When most teachers think of clip charts, they picture behavior management tools. But did you know that your clip chart can also be used to help students build emotional awareness? A simple mood check-in chart can become part of your morning routine—and it’s easier to set up than you might think.
In this post, I’ll show you how to turn your clip chart into a daily feelings chart and how to make it part of your morning routine.
Why a Mood Check-In Chart Matters
Kids bring lots of emotions into the classroom. Some may feel happy and ready to go. Others might be dealing with something tough at home or feeling nervous about a test. A daily feelings chart gives students a chance to check in without saying a word.
Using a mood check-in chart can:
- Build emotional awareness
- Normalize talking about feelings
- Give you insight into how your class is doing
- Strengthen classroom relationships
A quick glance at the mood chart can help you know who might need extra support that day.
What You’ll Need
To create your own daily feelings chart, you’ll need:
- A colorful clip chart with simple facial expressions
- Student clips labeled with names or numbers
- Optional: a small journal or sticky notes for students who want to write instead of talk
If you’re using my customizable clip chart, it’s easy to customize the emotions and faces.
How to Set It Up
- Pick 5–7 Emotions
Some common choices are:- Happy
- Excited
- Silly
- Worried
- Angry
- Sad
- Frustrated
- Label the Chart
Add emotion names and simple descriptions next to each face or color. - Find a Quiet Spot
Hang your daily feelings chart in a part of the room where students can check in privately. This helps avoid peer pressure and encourages honesty. - Explain the Process
Walk students through each emotion and what it means. Practice together by giving examples of times they might feel each way.
How Students Use the Mood Check In Chart
- Each morning (or after lunch), students move their clip to the emotion that matches how they feel.
- If they aren’t ready to talk, that’s okay. The chart still gives them a chance to pause and reflect.
- You can follow up with students privately if needed, especially if a clip stays on “angry” or “worried” for multiple days.
Consider letting students write about their feelings in a notebook if they aren’t ready to talk out loud.
Tips for Making It Work
- Review emotions regularly. Make sure students understand the meaning of each one.
- Keep it consistent. Use the check-in daily, even if it’s quick.
- Respect privacy. Don’t make students share their emotions in front of others.
- Watch for patterns. The chart can help you spot changes in behavior early.
- Use what you learn. Follow up when needed and celebrate emotional growth.
More Ways to Use a Daily Feelings Chart
- Add a writing prompt: “Why did you pick that emotion today?”
- Let students help create new emotion labels or faces.
- Combine with a calm-down area or mindfulness station.
- Use it for group reflections or SEL class discussions.
Final Thoughts
A mood check in chart is a simple but powerful tool that helps students feel seen, heard, and supported. Adding a daily feelings chart to your routine can create a more connected classroom—and it only takes a few minutes a day.
Want to try it? Check out my editable clip chart to get started. Everything is ready for you to print and use right away.
