Self-Regulation Cards – inspired by nature

Introducing our collection of six self-regulation cards designed to cultivate emotional awareness through themes rooted in nature. Celebrating the vibrant rhythms of the Irish seasons, these cards encourage an enriching connection between children, themselves, and the natural world.

Educators can thoughtfully integrate these cards into their learning environments, promoting meaningful dialogues and engaging activities that nurture emotional intelligence and a profound appreciation for nature. Families can also use these cards at home to create special moments together. Whether it’s imagining a leaf dancing in the wind or exploring nature outside, parents can invite their children to discuss their feelings and experiences. This shared exploration can strengthen family bonds and support children feel more connected to their emotions and the world around them.

How to Use

Touch each card to hear a short audio clip and to learn more about how each technique can help.

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Why this helps
Watching your breath move like the leaf in the wind can help you feel calm and relaxed.
Eco Emotions

Leaves

Imagine a leaf dancing in the wind. Close your eyes and take a big, deep breath as the leaf flies up high. When you breathe out, think about the leaf softly floating back down to the ground. Try this a few times, breathing in and out just like the leaf.

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Why this helps
Thinking of yourself as an acorn reminds you that you are strong and can grow through challenges.
Eco Emotions

Acorns

Imagine you are a small acorn growing into a strong oak tree. Feel your roots going deep into the ground and your branches reaching up high.

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Why this helps
Just like clouds can change shapes, our feelings can change too, depending on what happens around us. It is really important to remember that taking a little break and relaxing can make us feel better.
Eco Emotions

Changing Skies

Take a moment to stop and look up at the sky. Watch how the clouds move and change shape depending on what’s happening in the sky.

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Why this helps
Noticing nature makes you feel happy and thankful for everything around you. It helps you see how we are all connected to this amazing world.
Eco Emotions

Out and About

Next time you are outside, take a moment to see the colours of the flowers and trees. Feel the gentle breeze on your skin. Listen to the birds singing and the leaves rustling.

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Why this helps
Listening to the wind helps you feel calm and more connected to nature.
Eco Emotions

Listening to the Wind

Close your eyes and listen to the wind. Imagine it blowing over the sea, making waves, and listen to the birds. You can do this outside or listen to nature sounds.

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Why this helps
Being like a rock helps you feel steady and calm, no matter what’s happening around you.
Eco Emotions

Rocks

Imagine you are a rock in a river. Feel the water gently flowing around you while you stay still and strong.

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Each card offers a theme focused on mindfulness and creative exploration. Here are some engaging activities and prompts to support children share and understand their feelings:

Leaves: Imagine a leaf dancing in the wind +

Invite children to close their eyes and take a deep breath as they imagine the leaf soaring high. As they exhale, encourage them to visualise the leaf gently floating back to the ground. Let them repeat this exercise a few times, inhaling and exhaling in harmony with the leaf’s journey. Ask them how they feel when they imagine the leaf's movement, supporting a discussion about lightness and calmness.

Acorns: Imagine you are a small acorn growing into a strong oak tree +

Imagine being a tiny acorn that grows into a big, strong oak tree. Ask children to picture their roots digging deep into the ground while their branches stretch up high into the sky. Invite them to share how it feels to be strong and brave as they grow. Encourage them to think about how they are growing and changing.

Changing Skies: Take a moment to stop and look up at the sky +

Invite children to take a moment to stop and look up at the sky. Encourage them to notice how the clouds move and change shapes. Ask them to share what they see and how it makes them feel. This helps children think about how change happens in their own lives.

Out and About: Take a moment to see the colours of the flowers and trees +

Invite children to explore the colourful nature around them. When outside, support them notice the bright colours of the flowers and trees. Encourage them to feel the soft breeze on their skin and listen to the cheerful sounds of the birds and the rustling leaves. Ask questions about what they see, hear, and feel to help them enjoy and appreciate the world around them.

Listening to the Wind: Close your eyes and listen to the wind  +

Invite children to close their eyes and listen carefully to the sound of the wind. Guide them to imagine the wind blowing over the ocean and making waves, while also listening for the sounds of birds. This can happen outside or by playing nature sounds indoors. Encourage children to think about how these sounds make them feel, supporting them connect with nature and their own feelings.

Rocks: Imagine you are a rock in a river +

Invite children to imagine themselves as a rock sitting in a flowing river. Support them feel the gentle water around them while staying strong and steady. Discuss what it means to be strong and encourage children to share times when they felt strong in their own lives.

These interactive cards are also available as hard copies in our shop. Click the link below to visit the shop.


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