Feelings Chart
A clear chart of common feelings with short, plain descriptions, simple enough for children and genuinely useful for adults.
About this tool
A feelings chart is the simplest version of an emotion reference: a short list of common feelings, each with a plain description, so anyone can point to what they are experiencing. It is a staple in classrooms, family homes, and therapy rooms because it removes the hardest first step, which is finding the words at all.
For children, a chart builds emotional literacy: the basic ability to recognize and name feelings. That skill is the foundation of self-regulation, because a child who can say 'I feel frustrated' is far better placed to ask for help than one who can only act it out. For adults, the same chart works as a quick check-in, a way to pause and name a mood before reacting to it.
The descriptions below are kept short and concrete on purpose. They are meant to confirm a feeling, not to define it perfectly. Use the chart as a starting point: once you or a child can name the basic feeling, you can get more specific, talk about what caused it, and decide what might help.
- 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.
Feelings Chart FAQ
What is a feelings chart?
A simple reference that lists common emotions with short, plain descriptions, so a child or adult can quickly point to and name what they are feeling.
Is this chart for kids or adults?
Both. The descriptions are written plainly enough for children but the chart works just as well as a quick emotional check-in for adults.
How does a feelings chart help children?
It builds emotional literacy, the ability to recognize and name feelings. A child who can name a feeling is far better able to ask for help than one who can only act it out.
How is this different from a feelings wheel?
A chart is simpler: a short list of common feelings with descriptions. A feelings wheel offers a larger, more nuanced vocabulary organized in rings. Start with the chart, then graduate to the wheel.
Where should I put the chart?
Somewhere visible and easy to reach: a fridge, a classroom wall, a bedroom door, a calm-down corner, or a desk. Easy access is what makes check-ins a habit.