Feelings Detective - Matching Emotions & Social Skills

Feelings Detective

A Matching Game to Help Children Understand Feelings

Grades 1–6 | 2–4 Players | Flexible Play Time (20–45 minutes)

Feelings Detective is an engaging matching game that helps children recognise and understand their own feelings and the feelings of others.

It is especially helpful for children who have difficulty reading social cues, including those diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or who are on the Autism Spectrum.

How the Game Works

• Players match Feeling Cards (with one feeling word such as happy or frustrated)

• To Feeling Talk Cards, which describe situations or thoughts linked to that feeling

• Two levels are included:

  • Red & Blue Cards – Younger students (Grades 1–3)

  • Orange & Purple Cards – Older students (Grades 4–6)

Optional Bonus Cards add extra challenge by asking players to:

• Predict what might happen next

• Share a time they felt that way

• Discuss how feelings can influence behaviour

Facilitators can adjust difficulty by:

• Adding Bonus Cards

• Increasing the number of cards in play

• Replacing cards as matches are made

Why It’s Important

Understanding feelings is a foundation for strong social skills.
When children can recognise emotions in themselves and others, they are better able to:

• Build positive relationships

• Respond appropriately in social situations

• Understand what triggers certain feelings

• Manage comfortable and uncomfortable emotions

• Improve emotional regulation

• Feel more confident in social settings

While some children naturally recognise emotions more easily, all children can strengthen these skills with practice.