Emotion Cards
A printable set of emotion cards, one feeling per card, for naming, matching, and sorting feelings at home, in the classroom, or in therapy.
About this tool
Emotion cards take an abstract idea and make it something you can hold, point to, and move around. Each card names one feeling, so instead of being asked the hard question 'how do you feel?', a child or adult can simply pick the card that fits. That small shift removes the pressure of finding words on the spot, which is exactly the moment many people get stuck.
Cards are flexible in a way a chart is not. You can sort them into happy, sad, angry, and scared piles to build the link between specific feelings and their families. You can spread them out for a daily check-in. You can play matching games, act them out, or use them to talk through a tricky moment after it has passed. For children, for social-skills and autism support, and in family or therapy settings, that hands-on quality makes feelings easier to explore.
The set below gives you the words and descriptions to make your own deck: print the page, cut along the lines, and you have a ready set of cards. Keep them in a jar or envelope somewhere easy to reach, so naming a feeling becomes a normal, low-pressure part of the day.
- Brackett MA, et al. Emotional intelligence and emotion regulation: implications for child and adult development. In: Handbook of Emotion Regulation. Guilford Press; 2014.
- Denham SA. Social-emotional competence as support for school readiness. Early Educ Dev. 2006;17(1):57-89.
Emotion Cards FAQ
What are emotion cards?
A set of printable cards, each naming one feeling with a short description. Instead of struggling to find the words, a child or adult can pick the card that fits how they feel.
How do I make the cards?
Print the page, ideally on card stock, and cut along the lines so each feeling becomes its own card. You can color them, add faces, or laminate them to last.
What can I do with emotion cards?
Use them for daily check-ins, to sort feelings into families, to match feelings with situations, to play charades, or to talk through a tough moment after it has passed.
Who are emotion cards good for?
They are especially helpful for young children, for social-skills and autism support, and in family or therapy settings, but they work as a quick check-in for anyone.
How are cards different from a chart?
A chart is one fixed reference. Cards can be sorted, grouped, hidden, and played with, which makes them more flexible and hands-on, especially for children.