Feeleez Poster
Hand-drawn images - are engaging for all kids, and ideal for kids on the spectrum
Approachable faces - make it easy for parents and teachers to offer emotional support simply by hanging this poster in a convenient spot
Expressive images - provide kids with an emotional bridge that allows them to offload festering emotions and build connection with caregivers
Unlabeled images - make for open-ended conversations and allow children to connect with an image without worrying about “getting it wrong”
Diverse imagery - makes poster inclusive and inviting to all cultures and genders
Images without words - make the poster accessible and enjoyable in any language
Emotion-based decor - allows kids to receive emotional support, paving the way for advanced brain development, accelerated executive brain processing, and higher emotional intelligence
Soy-based ink - is good for the environment and safe for kids
Large size - makes images easy to see and interact with (22in X 28in)
Let’s use the poster with Fiona!
Fiona gets home from school and says: “I HAD A BAD DAY TODAY!”. She glares at her mom, kicks the dog, and shoves the snack her mom offers her onto the floor.
Her mom realizes Fiona is truly upset and remembers they need to sort through her feelings before Fiona will be able to hear feedback about her disagreeable actions.
Together they go to the Feeleez poster.
The poster is hung on a wall near where the family spends a lot of time. It’s within reach so that the kids can point to the images easily.
Mom: “Can you start from the beginning? What happened at school and how did you feel?”
Right away Fiona starts pointing and describing.
Fiona: (points to this image) “Well, when I first got to school I saw that we had a substitute teacher and I felt very nervous because I don’t know him at all.”
Mom: (nods with understanding)
Fiona: “Then during reading time, I felt like this, because Olivia whispered in my ear that her dog is cuter than our dog.”
Mom: “Oh. Shoot. You didn’t like that.”
Fiona: “And during recess, I felt like this, because everyone wanted to play a game that I don’t like. I played by myself the whole time.”
Mom: “Darn it. Sounds like you might have felt some loneliness?”
Fiona: “Then when I got home, Charlie-dog tripped me with his tail, and I couldn’t even hang my backpack up! So I felt like this. Then I kicked him.”
Mom: “Ohhh. So that’s what was happening there. Geez. It sounds like you were really struggling.”
Fiona: “Unh hunh. And Charlie yelped and I felt so bad. I felt like this when I heard him cry.”
Mom: “Oh yeah. I can understand that. You didn’t want to hurt him.”
Fiona: “Now… I still feel a little sad. Maybe not as sad as this, but still kinda sad.”
Mom: “Sure, that makes sense. A lot happened today.
After listening to her whole story Mom asks Fiona what she needs.
Fiona says that a hug would really help, then after that maybe a snack. The two of them settle on the couch for a couple of minutes of snuggling. When Fiona starts to joke around, Mom knows Fiona is in the right brain state for some feedback.
Mom: “I know you were having a lot of feelings when you came home… but you’re right, I think it really did hurt Charlie when you kicked him… Next time you’re feeling that way would you be willing to come get some help instead of kicking the dog?”
Fiona: “I can do that. Poor Charlie.”
Mom: “You know what? I realize I handed you a snack without checking in with you about your feelings first. I suppose I hadn’t realized how upset you were. Next time I’ll be sure to tune in before moving you onto the next thing. But Fiona… I really didn’t like it when you knocked the snack onto the floor. Now the floor needs a sweep, and I’m pretty sure that snack can’t be eaten anymore… Next time, would you be willing to do something different? Even if you’re really mad?”
Fiona: “Yeah. What if we go to the poster right away? As soon as I get home!… I’m sorry Mom. I can help clean up...”
Mom and Fiona take their time reconnecting.
(It can take several minutes for upset brain chemistry to change!)
Eventually Fiona is feeling quite a bit better. She turns to her mom for one last hug and “I love you” before moving on to talk to the dog, and clean up the snack.
Each time Fiona gets help with her feelings she develops stronger neuro-emotional habits. The more often this happens the fewer and shorter her upsets will be. Eventually, with good modeling like this, Fiona will be able to move through emotion easily and quickly all by herself.
Fiona