Quick Prep for Your First Group Session

Just 5-10 minutes of preparation before children arrive can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth and engaging start to your Hey Feelings session. Use this quick checklist to get ready.

Essential Tech Check

1. Display Connection: Confirm your computer is reliably connected to your large display (Projector, Smartboard, or TV). See the Pro Tip on Display Connections at the end of this article for a quick refresher!
2. Sound Check: Ensure audio is working correctly through your chosen display or external speakers. A quick test with any sound from your computer will do.
3. ‍Internet Stability: Verify you have a stable internet connection. It doesn't have to be fast.
4. Platform Access: Be logged into the Hey Feelings Academy platform as you are now.

Simple Setup

Group Areas: Arrange two distinct, comfortable areas for both groups, positioned side-by-side so everyone can clearly see the main display with the game. This allows for better visibility than having one group behind another.

Your Hub: Make sure your computer or laptop is placed where you can easily access it to control the on-screen game, while still maintaining a good view of both the screen and children.

Materials Needed for This Session

Standard Die:

You'll need one standard six-sided die for gameplay. Optionally, if you have purchased the large, soft Hey Feelings Plush Die, this is a great tactile option to use!

‍Filly & Dilly Mascots (Optional):

If you have purchased the Filly and Dilly Plush Mascots, have them ready to assign one to each group. These can enhance engagement and make turn-taking more tangible.

Important Note: This step is optional. You can absolutely play Hey Feelings Academy effectively without the physical plushies. The on-screen Filly and Dilly pawns will represent the groups in the digital game.‍

Emotion Workbooks (Choose Your Option):

• Printable PDF Workbook Pages: If you are using the printable PDF workbook pages (accessed via the Emotion Books tab), focus on core digital play, no specific PDF printout is strictly necessary for the gameplay itself. Diamond collection will be tracked digitally on-screen. You will print specific PDF pages for other, subsequent activities, as detailed in Article 4 ("The Emotion Books").
• ‍Purchased Printed Workbooks: If you have purchased the physical, printed Hey Feelings Emotion Workbooks, you will distribute these at the start of your very first Hey Feelings session. For this gameplay lesson unit children will use their Emotion Books to place any collected Emotion Diamond Stickers (found within their books) onto the designated Spookyland pages. Children apply stickers from their own book when their group collects a diamond in the game.‍‍‍
  

The Opening Story:‍

The "Spookyland - Introductory Story" will be displayed on the screen when you start the Emotion World on the platform.

However, if you prefer reading from a physical paper copy, you can find and print the Spookyland World - Introductory Story PDF. This will typically be located in the therapist's resources or Emotion Books section for the Spookyland World on the Hey Feelings platform.

Let's Play! Launching & Starting the Game

After logging into Hey Feelings Academy, click on the Spookyland Emotion World tile. This will launch the game environment for that world in full screen mode. You can exit full screen anytime by clicking the eye icon in the top right corner.

You'll see the Opening Story, the Video Intro, and beautifully animated Spookyland game board - ready for kids' emotional adventure to begin!

Psst! There are Ester Eggs on each world. Cute, tiny animations that are visible only for a second, try to find them all. Look for ghosts, hedgehogs, hamsters, etc.

A Step-by-Step Gameplay Walkthrough (group session)

Allow 30-40 minutes for gameplay. Here’s how a typical first game session flows:

Team Time! Organizing Groups & Turns (Approx. 2-3 minutes)

1. Form Teams: Verbally divide children into two teams. You can call them "Filly's Group" and "Dilly's Group" – these names correspond to the cat and dog character pawns they'll see moving on the game board.
2. Crucial Step: Establish Turn Order: This is key to a smooth game!
   
   1. ‍Within Each Group: Quickly help each group decide the order in which their members will take turns rolling the die. For example, you might say, "In Filly's group, Maya will roll first, then Leo, then Chloe. In Dilly's group, Sam will be first, then Priya, then Ben." A simple "around their circle" or a pre-designated sequence works well.‍
   2. Starting Group: Determine which of the two groups will take the very first turn of the game. Make it fun and fair – perhaps "the group that can quietly show me they're ready first!" or a quick therapist's choice.

