How Do I Feel? Box set of cards

How Do I Feel? Box Set of Cards by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips

Helping tamariki understand and express emotions has never been easier – or more fun! The How Do I Feel? Box Set of Cards transforms emotional learning into an engaging, hands-on experience.

Why is it a game-changer? Because when tamariki learn to recognise and name their feelings, they’re empowered to manage them. This means fewer meltdowns, more problem-solving, and healthier ways to cope – at home, in the classroom, and beyond.

This isn’t just a tool – it’s a resource for raising emotionally intelligent tamariki who thrive. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers!

Why We Love It

We use the How Do I Feel? Box Set all the time because of its versatility and depth. It’s visually appealing, with clear, relatable images that tamariki connect with easily. The cards are sturdy and designed for hands-on use, making them perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or whānau time. As professionals, we love how these cards empower tamariki to recognise and name their emotions, giving them tools to navigate big feelings with confidence and clarity. This is what emotional literacy is all about. 

How Can You Use It?

Here are three creative ways to use the How Do I Feel? cards:

Emotion Scavenger Hunt: Spread the cards out and invite tamariki to pick one that matches how they’re feeling right now. Then, kōrero about why they chose it and what they might need to feel supported.

Story Creator: Pick a few cards and use them to create a story together. For example, “Once there was someone feeling excited because…” This builds emotional vocabulary while encouraging creativity and connection.

Daily Check-In Circle: Lay the cards out during morning routines or group times and ask tamariki to select a card that reflects how they feel. This fosters self-expression and helps adults understand how to support each child.

The Results We’ve Seen

We’ve seen tamariki develop greater confidence in naming and managing their emotions through this resource. Parents and teachers report that the cards spark meaningful kōrero, helping tamariki feel understood and supported. Parents feel more connected to their tamariki, and children feel reassured knowing that their emotions are normal, valid and manageable.

The How Do I Feel? Cards are a versatile, empowering tool for anyone wanting to build emotional literacy and stronger relationships. It’s a must-have for homes, classrooms, and any professional setting - place some on the staffroom coffee table and see what happens!

Anna from our Real Parents team reviewed this resource for the Mental Health Foundation - see her review here.