Feelings Chart for Kids (Free Printable Emotions Chart)
A feelings chart is a page of faces with a word under each one, so a child can point to how they feel when the words are hard to find. Build yours below: choose 8, 12 or 16 emotions, add "I feel ___ because ___" lines and a short list of things that help, then download a PDF or PNG or print it.
Make your feelings chart
How to use a feelings chart
Put the chart somewhere at your child's eye level: the fridge, a bedroom door, a classroom wall. Use it at calm moments first, for example at breakfast or pickup: "Which face looks like you right now?" Children learn the words faster when nobody is upset.
When a big feeling does show up, the chart gives you both something to look at instead of a long talk. Pointing counts as an answer. Older kids can fill in the "I feel ___ because ___" lines on the printout, or say the sentence out loud.
Which emotions to include
Start with the basic eight: happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised, calm, worried and tired. They cover most days for preschool and kindergarten kids. For ages 6 and up, the 12 set adds excited, silly, proud and frustrated, and the 16 set adds shy, bored, confused and loved.
You can also pick your own mix. Fewer faces is easier for a young child; more faces helps an older child tell "angry" from "frustrated". Every face is drawn by us and prints cleanly in color or in black and white.
The "what can help" list
The optional box at the bottom lists simple things your child can try, like slow breaths, a drink of water, a hug or drawing. They are everyday ideas, nothing more. Edit the list so it matches what actually works in your home or class, and keep it short.
If you want a whole space for this, the calm down corner printables use the same faces and tools as a poster.
Frequently asked questions
What age is a feelings chart for?
Most families and teachers use one from about age 3 to 10. Younger children point at faces; older kids use the words and the writing lines. Choose fewer faces for little ones.
Is this the same as an emotions chart?
Yes. "Feelings chart" and "emotions chart" are two names for the same thing: faces with feeling words. This page makes both.
Can I use it in a classroom?
Yes. Print it in color for the wall or in black and white for students to color in. The PNG is handy for a slide or a class newsletter.
Do you save my child's nickname?
No. The nickname is only printed on your chart. Everything is made in your browser, and nothing is uploaded or stored.
What if my child seems upset a lot of the time?
A chart is a simple talking tool, not a test. If you are worried about your child's feelings or behavior, talk with your pediatrician or your child's teacher.