Emotionometer

Create a “speedometer of emotion” to explore the intensity of feelings -- grow emotion vocabulary to increase insight to self and others.

Goal

Learn more about emotions and feeling words.

Resources

Pens/Pencils/Crayons
Handout (Letter Size) click to download
Handout (A4 Size) click to download
(Optional) Feeling Words Handout (Letter Size) click to download
(Optional) Feeling Words Handout (A4 Size) click to download
Activity Instruction Sheet (optional) click to download

Instructions

Pick up a blank Emotionometer handout from the table, and choose 3-4 colors that you want to use to make the Anger Emotionomter (the top half of the handout).
The Anger Emotionometer shows a range from CALM (no anger) to ENRAGED (lots of anger). There are spaces for nine words along this range. There are four blanks; write words that you think fit best to show the changing amounts of anger.
Add colors to show anger at each step from slow/small (on left) to big/fast (on right)

Next, you can repeat the same process with a different feeling word… such as Joy, Sorrow, Acceptance, Trust, Anticipation… or any feeling that interests you!

Discussion

Find another person who made an Emotionometer. In what ways are yours similar or different?
Was it easier to think of words or to draw pictures? Why do you think that is?
Next time you have a feeling, what would happen if you remember your Emotionmeter and use a very precise word to describe what you are feeling?

Extensions

Invite participants to write a story, letter, or a journal entry using a wide range of feeling words showing how feelings can become more or less intense in small steps.

Activity Source

Joshua Freedman & Anabel Jensen