What kind of resource will I actually make?

Depending on the session, this is typically a feelings chart, a set of matching or naming cards, or a simple feelings wheel, chosen to suit a range of ages. The format is kept simple and sturdy so it holds up to daily use.

Isn't this a bit like therapy for children?

No — this is a practical, educational resource for everyday feelings vocabulary and conversation, not a therapeutic intervention. It's designed to support communication at home or in a setting, not to address clinical or complex emotional needs.

What materials do I need for the online version?

A simple materials list, typically card, colouring materials and printable images, is sent in advance so you can gather everything before the session starts. Everything on the list is easy to find at home or in a local shop.

My child won't use a feelings chart when they're upset — is that normal?

Yes, this is very common, since most children can't engage with a new tool in the middle of big feelings. The session focuses on using the resource in calm, everyday moments so it becomes familiar and useful before it's ever needed during distress.

Does this work for children who don't talk much yet?

Yes, the resources covered rely heavily on visuals and can be used with pointing, matching or gesture rather than requiring spoken language. This makes them suitable for younger children and children who are not yet verbal.

Hands-on make & take

Creating Emotional-Literacy Resources

Naming and understanding feelings is a skill that develops with practice and the right visual support, not something children simply pick up on their own. This session guides you through making your own emotional-literacy resource, such as a feelings chart or matching set, and covers how to use it in everyday moments rather than leaving it forgotten on a shelf. You'll leave with a finished resource and simple, natural ways to bring it into daily life.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

For parents and educators of children roughly aged two to seven who want practical, everyday tools for talking about feelings.

What we cover in the hour

Why naming feelings supports emotional regulation over time.
Choosing the right resource type — chart, cards, wheel or book — for your child's age.
How to represent a realistic range of feelings, not just happy and sad.
Everyday moments to introduce and use the resource naturally.
Modelling feelings language yourself as the adult in the room.
Avoiding common pitfalls that make feelings charts feel forced or ignored.

What you'll leave with

A finished emotional-literacy resource made during the session.
A bank of everyday moments and prompts for using it naturally.
Simple adult scripts for modelling feelings language.
A realistic range of feelings represented, beyond happy and sad.
Ideas for extending or varying the resource as your child grows.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes a wider feelings vocabulary list, daily prompt ideas, and templates for extending the resource at home.

This session is anchored in the Aistear theme of Identity and Belonging and reflects Síolta Standard 1 (Rights of the Child) by respecting and naming children's emotional experiences.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Creating Emotional-Literacy Resources
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

What kind of resource will I actually make?: Depending on the session, this is typically a feelings chart, a set of matching or naming cards, or a simple feelings wheel, chosen to suit a range of ages. The format is kept simple and sturdy so it holds up to daily use.
Isn't this a bit like therapy for children?: No — this is a practical, educational resource for everyday feelings vocabulary and conversation, not a therapeutic intervention. It's designed to support communication at home or in a setting, not to address clinical or complex emotional needs.
What materials do I need for the online version?: A simple materials list, typically card, colouring materials and printable images, is sent in advance so you can gather everything before the session starts. Everything on the list is easy to find at home or in a local shop.
My child won't use a feelings chart when they're upset — is that normal?: Yes, this is very common, since most children can't engage with a new tool in the middle of big feelings. The session focuses on using the resource in calm, everyday moments so it becomes familiar and useful before it's ever needed during distress.
Does this work for children who don't talk much yet?: Yes, the resources covered rely heavily on visuals and can be used with pointing, matching or gesture rather than requiring spoken language. This makes them suitable for younger children and children who are not yet verbal.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Emotional regulation · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

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Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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