Some children struggle to identify what they are feeling. When adults ask questions like “How are you feeling today,” the answer sometimes is “I do not know.” Inside the body there may be tension, restlessness, or confusion. That moment shows a gap between sensation and language. Helping children name emotions supports self awareness and emotional processing.

Psychologist Dr Daniel Siegel introduced the phrase “Name it to tame it.” Research in affect labeling shows that naming a feeling supports emotional regulation and reduces stress responses in the brain (Lieberman et al., 2007). This is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners who need structure, visual cues, and clear language.

This blog shares a low cost, inclusive activity used across classrooms and therapy sessions. Make it once and reuse it with children, teens, and adults.

Why an Emotion Wheel Works

Many children understand emotions better when they see options in front of them. A visual wheel:
• reduces overwhelm
• supports communication
• offers choice instead of pressure
• helps the adult understand the child’s internal state

It is solution focused and strengths oriented. There are no wrong feelings. There is only expression and awareness.

Materials

• Paper plate or any round paper
• Marker
• Optional brad fastener for the arrow

No advanced art skills needed. The goal is simplicity.

Step by Step: Make Your Emotion Wheel

1. Divide the round shape into six parts.
2. Label each section with core emotions. Start with happy, sad, worried, tired, angry, excited.
3. Add a simple face for each one. Minimal lines are enough.
4. If you have a brad fastener, attach a small arrow in the center. If not, use a finger to point.

You now have a quick tool that helps the learner choose a feeling that matches the moment.

How to Use This Tool in Daily Life

• Ask “Which slice fits your body today.”
• Invite the learner to explain in one sentence.
• Validate the choice.
• Keep it visible in the room, classroom, or study area.

When children identify a feeling, they begin to process it instead of masking or suppressing it. Support from adults becomes clearer and more accurate.

Neurodiversity Affirming Tips

• Avoid judging the feeling.
• Offer more emotion words over time.
• Celebrate awareness, not calmness.
• Let children move the wheel as often as needed.

For Parents and Shadow Teachers

Use the wheel:
• before homework
• during transitions
• when the child feels stuck
• at bedtime or after school

It supports communication, emotional vocabulary, and builds connection between adult and learner.

Research Support

Affect labeling has been linked with activation in brain regions that reduce stress responses and increase emotional clarity (Lieberman et al., 2007). Tools that give children language support emotional literacy and self regulation (Schonert-Reichl, 2019).

Where This Helps Most

• Inclusive classrooms
• Art therapy sessions
• Special education settings
• Home or homeschooling
• With children who have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or difficulty expressing feelings

The outcome is self expression and shared understanding.

Try It With Your Learner

A simple paper plate becomes a communication tool. Sometimes clarity comes from something small and structured. Give children a way to say what is happening inside their mind and body.

If you want more simple activities for emotional awareness:
• Visit the EducateAble YouTube channel
• Download free parent and shadow teacher guides
• Follow EducateAble on LinkedIn and Instagram

Save this blog for your next session. Share it with a parent or educator. Try the wheel and notice how your learner responds.

References

Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N., Crockett, M., Tom, S., Pfeifer, J., & Way, B. (2007). Putting feelings into words. Psychological Science.
Schonert-Reichl, K. (2019). Supporting mindfulness and SEL. American Psychologist.

Want more activities for your classroom, therapy space, or home?
Visit EducateAble for free resources and upcoming workshops.