Support pupils in exploring a variety of emotions with these engaging activities packs for KS1 and KS2, perfect for use during a Mental Health Day.
These free packs cover important aspects of health education. Pupils will learn to identify different emotions using image and word cards and discuss examples of when they, their friends or family members have experienced these feelings.
Question cards/stems prompt discussion about how to respond to emotions, helping to encourage positive mental health and wellbeing.
These activities packs are ideal for use during Children’s Mental Health Week (February), Mental Health Awareness Week (May) or World Mental Health Day (10th October).
They provide structured opportunities to focus on emotional wellbeing and self-care. Activities can be delivered as whole-class discussions, small-group work or one-to-one sessions, offering flexibility for a range of classroom settings.
Mental Health Day activities pack contents
KS1 Pack
- PDF set of emoji and word cards showing eight different feelings
- Poster asking “How are you feeling today?”
- Two sets of question cards
- Teacher notes with guidance on classroom use
KS2 Pack
- PDF set of emoji cards showing a wider range of emotions
- PDF set of word cards naming different emotions
- Poster asking “How are you feeling today?”
- Question stems to support discussion
- Teacher notes with guidance on classroom use
Suggested Mental Health Day activities
Discussing Feelings
- Introduce different emotions using emoji and word cards, explaining that all feelings are normal.
- Ask pupils to act out emotions or identify them using only facial expressions.
- Discuss personal examples of when pupils or their friends and family have experienced particular emotions.
Changing How You Are Feeling
- Talk about positive and negative emotions and explore strategies for improving wellbeing, such as talking to someone, going outside or doing physical activity.
- Question cards or stems can prompt discussion about how pupils could help themselves or others when feeling sad, anxious or worried.
Creative Activities
- Pupils can take photos, draw pictures or create artwork showing different feelings.
- KS2 pupils can develop a “feelings dictionary,” illustrating each emotion and providing examples of when it might be experienced.
- Posters and cards can be displayed to provide visual reminders of emotions and coping strategies.
Curriculum links
The pack supports statutory health education objectives, including recognising a normal range of emotions, using varied vocabulary to discuss feelings, understanding the benefits of exercise, time outdoors, community participation and simple self-care techniques such as rest, hobbies and time with friends and family.