Helping children talk about how they feel isn't always easy- especially when they don't yet have the words to explain what's happening inside.
The Magnetic Learning Board - Emotions is an interactive visual tool designed to help children recognise, name and talk about their emotions. By making feelings more visible and concrete, the board provides a simple starting point for conversations about how they're feeling and what might help.
Children can use the magnetic pieces to update the board as their feelings change, creating opportunities to build emotional vocabulary, develop self-awareness and explore different ways of responding to big emotions.
Rather than only bringing it out when things are already difficult, the board can also become part of a regular daily check-in at home, school or therapy. Questions such as "How are you feeling today?", "What does that feeling feel like in your body?" or "What could help when you're feeling frustrated?" can help children gradually develop a better understanding of their own emotional experiences.
Reusable and hands-on, it's a practical visual support for children who benefit from having something they can see and interact with, rather than relying on spoken conversations alone.
Why We Love It
- Helps children recognise and name different emotions
- Builds emotional vocabulary and self-awareness
- Provides a visual way for children to communicate how they're feeling
- Encourages conversations about emotions without putting children on the spot
- Can be used to explore strategies that may help with different feelings
- Interactive magnetic format makes emotional learning more engaging
- Reusable for everyday emotional check-ins
- Suitable for home, classrooms, calm corners and therapy spaces
Ideas for Using Your Emotions Board
Use the board as part of a morning or after-school check-in, during social-emotional learning activities, or simply leave it somewhere accessible so children can update it when they want to.
Adults can use the board alongside children too. Modelling statements such as "I'm feeling frustrated, so I think I'm going to take a break" can help demonstrate that everyone experiences different emotions and that feelings don't need to be labelled as good or bad.
