Feeling And Body-Clue Check-In

Use this when children seem overwhelmed, tired, cross, worried, or unsure but do not yet have the words to explain what is happening. The check-in helps children choose a feeling word or a body clue that feels close.

Children do not need to identify the exact feeling. “I do not know yet” is a valid answer.

Teacher Script

“Your body is telling us something.”

“You do not have to know exactly.”

“Can you choose one feeling or one body clue that feels close?”

“Once we know a little more, we can choose what might help.”

Child Prompt

“My body might be telling me something.”

Steps

1. Offer feeling cards and body-clue cards side by side.
2. Invite the child to point rather than speak if that is easier.
3. Accept an approximate answer.
4. Name the body clue without judgement.
5. Offer one support choice: breath, quiet sit, drink, draw it, movement, or adult nearby.
6. Return to the cards later if the feeling changes.

Printable Copy

My feeling might be:

• happy
• sad
• worried
• nervous
• cross
• excited
• tired
• lonely
• left out
• frustrated
• proud
• unsure
• calm
• I do not know yet

My body might feel:

• fluttery tummy
• busy head
• tight hands
• hot face
• wobbly legs
• quiet voice
• fizzy feet
• heavy chest
• fast heart
• wanting to hide
• wanting to move
• needing a grown-up

Provision Link

Keep the cards in:

• calm corner
• story basket
• nurture area
• small-world Valley of Calm tray

Family Bridge

We are learning that feelings can show up in the body.

Home question:

“Did your body give you any clues today?”

Observation Look-Fors

• child points to or names a feeling
• child notices one body clue
• child accepts an adult naming a body clue
• child begins to connect a support choice with a feeling