Feelings Check-In Chart
Blank emotions board to mark mood.
The Feelings Check-In Chart is a blank emotions board that students mark to show how they are feeling at any point in the school day. The template provides an open grid of labeled emotion spaces—or blank cells for teacher-added emotion words and faces—where students circle, color, or place a dot to indicate their current mood without having to verbalize it aloud. Suitable from PreK through grade 6, it is a staple morning meeting tool and a cornerstone of many SEL programs. Teachers display a class-sized version at the door for a quick arrival ritual; counselors use individual copies during check-in sessions; parents print it at home to help children with limited emotional vocabulary name what they are experiencing. The blank format means teachers can fill in the emotion labels and icons that match their own classroom language, culture, and the developmental level of their students.
Learning objectives
- Build and expand emotional vocabulary in age-appropriate terms
- Give students a low-pressure, non-verbal way to communicate their mood
- Support self-awareness as a foundational SEL competency
- Help teachers identify students who may need extra support
- Establish predictable, calming check-in routines
- Create a shared emotional language across the classroom community
How to use this template
- Download and print the blank Feelings Check-In Chart, then write or stamp the emotion words and faces that match your class vocabulary.
- Introduce the chart during morning meeting, modeling how to find and mark a feeling honestly.
- Place individual copies at desks or use a single large poster near the door for arrival check-ins.
- Students circle, tick, or place a sticky dot on their current feeling—no writing required for early readers.
- Review marked charts at the end of the day to spot patterns and adjust support or lesson pacing.
Classroom & home ideas
- Hang a class-sized chart near the classroom entrance; each student marks their emotion with a clothespin or sticker as they enter.
- Pair the chart with a brief partner share: 'I feel ___ today because ___,' building both vocabulary and speaking skills.
- Use at transition points (after lunch, before a test) to gauge the emotional climate before diving into content.
- For counseling groups, track one student's chart over two weeks to identify recurring patterns and triggers.
- Let students add a new emotion to a blank space each week, building the chart vocabulary collaboratively over time.
Skills & curriculum links
Frequently asked questions
How many emotions should I include for PreK and kindergarten?
Start with four to six core emotions (happy, sad, angry, scared, surprised, calm) for youngest learners. Expand gradually as their vocabulary grows throughout the year.
What if a student always marks the same emotion?
Consistent responses are useful data. Follow up individually to confirm the feeling is genuine, and check in with the counselor or family if the pattern is unexpected or concerning.
Can I use this template for whole-class anonymous check-ins?
Yes. Collect unmarked sheets, have students mark privately, then tally results on a class board to discuss emotional trends without identifying individuals.
Does this align with any specific SEL framework?
The tool supports the CASEL self-awareness and self-management competencies and aligns with Zones of Regulation, MindUP, and Second Step frameworks, though it is not tied to any one program.
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