Emotion Compass Cards
Emotion Compass Cards
Part 1: Basic Feelings • Daily 1-on-1 & Small Group Check-Ins
Cut along dashed lines & laminate
Basic Feeling CARD 01
HAPPY
Joyful • Glad • Smiling
Body Clues
Light chest, relaxed shoulders, open smile, bouncy energizing feeling.
Check-In Prompt
"I feel happy because ________."
Basic Feeling CARD 02
SAD
Hurting • Heavy • Down
Body Clues
Heavy eyes or tears, slow movements, quiet voice, slump in posture.
Check-In Prompt
"I feel sad and right now I need ________."
Basic Feeling CARD 03
MAD
Angry • Frustrated • Upset
Body Clues
Clenched fists, warm or flushed face, tight jaw, fast shallow breathing.
Check-In Prompt
"I feel mad because ________. I can take a breath."
Basic Feeling CARD 04
SCARED
Worried • Fearful • Nervous
Body Clues
Butterflies in stomach, racing heartbeat, fidgety hands, wanting to pull away.
Check-In Prompt
"I feel worried about ________. Help me feel safe."
Basic Feeling CARD 05
CALM
Peaceful • Relaxed • Settled
Body Clues
Slow even breathing, relaxed shoulders, soft tummy, clear and quiet thoughts.
Check-In Prompt
"My body feels calm. I am ready to ________."
Anchor Tool CARD 06
How Am I Feeling?
3 simple steps for today's check-in:
1
Notice my body signals
Is my chest tight or loose? Fast or slow?
2
Point to or name the feeling
Pick the card that matches you right now.
3
Ask for what helps
Space, a hug, water, or ready to work!
All feelings are welcome and normal every day.
Emotion Compass Card Deck • Classroom & Small Group Resource Page 1 of 2
Emotion Compass Cards
Part 2: Regulation States • Energy Levels & Readiness to Learn
Cut along dashed lines & laminate
Regulation State CARD 07
READY
Focused • Alert • In The Zone
What It Looks Like
Ears listening, body settled and still, eyes on task, balanced steady energy.
What Works Best
"I am in my learning zone. I can jump right into our activity."
Regulation State CARD 08
RESTLESS
Wiggly • Fidgety • Bouncy
What It Looks Like
Tapping feet, wiggling in chair, hard to stay seated, urge to move or touch things.
Helpful Movement Reset
"My body has extra energy. Can I do 5 wall pushes or stretch?"
Regulation State CARD 09
OVERWHELMED
Too Much • Flooded • Brain Full
What It Looks Like
Sounds feel too loud, brain feels jammed, wanting to hide, head down on desk.
Immediate De-escalation
"It is too loud/busy right now. I need 2 minutes in the quiet corner."
Regulation State CARD 10
CALM
Grounded • Steady • Centered
What It Looks Like
Steady relaxed breathing, hands rest comfortably, open posture, patient thinking.
Keep The Balance
"My battery is charged. I can keep a steady pace and help others."
Regulation State CARD 11
NEEDING HELP
Stuck • Unsure • Seeking Care
What It Looks Like
Paused without starting, feeling confused, looking around for teacher, quiet sigh.
Helpful Sentence Stem
"I am trying my best, but I feel stuck. Can you explain step 1?"
Regulation Menu CARD 12
My Reset Choices
Pick one tool to help your body regulate:
4x4 Breath
Inhale 4 sec, hold 4, exhale 4, pause 4.
Quick Move
5 shoulder rolls or 5 seated chair pushes.
Cool Water
Take 3 slow sips of cool water.
Tell Adult
Show this card to teacher or counselor.
Small resets help big feelings feel manageable.
Emotion Compass Card Deck • Classroom & Small Group Resource Page 2 of 2