The Colour Monster helps children explore emotions with colours, building empathy and self‑regulation.

This resource includes eight colourful playdough mats designed to support early emotional literacy through hands‑on play. Each mat features a simple outline face and bold emotion word, inviting children to shape the expression with playdough.

Explore six emotion faces made from grass, leaves, and twigs. A creative nature art set for early childhood emotional learning.

Explore creative photo ideas for teaching emotions in early childhood. Practical strategies, challenges, and wellbeing through play.

Every educator has witnessed it: a child overwhelmed by emotions so big they spill into the learning space. These moments can feel disruptive, but they are also opportunities. When children learn to regulate emotions with the support of trusted adults, they build resilience, empathy, and lifelong skills for navigating challenges.

In early childhood settings, emotional literacy is foundational to well-being, learning, and relationships. The free printable Feeling Check-In posters featuring clear visuals, child-friendly language, and actionable strategies offer educators a powerful way to support children in identifying, expressing, and managing their emotions. Whether used during transitions, check-ins, or moments of dysregulation, these posters help embed emotional intelligence into daily practice.

Feelings Check In Posters are powerful tools for fostering emotional literacy and self-awareness in early childhood settings. Designed with vibrant visuals and child-friendly language, they help children identify, name, and express a wide range of emotions—from anger and frustration to calm and excitement. Each poster offers simple, actionable strategies for regulation, such as deep breathing, asking for help, or using “I feel” statements, making them ideal for trauma-informed and emotionally intelligent practice. Educators can use them during morning check-ins, transitions, or moments of dysregulation to support children in building emotional vocabulary and resilience. Whether displayed on classroom walls, embedded in documentation kits, or used in small-group discussions, these posters promote a culture of empathy, safety, and connection—aligning beautifully with EYLF wellbeing outcomes and sector-wide goals for inclusive, responsive care.

In early childhood education, some of the most powerful interventions don’t come from elaborate programs or expensive resources. They come from the quiet, intentional words educators choose in moments of emotional intensity. When a child’s body is flooded with frustration, fear, or sadness, it’s not logic they need; it’s presence. And that presence often begins with a few carefully chosen words. This article explores how emotionally intelligent language, gentle presence, and intentional silence can transform a child’s experience of safety, identity, and belonging.

Tantrums can be intense, unpredictable, and emotionally draining for both children and adults. But beneath the noise and tears lies something deeper: a child overwhelmed by emotion, struggling to communicate what they feel. In early childhood education and care, how we respond to these moments shapes not just behavior but also emotional literacy, trust, and long-term well-being.

In the rhythm of early childhood, emotional storms are natural. Toddlers and preschoolers are still learning to navigate big feelings, and their expressions, whether tears, tantrums, or withdrawal, are often calls for connection, not correction. As educators, our role is to be the calm in their chaos, offering warmth, understanding, and safe spaces to feel. The following article explores emotionally intelligent strategies that educators can implement to support children during moments of overwhelm, with examples.