My Emotional Intensity Meter
Use fictional examples. Leave out diagnoses, medical information, names, passwords and contact details.
Learning goal: Notice intensity changes and choose help without diagnosing emotions.
Feelings can be strong and can change. You decide how to describe them; numbers, words or symbols are optional. If you feel very distressed or unsafe, stop and contact a trusted adult.
- Choose a real or made-up learning situation. Leave out names, diagnoses and private details.
- Explore the three activities. Choose supports that fit you; skip any that do not.
- Write, type, draw, point, sign, use AAC or ask someone to scribe your own ideas.
- Choose one next step and an adult who can help make it possible.
Grades 3–5 support: Use the prompts and examples, or explain your ideas in your own way. Ask for words, a scribe or one direction at a time.
Create my scale
Use comfortable, building and high-intensity, or choose your own three descriptions.
My lower-intensity description
My building-intensity description
My high-intensity description
My Emotional Intensity Meter
Match support to intensity
Use a fictional school challenge. Choose support before and during overwhelm.
Support when intensity begins to build
Trusted adult/support when intensity is high
Optional deeper thinking · Grades 6–8
Compare how different situations can create similar intensity and why the same support may not suit every situation.
My Emotional Intensity Meter
A compassionate next step
Practice asking for support and returning only when ready.
My help-seeking message
A gentle next step after support
My next step
What will I try, and who can support it? Write, draw, dictate, sign or use AAC.
My Emotional Intensity Meter
Accessibility & alternative responses
Use text/symbol labels rather than color alone. Offer AAC, adult scribing and the choice to skip personal reflection.
Teacher facilitation
Do not assign emotions from behavior or require a public rating. Supports are individualized. These resources do not replace mental health services; follow safeguarding procedures for serious distress.
Family-use suggestion
Invite the learner to choose what to share. Try one support together, ask what helped, and change the plan with their permission. Do not turn this sheet into a test or require private information.
Specialist formats
These printouts are not Braille. Embossed Braille and specialist tactile materials need qualified, technically validated production. The accessible digital version supplies structured text, not a specialist-format substitute.