2.5y–4.2y10 minFamily timeQuiet timeSelf-care
Feelings Washing Line Check-In
Guide the adult to set up a simple feelings washing line and coach your child to signal how they feel, name it, and choose a helpful next step for self-regulation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a piece of string/yarn (or a strip of paper as a 'line')
- tape
- paper or card
- a pen/crayon
- 2–4 pegs OR paper clips (or folded tape loops)
Nice to have
- a small printed photo of your child (or draw a quick face for your child)
- a small mirror (optional)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Put in place ways in which children can let others know how they are feeling, such as pegging their own photo onto a feelings tree or feelings faces washing line.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)