Feelings Chart and List of Emotions
Last updated: August 26, 2026 by the Homemade Gifts Calendars Team
A feelings chart offers a visual way to explore emotions, especially at those times when it's the most difficult to communicate what's going on. Tracking and checking in on feelings builds emotional intelligence for kids and adults.
As a teacher, I’ve had moments when I knew a child was struggling but they just couldn’t find the words to tell me what was wrong. Sometimes that looks like shutting down or crying, while other times a small problem can lead to a surprisingly big reaction. Learning to name those feelings can be a helpful place to start, and it’s just as important for kids to recognize when they’re feeling proud, excited, calm or confident.
Below, you’ll find printable feelings and emotions charts that you can use in whatever way works for the kids in your life. You might keep a 'how are you feeling?' chart on the fridge for everyday check-ins, use a feelings scale when emotions start to feel a little bigger, or simply look through the different feelings together and talk about what they mean and look like. Having the words right there in front of you can make those conversations come more naturally.
🤗 Feelings Chart
🥴 List of Emotions
😌 How Are You Feeling Today Check-In
These printables are for personal, non-commercial use only.
Feelings Chart For Kids
Big feelings can come in different intensities, and this feelings thermometer helps people think about their emotions on a scale. It also points out some of the ways those feelings might show up in their bodies or behavior, while exploring healthy ways to respond to what they’re feeling.
List of Emotions and Feelings
Sometimes people know they’re happy, sad, or angry, but it can be tricky to find a more specific word to match their feelings. This list of moods groups related feelings, while showing how they can manifest differently–'irritated,' for example, isn’t quite the same as 'furious.'
How Are You Feeling Today Chart
This feelings check-in chart helps kids go beyond naming an emotion and think about what’s happening in their body and thoughts, too. They can identify how big the feeling is and where they notice it physically. The chart also introduces a few healthy coping strategies they can try when they need them.
How To Use A Feelings Chart
A feelings chart offers a starting point for conversations. The questions below can help you use the feelings chart to introduce different feelings, help people recognize what is happening inside the body, and find ways to express those emotions.
What Are Some Different Types of Feelings?
There are many types of emotions, including comfortable feelings like 'happiness' and uncomfortable feelings like 'frustration,' along with plenty of feelings in between. You may have heard of the 27 emotions, which comes from research identifying 27 distinct categories of emotional experience, but most people don’t need to learn them all at once. A feelings chart can help start with broader emotions and gradually find more specific words for what they’re experiencing.
How Do Kids Identify Emotions And Feelings?
Kids can identify emotions and feelings by learning to notice clues in their bodies, thoughts, and behaviors. A feelings chart can give them words and pictures to connect with those clues, such as recognizing a tight tummy might go along with feeling nervous. With practice, kids can become more comfortable noticing and naming what they feel.
How Can Kids Express Their Feelings When They Are Hurt?
Kids can express their feelings when they’re hurt by naming the emotion, pointing to it on a feelings chart, or describing what happened and how it made them feel. If talking is difficult in the moment, they might draw, write, or simply point to a picture or feeling word on the feelings chart. Giving kids different ways to communicate can help them express themselves when the words are hard to find.
More Resources for Children
There are a number of resources which can help children self-soothe and regain focus when they are feeling overwhelmed. Some children enjoy stories while others enjoy coloring. Find resources for your kids' happy places:
- Mandala Coloring Pages
- Coloring by Number
- Animal Coloring Pages
- Cute Coloring Pages
- Motivational School Cards
- Daily Planner Templates
- Gratitude Journal Prompts
