Which Emotional Tool Is Right for You?

Zones vs. Spot the Feelings Board

Every child is different—and so is their emotional journey. This guide will help you decide which board best fits your child’s current stage and needs.

Choose the Right Board Type

deep dive zones board every part of spot the feelings board

Quick Comparison

Zones Board Spot the Feelings Board
Best for Kids who need structure and simplified categories Kids ready to name specific emotions and reflect on them
Core Approach Color-coded zones to group feelings and guide regulation Pinpoint a specific feeling → explore it → choose a strategy
Visual Style Clean icons and category blocks Expressive illustrated faces kids relate to
Included Tools 4 zones, speed clings (Too Fast/Slow), 30+ regulation strategies 24+ feelings clings, 24+ regulation strategies, 4-part reflection board
Reflection Prompts What zone am I in? How can I regulate? I feel... I want to feel... I need... Why did this feeling happen?
Best Setting Home, therapy, or classroom check-ins Home or school with verbal or expressive learners
Kid Readiness Ideal for kids new to regulation or overwhelmed by too many options Ideal for kids who are beginning to articulate thoughts and emotions
Tone Structured, calming, predictable Reflective, expressive, curious
Professional Input Designed with an occupational therapist Developed with a school psychologist and speech therapist

Key Similarities

✔️ Both include regulation strategies

✔️ Both promote emotional awareness

✔️ Both are magnetic and reusable

✔️ Both were developed with professionals

✔️ Both help kids take ownership of their emotional toolkit

So…Which Should You Pick?

  • Pick the Zones Board if your child:

    • Needs more structure
    • Gets overwhelmed by too many emotion choices
    • Is early in their emotional development journey
    • Benefits from a quick and easy check-in method

  • Pick the Spot the Feelings Board if your child:

    • Is ready to name emotions like "annoyed" or "brave"
    • Wants more control over how they respond to their feelings
    • Could benefit from understanding the why behind emotions
    • Is in a school setting or working with therapists

Ready to Support Your Child’s Emotional Growth?

Whether your child is just starting to explore emotions or ready to dive deeper, we’ve got a board that fits.

shop the zones board shop the spot the feelings board