The CBT Emotion Train is a free, child-friendly printable worksheet designed to help children understand and manage their emotions using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. This engaging, visual resource introduces the foundational CBT concept that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, using a relatable and fun train metaphor to make the learning experience both effective and enjoyable for young minds.
This downloadable PDF supports children in identifying their internal experiences and how those experiences influence their actions. It is especially useful for helping children manage anger, anxiety, worry, and emotional outbursts, offering a structured approach to emotional awareness and self-regulation.
How the Emotion Train Works:
The activity breaks down emotional experiences into three connected parts:
Thought Engine – This is the starting point. Children identify the thought they had in response to a situation (e.g., “They are laughing at me”).
Feeling Carriage – Children then recognize and label the feeling that followed the thought (e.g., angry, sad, worried).
Behaviour Carriage – Finally, they explore how the feeling led to a specific action or response (e.g., shouting, crying, withdrawing).
Once they’ve mapped their experience, children are guided to “Switch the Load” by reflecting on what they could think or do differently next time. This encourages positive thinking, emotion regulation, and the development of healthier behaviour patterns.
Why This Resource is Valuable:
The CBT Emotion Train is not just a worksheet—it’s a versatile emotional learning tool that supports:
Social-emotional development and emotional intelligence
Cognitive restructuring and thought-awareness
Mindfulness, calming strategies, and resilience building
CBT-informed therapy, coaching, and classroom interventions
It’s designed in a simple, approachable format that’s accessible for children aged 5 to 11 years (Key Stage 1 and 2), making it ideal for both individual and group use.
Who Can Use It:
This free to download resource is perfect for:
Primary school teachers and support staff integrating social-emotional learning
School counsellors, child psychologists, and CBT therapists
Parents and carers looking to help children manage big emotions at home
Social workers, pastoral care teams, and SEND professionals
Use in calm-down corners, emotional regulation toolkits, mental health programmes, and CBT therapy sessions
Whether you’re helping a child navigate peer conflicts, classroom stress, home difficulties, or general emotional ups and downs, this resource provides a structured, supportive way to explore and improve emotional habits.
Key Benefits:
Teaches children how thoughts affect emotions and actions
Encourages self-reflection, accountability, and growth mindset
Promotes mental wellbeing through creative and visual learning
Helps reduce anxiety, anger outbursts, and emotional overwhelm
Aligns with CBT approaches, emotional regulation practices, and trauma-informed care
