⚠️ Important Disclaimer: These resources are designed to support PSHE and wellbeing conversations. They are not officially accredited or endorsed by the PSHE Association, DfE, or any curriculum body. Teachers should review all materials and apply their professional judgement. MindVela is not a substitute for professional educational or clinical guidance.

☀️ Daily Check-In Cards

EYFS + KS1 · Morning Routine · Print & Laminate

What Is a Daily Check-In?

A Daily Check-In is a simple morning routine that takes just 2–3 minutes. It gives every child a chance to be seen, heard, and acknowledged at the start of the day. Research shows that when children feel emotionally seen, they are more ready to learn.

When to do it: First thing in the morning as children arrive, or at the start of circle time. Establish it as a consistent daily ritual.

The Weather System

Children choose a weather card that matches how they feel. This is non-verbal, low-pressure, and accessible to all ages and abilities:

☀️

Sunny

"I feel happy and bright today!"

⛅

Cloudy

"I feel okay, not quite sunny yet."

🌧️

Rainy

"I feel a bit sad or worried."

⛈️

Stormy

"I feel angry or overwhelmed."

🌈

Rainbow

"I had big feelings but I'm feeling better."

❄️

Frosty

"I feel quiet or want to be alone."

Print, laminate, and attach to a display board. Children can point, move a peg, or hold up their card.

Morning Routine Guide

Display the Weather Board

As children arrive or settle, direct them to the weather board.

Choose a Weather

Each child chooses the weather that matches how they feel. No explanations needed.

Acknowledge

Take 30 seconds to scan the board. Quietly check in with any child who has chosen Stormy or Rainy.

Whole-Class Reflection

Briefly say: 'I can see we've got some sunshine and some cloudy skies today — all perfectly normal. Let's look after each other.'

Revisit at the End of the Day

Optional: Allow children to update their weather at the end of the day to notice how feelings change.

Circle Time Discussion Prompts

Q1.What's one thing that could turn your weather from rainy to cloudy today?

Q2.Has anyone's weather changed since yesterday? What helped?

Q3.What's one kind thing we could do for someone who is feeling stormy today?

Q4.When you feel sunny, what do you like to do to share that feeling?

Q5.What helps you most when you're feeling frosty (quiet) inside?

Weekly Reflection Sheet

Children complete this at the end of each week (can be drawn or written):

My name:

Week:

1. What weather did I feel most this week?

2. What made me feel sunny this week?

3. What was tricky this week?

4. What helped me most when I had a big feeling?

5. What am I looking forward to next week?

📋 Teacher Guidance Notes:

Consistency is key — do this every day for maximum benefit.
Never pressure a child to explain their choice — the act of choosing is enough.
A child consistently choosing Stormy or Rainy may need additional check-in support.
Celebrate the full range of weather — normalise all emotions, not just the sunny ones.