Checking in on a child’s energy level can be tricky when they do not yet have the words for how tired, flat, lively or overstimulated they feel. My energy scale gives a clear 1 to 5 rating system, moving from “exhausted” and “tired” through to “normal”, “energetic” and “bouncing off the walls”, with bold text and expressive cartoon characters to make each level easy to recognise.
The printable works well as a quick visual check-in for kids, younger teens, neurodivergent children, pupils who struggle with self-awareness, and children who benefit from concrete prompts rather than lots of talking. It may be useful in classrooms, nurture groups, therapy sessions, social work visits, family support work, occupational therapy, counselling, or at home as part of a morning routine, bedtime routine or calm-down plan.
Adults can invite a child to point to a number, name their current energy level, or compare how their energy changes across the day. The scale can also support conversations about what helps at each stage, such as rest, movement breaks, sensory tools, quiet time, food, sleep, fresh air or a more active task when energy is too high.
Because the layout is simple and highly visual, it can sit alongside emotional regulation, self-regulation, sensory regulation, behaviour support, ADHD support, autism support or classroom wellbeing resources. Created by Edita Stiborova, it is a one-page printable poster that can be kept visible for regular use rather than introduced only when a child is already overwhelmed.
