Feelings Wheel Printable PDF for Kids | The Catbears

When children can name their feelings, they gain the power to understand and manage them. The feelings wheel helps kids move beyond 'good' or 'bad' to develop rich emotional vocabulary.

A simple tool that builds emotional intelligence

Children learn to identify subtle differences between emotions
They develop the language to express how they really feel
They gain emotional self-awareness that lasts a lifetime

Feelings Wheel

Watch emotional literacy grow

As children use the feelings wheel regularly, they become more articulate about their inner world and better able to communicate their needs.

Emotional awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.

Child using feelings wheel to identify emotions

How to Use:

Print or display on tablet
Ask 'How are you feeling right now?'
Let the child point to or circle their emotion
Talk about what might have caused that feeling

Free Download

File size: 17.1 MBPages: 1 page

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Feelings wheel and emotion wheel printable resources

Find feelings wheel pdf, emotion wheel printable, feelings chart printable, and emotion wheel for kids resources. Perfect for parents, teachers, therapists, and counselors teaching emotional literacy to children aged 4–16. Includes DBT emotion wheel, somatic feelings wheel, and therapy-focused tools.

What is a feelings wheel?

A feelings wheel (also called an emotion wheel) is a visual tool that helps children identify and name their emotions. It typically displays emotions in layers — from basic feelings like 'happy' or 'sad' in the center to more nuanced emotions like 'grateful,' 'lonely,' or 'overwhelmed' in the outer rings. It's a powerful tool for developing emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.

What age is the feelings wheel appropriate for?

The Catbears Feelings Wheel is designed for children aged 4 to 16. Young children can start with the simpler, core emotions, while older children and teens can explore the more complex feelings in the outer layers. The visual format makes it accessible across developmental stages.

Who can use this feelings wheel printable?

This printable is ideal for parents, teachers, school counselors, therapists, occupational therapists, and anyone working with children on emotional development. It works beautifully at home during check-ins, in the classroom for social-emotional learning, and in therapy or counseling sessions.

Is this feelings wheel good for kids with ADHD or Autism?

Yes! The feelings wheel is a visual, non-verbal tool that works exceptionally well for children who are visual learners or who struggle with verbal expression. Many therapists use emotion wheels specifically with neurodivergent children because it provides a concrete, tangible way to explore abstract emotions.

Is the feelings wheel PDF really free?

Yes, completely free. Download, print, and use it as many times as you need — at home, in your classroom, or in your practice. No sign-up required.

Can I use this in my classroom or therapy practice?

Absolutely! You're welcome to print and use the feelings wheel with as many children as you like. We only ask that you don't resell or redistribute the PDF itself.

When is the best time to use the feelings wheel?

The feelings wheel works best during calm moments — not during a meltdown. Use it for daily emotional check-ins, after school, during therapy sessions, or when a child seems to be struggling but can't quite find the words. You can also introduce it proactively to build emotional vocabulary over time.

How do I use the feelings wheel with my child?

Start by asking, "How are you feeling right now?" Let them look at the wheel and point to the emotion that feels closest. If they're not sure, you can help by asking questions like, "Are you feeling more happy or sad?" or "Does this feel like a big feeling or a small feeling?" Over time, they'll develop the skill to identify emotions independently.

Can I laminate the feelings wheel?

Yes! Laminating the feelings wheel is a great idea — especially if you plan to use dry-erase markers so children can circle their emotions and wipe it clean for next time. This makes it reusable and perfect for daily check-ins.

Is there a blank feelings wheel I can customize?

A customizable blank feelings wheel template is coming soon. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when it's available.

Who created The Catbears feelings wheel?

The Catbears is an EdTech initiative founded by a multidisciplinary team of therapists, educators, and creative designers. All of our content is developed in close collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and classroom teachers to ensure it's both evidence-based and child-friendly.

Is the feelings wheel evidence-based?

Yes. Emotion wheels are widely used in therapeutic settings, including CBT, DBT, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. The ability to identify and name emotions — a skill called emotional granularity — is linked to better emotional regulation, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. The Catbears Feelings Wheel brings this evidence-based tool to children in a warm, accessible format.

Can I use this feelings wheel in DBT or therapy?

Absolutely. The feelings wheel is a staple tool in many therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and emotion coaching. Therapists often use emotion wheels to help clients develop emotional awareness, practice distress tolerance, and improve communication.

The Feelings Wheel — Free Printable PDF for Kids

Skills this printable covers: