The #smithingifted Learning & Innovation Lab
Big Feelings & Self-Regulation · Grades 3–5 / 6–8 · 15 minutes · FREE
My Feelings Thermometer
Choose real or fictional examples. Skip private details; never include passwords, medical information or contact details.
Learning goal: Notice feeling intensity and match support to what you need.
Feelings can be small, big or somewhere between. Your thermometer describes intensity, not whether a feeling is good or bad. Use a fictional example if you prefer; when feelings feel too hard to manage alone, talk to a trusted adult.
Your steps
- Read the 1–5 scale and choose words or symbols for your clues.
- Connect each level with a helpful choice.
- Plan a support request before intensity rises.
- Try one small choice and reflect.
1. My intensity scale
Write or draw a body clue and a possible support. Different people have different clues.
| Level | Body / attention clue | Helpful choice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · gentle | ||
| 2 · noticeable | ||
| 3 · growing | ||
| 4 · very strong | ||
| 5 · too much alone |
2. Earlier is easier
Plan a small action you can choose before intensity gets too high.
An early clue I might notice
A proactive choice
Where I can use it safely
A trusted adult role I can approach
Big Feelings & Self-Regulation
My Feelings Thermometer
Notice feeling intensity and match support to what you need.
15 minutes · Grades 3–5 + 6–8 stretch · 2 pages