Feelings Finder
What feeling might someone have if they are about to start something new?
Nervous, excited, scared, unsure…
Saying “You can’t sit with us!” — kind or not kind?
Not kind
Change this thought: “No one likes me.”
“Some people like me, and I’m learning how to make friends.”
What is an affirmation?
A positive or encouraging statement you say to yourself.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this year?
Answers vary: seeing friends, art class, learning new things, etc.
What does nervous feel like in your body?
200 – Answers may include: stomach butterflies, shaky hands, fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, tight chest
Someone includes you in a game. What’s a kind way to say thank you?
Thanks for including me!" or "That was really nice of you!"
Change this thought: “I can’t do anything right.”
“I make mistakes, but I’m learning and trying my best.”
Say your favorite affirmation!
Any affirmation the client remembers or creates (e.g., “I am brave.”)
Name a friend or adult at school you trust.
Any trusted adult or peer — teacher, school counselor, best friend
Name 3 feelings you might have at camp.
Happy, nervous, left out, excited, frustrated, curious
Your friend forgot to invite you to her party. What’s one kind thing you could do for yourself?
Take deep breaths, say something kind to yourself, talk to a trusted adult
What’s a more helpful thought than “I’m going to mess up at school”?
“It’s okay to be nervous. I’ll try my best.”
Make up an affirmation about being brave.
Examples: “I am brave and ready.” “I can face my fears.” “I’ve got this.”
What can you do if you feel anxious at school?
Deep breaths, talk to a teacher, use an affirmation, ask for a break
What’s a feeling that’s hard to talk about?
Sad, embarrassed, jealous, lonely, ashamed — allow for personal interpretation
You see someone sitting alone. What are two kind things you could do?
Say hello, invite them to join, sit with them, smile at them
Reframe: “I’m bad at making friends.”
I’m still learning how to connect with others, and that’s okay.”
Fill in the blank: I am ______ and I can handle ______.
"I am strong and I can handle change," or "I am calm and I can handle stress."
What’s something you can say to yourself before a hard test?
“I studied and I’m ready,” “Just try your best,” or “I can do this.”
Act out a feeling without saying the word!
Client acts out emotion; correct if others can guess (or let her guess yours!)
True or False: If someone is unkind, it means you did something wrong.
False – other people’s behavior says more about them than about you.
Come up with your own negative thought and reframe it!
Client’s own thought & reframe – encourage creativity and self-compassion.
Create a new affirmation using the words “kind,” “strong,” and “ready.”
Example: “I am kind, strong, and ready for whatever comes my way.”
Share a strength you have that will help you this school year.
Client may say: “I’m helpful,” “I’m a good listener,” “I’m creative,” etc.