Feelings Thermometer
At the end of class, students walk slowly to the color zone that best matches how they feel, then practice a calming strategy that fits that feeling. It builds the ability to name and manage emotions that come up during games.
How to play
- Before class, set 4 cones in a line, each with a cardstock sign: red (angry or nervous), yellow (super excited or wound up), blue (tired or sad), and green (calm).
- Gather students in front of the thermometer and explain each color with an example from today's lesson (1 min).
- With eyes closed, each student thinks about how they feel; on your signal, they walk slowly and silently to their color (1 min).
- Each zone does a strategy for 90 seconds: red, slow breaths while squeezing and releasing fists; yellow, very slow stretches; blue, gentle shake-outs and stretches; green, rest seated with eyes closed.
- Ask 2 or 3 volunteers from different colors what made them feel that way and whether the strategy helped (2 min).
- Closing: everyone who feels better takes one step toward green; finish with one breath together (1 min).
Rules
- Every feeling is okay; no one judges anyone else's color.
- Walk slowly and silently between zones.
- Sharing is optional: no one has to explain their color.
- What is shared in the circle is never used to tease anyone later.
Variations
Easier
Use just two colors, red and green, with one strategy for everyone.
Standard
Four colors with a different strategy for each.
Harder
Each student suggests a strategy that helps them in their color and teaches it to the rest of their zone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student points to their color from their spot, or a classmate brings them a card of the chosen color.
- Autism: add a drawn face showing each feeling to the signs to make choosing easier.
- Shy students: let them choose privately by showing a card to the teacher instead of walking in front of the group.
Learning goals
- Identify the feelings experienced during class.
- Use a simple strategy to manage their own emotions.
- Listen to and respect how classmates feel.
Equipment for a class of 25
- colored cones: 4
- cardstock signs: 4
Teacher tip
Always use the same colors so it becomes a routine. If lots of students pick red after a competitive game, use that as information to adjust the next lesson.
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