Supporting Kids Using the Climate Emotions Wheel
Provided by: Climate Mental Health Network|Published on: May 22, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: K-12
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Health
Authors: Climate Mental Health Network
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This guide offers tools to help children process climate-related emotions, including emotion wheels, examples of adult-child conversations, and routines that build preparedness and resilience before, during, and after extreme weather events.
- The tools are designed for use by parents and educators, encouraging students to name, acknowledge, and channel their climate emotions toward self-care, community belonging, and action.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- This resource works across all subjects and grades wherever climate change is discussed; it is not a standalone activity but a mental health support tool that complements climate education.
- The emotions wheel (whether word- or emoji-based) can be used in relation to a myriad of topics and as a classroom routine.
Related Resources:
- For younger students, pair this resource with an activity and coloring book about emergency preparation and resilience.
- For older students, use this meditative podcast with climate activist Varshini Prakash to engage with a story about finding hope and courage in the face of climate anxiety.
This guide provides information and steps for teachers and adults to help kids process their feelings about climate change and extreme weather. This is important because climate change can be overwhelming for kids, which can impact their understanding of and engagement with the topic. It is a resource teachers can use whenever climate change, extreme weather, and related topics come up in the classroom, rather than a standalone activity. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
