The Anger Scenario Cards for Young Children are a set of 32 printable cards designed to help young kids recognise and talk about feelings of anger and frustration. Each card shows a common situation that might make a kid feel angry, with a simple picture and short sentence to make it easy to understand.
This resource is perfect for use in early years settings, primary classrooms, therapy sessions, and at home. It helps young children build emotional awareness, develop coping skills, and learn to express their feelings safely.
What’s Included in the Anger Scenario Cards?
32 common anger triggers – Child-friendly examples such as:
• Someone knocks down your tower
• You have to leave the park when you want to stay
• Your ice cream falls on the floor
• A friend does not share with you
• You are told it is bedtime but you want to keep playing
• A grown-up says you cannot have something you want
• Someone laughs at your picture
• You are not picked to go firstSimple text and pictures – Each scenario uses basic language and a clear image to support young children’s understanding
Relatable everyday situations – Based on common experiences at home, nursery, school, and during play
Visual support for emotional literacy – Helps children link real-life events to their emotional responses
How Can the Resource Be Used?
In early years classrooms and nurseries – As part of circle time, behaviour support, or PSHE lessons about feelings
During therapy or emotional regulation sessions – Supports work on anger management, calm-down strategies, and problem-solving
At home with families – Encourages children to talk about what makes them feel upset and how they can respond in a kind, safe way
With children who have autism, ADHD, or emotional challenges – A helpful visual tool for children who benefit from structured, concrete examples
In small groups or one-to-one – Can be used for role-play, discussion, or calming routine activities
The Anger Scenario Cards for Young Children are a simple, effective way to teach emotional understanding, calm responses, and social problem-solving. They help children see that anger is normal and offer opportunities to practise positive ways of dealing with strong feelings.
