel that can be used on a tablet or smartphone for tech-savvy kids.

3. The Daily Emotion Journal

This approach combines writing and art, making it suitable for children who enjoy creative expression. It encourages regular check-ins while documenting emotional growth.

Provide your child with a blank journal or sketchbook where they can draw or write about their daily feelings. Set aside a few minutes each evening for them to illustrate or describe how their day went emotionally. They can use stickers, drawings, or color coding to represent different emotions. You can prompt them with questions like, "What made you smile today?" or "Was there a moment when you felt upset?" This not only helps them articulate their feelings but also serves as a wonderful keepsake to look back on how they have grown emotionally over time.

Note: For added fun, consider themed days (like 'Feelings Fridays') where they can decorate the journal entry with stickers or drawings related to their feelings from that week.