Student Wellbeing

Understanding Emotions: Helping Children Recognise Feelings

Children experience a wide range of emotions every day. From excitement and joy, to frustration and worry, it’s important for children to learn that all emotions are normal and okay. There are no “bad” feelings, only behaviours that we continue to guide and support.

A key step in supporting children’s wellbeing is helping them name their feelings. When children can identify and label emotions, they begin to build emotional awareness. This helps them make sense of what they are experiencing and gives them the language to express themselves, rather than becoming overwhelmed.

At school, we support students to recognise and manage their emotions through the Zones of Regulation. This approach helps children identify how they are feeling using four simple zones:

• Blue Zone – tired, sad, unwell
• Green Zone – calm, happy, ready to learn
• Yellow Zone – worried, excited, frustrated

• Red Zone – angry, overwhelmed

   

Students are learning that all zones are okay, and that different strategies can help them move back to the Green Zone when needed.

Families can support this learning at home by using the same language. You might:

• Ask your child, “What zone are you in right now?”
• Talk about your own zone during the day
• Ask, “What could help you get back to green?”

• Encourage your child to share strategies they use at school

   

Other simple ways to build emotional awareness at home include:

• Talking about feelings openly - Share your own emotions in everyday situations
• Using books, TV shows or real-life moments to discuss how others might be feeling
• Offering choices – “Are you feeling sad, worried, or angry?”

• Acknowledging feelings – “I can see you’re upset—that’s okay”

   

By building a shared language around emotions between home and school, children feel more understood and supported. Over time, this helps them develop the confidence and skills to manage their feelings and navigate social situations successfully.