Wellbeing

Kimochis

In our Junior Primary classes, we are using Kimochis (which means ‘feelings’ in Japanese) to build emotional intelligence. The Kimochi characters include Clover, Huggtopus, Cloud, Bug, Cat, Lovey Dove and Bella Rose (pictured below). The characters each have a special pocket where they store their Kimochis (small pillows with a feeling printed on one side, and a corresponding facial expression on the other). We use the Kimochi characters and feeling pillows to help children get in touch with their emotions in a fun and comfortable way through puppetry and play. They help to build connection, encourage communication, create a safe and fun environment for conversation and play, and enable children to practice communicating their feelings with family and friends. When kids are comfortable talking about their feelings, they build self-esteem, character and confidence!