Activity Outline

Activity Name: Mood Boards

Objective: To track and observe the emotions that are felt by the youth, why they feel them,
what may have caused these feelings, and how to cope with the feelings.

Therapeutic Value: Better understand and value one’s emotions while also learning healthy
ways to cope with the emotions and how to prevent them in the future.

Age of Participants: 16 years old

Number of Participants: 1

Materials Required
 Bristol board
 Markers or sharpies
 Ruler
 Pencil
 Coloured construction paper
 Sticky tack to hang board on wall

Description of How to Play or Complete the Activity

1. Youth will take a piece of Bristol board and begin mapping out a calendar of the month
2. They can design their board however they please, as long as it includes one day for each
month and enough room to write for each day
3. The youth will then begin to decorate and colour their board as they please
4. Each day of the month at the end of the day, youth will track their emotions from that
day and also any significant events that may have caused those emotions

Evaluation Method to Determine Effectiveness

At the end of the month, youth will sit down with their primary care worker and discuss any
noticeable patterns in their board and their emotions. They will discuss any significant events,
what may have caused certain emotions on certain days, and work towards developing
coping mechanisms that will help with managing those emotions. This activity can be
completed for a couple of months to note improvements in emotions, activities, and coping
skills. (Depending on the time of year this activity is completed, it could also display mood
fluctuations based on what season it is. Eg, it could show signs of seasonal affective disorder
if completed in winter and spring or fall and winter)

Pitfalls and Precautions

Youth may forget to fill out their day sometimes
Youth may not be able to pinpoint or identify the emotions that they’re feeling
They may not want to participate in the activity at all