“When I Feel…” Coping Strategy Mat (Word-Based)

The “When I Feel…” Coping Strategy Mat is a text-based emotional regulation tool that helps children reflect on their feelings and choose coping strategies using words rather than symbols or colours.

This mat guides children through:

Naming how they feel

Noticing what that feeling is like in their body or thoughts

Choosing coping strategies that work for them

The structure encourages emotional understanding, self-advocacy, and problem-solving in a calm, supportive way.

Features:

Simple sentence starters (e.g. “When I feel…”, “I notice…”, “I can…”)

Space for personalised coping strategies

Child-friendly language

No reliance on colour coding or icons

Ideal for:

Children who prefer written language

Emotion coaching sessions

1:1 support, nurture groups, or therapy-informed practice

SEND, SEMH, and trauma-informed settings

This resource helps children build emotional literacy while respecting individual needs and differences.