How to Use the Emotional Thermometer in Your Classroom

The school bell rings, and a classroom full of students erupts with chatter, movement, and energy. 

Some students are visibly excited, others are withdrawn, and a few seem overwhelmed. 

Now, here’s the deal: research shows that 10% of children regularly deal with anxiety that can interfere with their school performance. As a teacher, that’s a problem.

But what if there was a simple tool to help students recognize and regulate their emotions before those feelings take over?

Enter the emotional thermometer. Often called a feelings thermometer, this tool is a game-changer for creating emotional awareness and promoting self-regulation in the classroom. 

Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can integrate it into your teaching toolkit in the most effective way possible. 

What is the Emotional Thermometer?

Think of the Emotional Thermometer as a visual scale that helps students gauge their emotional state. The concept is simple, yet powerful. 

Students identify how they’re currently feeling by choosing a corresponding zone on the thermometer, which typically ranges from calm and focused (“cool”) to stressed or overwhelmed (“hot”). Each zone includes actionable steps that can help students regulate their emotions and move toward a more balanced state.

The beauty of this tool is its versatility. It doesn’t just stop at identifying emotions, but instead, actively encourages students to recognize when they need a break, reflect on their feelings, and choose strategies to help themselves feel better.

How the Emotional Thermometer Works

The emotional thermometer is effective not just because it helps students identify their own emotions, but also because it helps them take steps to improve negative ones. 

Studies have shown that simply identifying a calming activity when anxious can significantly reduce stress levels. The emotional thermometer works by guiding students through this self-awareness process in a visual and straightforward way.

For example, if a student points to the “hot” zone feeling frustrated, they can then work on finding activities that help cool them down—like breathing techniques, doodling, or a quiet moment with a book. 

Over time, this practice empowers students to better manage their emotions and further strengthens their emotional vocabulary.

How to Use the Emotional Thermometer in Your Classroom

Now that you know the benefits of using an emotional thermometer, here’s how to put one into action in your classroom immediately:

1. Post the Thermometer Where It’s Easy To See

You need this tool to be visible. It won’t work otherwise!

Place your emotional thermometer in a prominent spot in the classroom, such as near the door or on a bulletin board. This makes it accessible and also helps normalize check-ins throughout the day. You could even print smaller versions for each student’s desk or notebook as a personal resource.

Remember, the more often students interact with the thermometer, the more it becomes second nature for them to pause and assess their emotional state. Think of it as building a habit—like washing your hands before lunch, but for mental well-being instead of physical.

2. Use it to Guide Conversations About Paying Attention to Feelings

More than just a chart to illustrate various emotions, the emotional thermometer is also a powerful conversation starter. When your students come back from recess or a test, ask them to point to their zone. If they’re in the “red” or “hot” zone, it opens up an opportunity to explore what’s going on in their world without judgment.

For example, if a student feels “yellow” (anxious), you might ask, “What’s something you can do to feel a little calmer right now?” This practice helps students understand that emotions are not “good” or “bad” but signals that they can learn to respond to.

3. Discuss Strategies to Move to Different Zones

Use your emotional thermometer as a barometer to gauge next steps. At each zone, brainstorm strategies with your students. What helps ease feelings of frustration? What boosts their energy when they’re feeling sluggish?

For example:

• Cool Zone (Focused) – This can be maintained with mindfulness or deep breathing.
• Warm Zone (Anxious) – Try a grounding activity like counting backwards from 20.
• Hot Zone (Overwhelmed) – Encourage a short walk or coloring to release built-up tension.

Discussing coping strategies also helps students see that they have options, which is an important part of self-regulation.

4. Create a Calming Corner

If you can, pair your emotional thermometer with a calming corner in your classroom. This could be a small, quiet space with sensory tools, books, or calming objects. Label it as a zone where students can go when they feel “hot” or “yellow” to cool down.

Make sure it’s approachable for all ages and encourage students to use it as a proactive way to manage emotions—not a place that feels like a punishment. 

5. Incorporate in Morning Check-Ins or After Recess

As we hinted earlier, adding the emotional thermometer to your daily routine can help set the tone for the day. During morning check-ins, ask students to place a sticker or clip on the thermometer to show their current zone. It’s a quick and effective way to gauge how your entire class is feeling at the start of the day.

After recess or lunch, it can also act as a reset tool. High-energy activities can often lead to stressed or frazzled emotions, so encourage your students to think about what zone they’re in and adjust as needed before launching into the next lesson.

6. Let Kids Make Their Own Thermometers

There’s no rule that says the teacher has to create everything. Engage your students by letting them design their own individual thermometers. This adds a layer of personalization and gives them ownership over their emotional regulation process.

You might be surprised by the creative ideas they come up with—some students may add their favorite emojis, others might include actions like “drink water” in specific zones. Whatever the design, making it their own creates more engagement and buy-in.

Cool Things Down With Stanfield

If you’re looking for more tools to support your students’ emotional regulation skills, be sure to check out our Whole School Cool curriculum. An all-inclusive program, it is designed for kids ages five and older. It focuses on building emotional intelligence through the teaching of empathy, impulse control, self-awareness, and more. It’s the emotional thermometer, but with hte temperature turned up a notch. 

The goal? Fewer tears, fewer blowups, and a classroom environment where emotions don’t run the show. Best of all, it’s designed with kids in mind, so it’s practical, straightforward, and effective.

Helping your students understand and regulate their emotions doesn’t have to feel complicated. With an emotional thermometer displayed proudly on your classroom walls, you’re giving your students a tool they can carry with them well outside of the school years. 

Your classroom has never looked calmer.

FAQ

What is an emotional thermometer used for?

An emotional thermometer helps students identify their emotional state and choose strategies for self-regulation. It is commonly used in elementary classrooms but can be helpful for students of all ages.

What is the feeling thermometer in psychology?

The feeling thermometer is a self-assessment tool that measures emotional intensity. It’s often used to help individuals recognize and express their emotions.

How do you teach a child emotional regulation?

Teaching emotional regulation involves helping children identify their emotions, understand triggers, and learn strategies to manage those feelings. Tools like the emotional thermometer and calming strategies are effective ways to build these skills.

What is emotional temperature?

Emotional temperature refers to the intensity of emotions an individual is currently experiencing. It helps gauge whether someone is feeling “cool” and calm or “hot” and overwhelmed.