Free Emotions Colouring Pages for Kids (Printable PDF)

Colouring is one of the easiest ways to get children talking about how they feel. While their hands are busy, the pressure is off, and a question like "when do you feel like this?" often gets a much better answer than it would across the dinner table. These free emotions colouring pages star the feelings creatures from the That's Okay picture books, and each one comes with a simple prompt to help children put their feelings into words.

Why emotions colouring pages help children

Young children feel big emotions long before they have the words for them. Giving a feeling a face, a colour and a name makes it easier to recognise the next time it turns up. Colouring also works as a calm, focused activity, so it suits quiet time, a calm corner or the end of a busy school day.

Because you're sitting side by side rather than face to face, many children find it easier to talk. You might hear about a falling-out at school or a worry about tomorrow, simply because the conversation started with a happy creature and a box of crayons.

What's in the free colouring pages

• 4 feelings creatures to colour: happy, sad, angry and nervous.
• An "I feel ... when ..." prompt at the bottom of every page for children to finish, draw or talk about.
• A page of tips for grown-ups on how to use the pages at home or in class.

The pages are A4 and print well on any home printer. If you're in the US, choose "fit to page" to print on Letter paper.

How to use them at home

1. Print one or two pages and let your child choose which feeling to colour.
2. There's no right colour for any feeling. Purple anger or rainbow sadness is completely fine.
3. While they colour, ask gentle questions (there are some ideas below).
4. Help them finish the sentence at the bottom, or write it down for them.
5. Keep the finished pages somewhere they can see them, so you can come back to them when that feeling shows up again.

Using emotions colouring pages in the classroom

• Circle time or PSHE: give each child a different feeling, then share when you might feel that way.
• Feelings wall: display the finished creatures together to show that every feeling is welcome.
• Calm corner: keep a few pages and crayons in your calm space as a settling activity.
• Nurture groups and SEND settings: the same characters appear across all the That's Okay books and resources, which helps children who like consistency.

Questions to ask while you colour

• What makes this creature feel this way?
• When did you last feel like this?
• Where in your body do you notice this feeling?
• What could help this creature feel better?
• Which colour feels right for this feeling, and why?

If your child enjoys noticing where feelings show up in their body, try our free feelings body map template next.

Want the full set?

The free pages are a taster. The full set has all 15 feelings creatures, and the posters make a bright feelings wall for a classroom or calm corner.

Feelings Colouring Pages £2.99 · instant PDF

Feelings Posters £3.99 · instant PDF

Complete Printables Bundle £19.99 · instant PDF

See all printable feelings resources →

Frequently asked questions

Are the colouring pages really free?
Yes. Pop your email in the box above and you'll go straight to the download. You'll also join our email list, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

What age are they for?
They're designed for children aged 3 to 8, but older children often enjoy them too, especially in nurture groups.

Can I use them in school?
Yes, you're welcome to print the free pages for your home or classroom. Please don't resell them.

Who are the creatures?
They're the feelings creatures from the That's Okay picture books by Chris Dixon, which help children aged 3 to 8 name and talk about their emotions.