🎨 Color Your Emotions: The Simple SEL Check-In That Actually Works

Written By Sara Black

Are your students overwhelmed, distracted, or just plain off some days—and you’re not quite sure how to help them reset?

The Color Your Emotions worksheet was designed to do exactly that.

This no-prep, high-impact activity gives students a way to visually process their emotions—and better yet, it’s something they’ll actually enjoy doing. Think of it as a blend between mindful coloring, emotional check-in, and expressive art.

Why Teachers Love This SEL Tool:

✅ It’s low-prep and easy to use – just print and go, or assign digitally
✅ Promotes emotional awareness in a non-threatening way
✅ Combines creativity with reflection to deepen student engagement
✅ Flexible for any moment – morning work, post-recess regulation, early finisher, or SEL warm-up
✅ Pairs perfectly with your art, writing, or counseling block

What’s Inside the Worksheet:

🎨 Color Wheel + Emotion List
Students choose colors that represent how they’re feeling and shade in the wheel accordingly.

✍️ Mini Reflection Prompts
Guided questions help them explore why they feel that way, and what they might need to feel supported or more balanced.

💡 Simple Format, Powerful Outcome
There’s something magical about putting feelings on paper—especially through color. Students begin to see their emotions, name them, and make sense of them.

Who It’s For:

This worksheet is designed for Grades 3–6, but it’s easily adaptable for younger students with support—or even older students who need a safe, creative outlet to regulate and reflect.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, art teacher, school counselor, or homeschool parent, this is a powerful SEL tool you'll return to again and again.

A Glimpse Into the Impact…

When I printed this worksheet as a test for my own classroom, I wasn’t expecting it to have such a powerful ripple effect. My own daughter filled it out thoughtfully, assigning colors to emotions she hadn’t even vocalized yet—and it helped her let go of something she’d been carrying. As both a teacher and a mom, that moment reminded me just how healing simple reflection tools like this can be.

👉 Want to know the full story behind this resource and why I’m so passionate about SEL?
Read the backstory here → 🎨 Behind the Worksheet: Why I Created “Color Your Emotions”

Ready to Try It?

➡️ Download the Free Color Your Emotions Worksheet on TPT
Start today and see how your students respond!

Take It Further with the Full SEL Art & Reflection Bundle 🎨🧠

If your students connected with the free Color Your Emotions worksheet, they'll love the complete SEL Art Reflection Bundle. This printable pack includes 3 unique versions of the activity—each with new prompts—to support consistent emotional check-ins, deeper conversations, and daily self-awareness practice.

✨ Perfect for:

  • Morning work or soft starts

  • SEL blocks and counselor groups

  • Art rooms, advisory, or reflection stations

  • Supporting emotional regulation all year long

🔗 Get the full bundle here →

✨ Want More SEL Tools for the Classroom?

If you found this resource helpful, I invite you to:

I’m constantly creating meaningful, art-based SEL tools to help students reflect, regulate, and bloom. I’d love for you to be part of this growing community of mindful educators and creatives.

Sara Black
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🎨 Behind the Worksheet: Why I Created “Color Your Emotions”