Feelings Thermometer for Kids
Track how big an emotion feels. A visual volcano kids and teens can read at a glance.
Feelings intensity scale
A child-friendly tool still needs a clear clinical arc: notice, name, regulate, review.
What Is a Feelings Thermometer?
A feelings thermometer helps kids and teens name how big an emotion feels before it turns into a meltdown, shutdown, or anger outburst. This interactive Feelings Volcano turns emotion intensity into a visual scale so clients can notice early warning signs, practice coping strategies, and track how feelings change across a session.
How It Works
- 1. Set the level — Drag the slider to show how intense the feeling is right now (0 = calm, 10 = erupting).
- 2. Watch the volcano respond — The volcano fills with lava, changes color, and shakes at high levels.
- 3. Record readings — Each slider release records a reading. Track emotional changes throughout the session.
- 4. Review patterns — The sparkline at the bottom shows all readings. Export to your session notes.
Therapist Guide
Read the full guide to using feelings thermometers with kids and teens, including age-specific prompts, anger thermometer framing, coping-skill links, and documentation examples.
Read the feelings thermometer guideDocumentation Example
Client used feelings thermometer to rate frustration as 7/10 when discussing peer conflict. Client identified clenched hands and fast talking as early warning signs. Therapist supported emotion labeling and practiced one breathing strategy. Client re-rated frustration as 5/10 after regulation practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is the feelings volcano for? +
It works best for children and teens who benefit from visual emotion scales, but therapists can adapt it for clients who prefer concrete regulation tools.
Is this the same as a feelings thermometer? +
Yes. It uses the same basic idea as a feelings thermometer, but the volcano visual makes emotion intensity easier for many kids to understand.
Can I use this for anger work? +
Yes. It is useful for anger warning signs, frustration tolerance, emotional vocabulary, and coping-skills rehearsal.
Does this diagnose emotional or behavioral conditions? +
No. It is a session tool for reflection and regulation practice, not a diagnostic instrument or replacement for clinical judgment.
Next step
See the play therapy workflow CoralEHR already has
Use the free feelings tool now, then see how CoralEHR connects child-centered tools, sand tray work, parent context, notes, and progress inside one chart.
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