Which Emotional Tool Is Right for You?

Zones Board vs. Spot the Feelings Board

Every child processes emotions differently. Some need structure and color-coded guidance. Others are ready to name and explore their specific feelings.

The Zones Board builds awareness through simple categories. The Spot the Feelings Board helps kids go deeper and reflect on what emotions mean and how to respond.

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Quick Comparison

Zones Board Spot the Feelings Board
Best for Kids who need structure and simplified emotion categories Kids ready to name emotions and reflect on what they feel
Core Approach Color-coded zones to group and manage emotions Identify, understand, and respond to individual feelings
Visual Style Clean icons and color blocks Illustrated faces that show a wide range of feelings
Included Tools 4 zones, Too Fast/Slow speed clings, 30+ regulation strategies 24+ emotion clings, 24+ regulation clings, 4-part reflection prompts
Reflection Prompts What zone am I in? How can I get back to calm? I feel... I want to feel... I need... Why did this happen?
Best Setting Home, classroom, or therapy sessions Home or school with expressive or verbal learners
Kid Readiness Great for kids early in emotional awareness Best for kids ready to describe emotions in detail
Tone Structured, predictable, calming Reflective, expressive, curious
Professional Input Created with an occupational therapist Developed with a school psychologist and speech therapist

Key Similarities

✔️ Both include strategies for calming and regulation

✔️ Both build emotional awareness and self-reflection

✔️ Both are magnetic and reusable

✔️ Both developed with professional input

✔️ Both help kids take ownership of their emotions

So… Which Should You Pick?

  • Pick the Zones Board if your child:

    • Needs more structure and visual clarity
    • Gets overwhelmed by too many emotion choices
    • Is early in emotional development
    • Benefits from quick check-ins
  • Pick the Spot the Feelings Board if your child:

    • Can name emotions like frustrated, proud, or brave
    • Wants more control over how they respond
    • Needs to understand why emotions happen
    • Is in school or therapy settings

Real Families Are Loving It

“The emotional regulation board was such a game changer for my family that I got more to use at my school. I am the behavior coach so I often help kids de-escalate from emotional meltdowns. This board works across all ages to help kids manage their own emotions. I find it particularly helpful for kids who don’t want to discuss how they are feeling. By using the board with the clings it helps them regulate their own emotions. Seriously these boards are such a lifesaver!” — Kate, Behavior Coach

“I love these boards for emotional regulation! There are so many ways to use them. You can use them for daily schedules but I also like to use them to identify feelings and find appropriate coping strategies. We have several neurodiverse children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. My kids are happy to quickly choose how they feel and identify 3 things they are going to do about it. I love how many helpful clings there are too!” — Kathryn

“This board with these clings has helped my son SO MUCH! He had big emotional outbursts and he wouldn’t know what to do to regulate himself. We got Fern Family Co.’s emotional regulation board and it was a game changer. We made a rule every time he had a meltdown he had to use the board. That action of tapping into what his emotions was his first step in calming down. The board made it easy for him to do without talking and it immediately calmed him down.” — Kate

Ready to Support Your Child's Emotional Growth?

Whether your child is just starting to explore emotions or ready to dive deeper, there is a board that fits.