Setting the Scene: The Opening (Approx. 5 minutes)

1. Read or Listen to the Story: The game will first present the Opening Story specifically written for the each world. Read this aloud or play the pre-recorded audio (this option will be available shortly). If you printed it, you can use your copy, otherwise, it's clearly displayed on screen.
2. Watch the Video: Following the story, a short, engaging Mood-Setting Video Clip will play automatically on the screen. This brief animation helps children transition from the story and focus their attention for the game ahead.
3. Hit Play the Game button

The Gameplay Loop: Your First Few Turns Explained

This is the core rhythm of the game, repeat as needed:

1. Turn Leader Rolls the Die: The designated "Turn Leader" from the starting group takes the die and rolls it.
   
2. The Turn Leader Decides Where to Move‍
   
   1. Based on the number rolled, the Turn Leader now looks at the board and decides which direction they want to move their group's on-screen pawn (either Filly or Dilly).‍
   2. Key Reminder: Encourage the Turn Leader by saying something like, "Look at your number, Maya! Where do you want Filly/Dilly to go? Remember, in Hey Feelings, you can move your character any way you like along the paths! Your goal is to land on, or jump over, an Emotion Diamond!" (The child can briefly consult with their group for ideas, but the final decision rests with the Turn Leader).‍
   3. Therapist Action: Following the Turn Leader's decision, you will use your computer's mouse or trackpad to move their group's virtual pawn on the main screen according to the number they rolled and the direction they chose. Just drag the pawn, simulate the movement like on a physical board game and drop the pawn by releasing the mouse button.‍
3. Collecting Diamonds & Revealing Question Cards
   
   1. Collect the Diamond: If your group's pawn (Filly or Dilly) successfully lands on or passes directly over an Emotion Diamond during its move, that diamond is considered "collected"!‍
   2. Click to Reveal: Click on the diamond on the screen. This action will cause the Question Card related to that specific Emotion Diamond to immediately appear.
   3. ‍Answer & Update: Once the question from the card is answered by the Turn Leader (and/or discussed by the group, if applicable), and the card is closed, the on-screen diamond counter for that group will update automatically, reflecting their successful collection.‍
4. Engaging with the Question Card – Sharing Our Thoughts:‍
   
   1. ‍Read Aloud: Read the question or task from the displayed card clearly and engagingly to the whole group.‍
   2. Child Responds First: The child whose turn it was (the one who rolled the die) gets the first opportunity to answer the question or perform the task.‍
   3. Basic Facilitation (Keep it simple for this first game): Offer warm encouragement: "That's an interesting thought, Tim!" or "Great try!" Praise their effort, no matter the answer. If they are hesitant or seem stuck, gently ask their group for support: "Would anyone in Tim's group like to help with an idea or share what they think?" Remember, the goal today is positive participation and familiarization, not perfect answers. (We'll cover more advanced facilitation techniques to deepen discussions in Article 3).‍‍
5. ‍Passing the Turn – Sharing the Adventure:‍
   
   1. The die (or simply the turn to roll) now passes to the other group.
   2. The next child in that group (according to their pre-established turn order) is now the "Turn Leader" ready for their turn.

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Repeat this gameplay loop (Roll → Move → Collect Diamond → Reveal Question → Answer/Discuss → Pass Turn), alternating between Filly's Group and Dilly's Group. Let the children enjoy the journey!

Concluding the Game Session:

1. Aim to play for a duration that keeps children engaged for their first experience – perhaps 20-30 minutes of active gameplay after the introduction.
2. You don't have to collect all the Diamonds!
3. When you're ready to finish the session, you can click the "Pause" button on the game interface. This will usually then reveal an "Exit" option to click.

Wrapping Up Your First Group Session

A brief approx. 5 minutes, positive wrap-up helps consolidate the experience:

Quick Group Reflection:

Gather the children for a brief chat. Ask simple, open-ended questions like:

• "What was one fun part of playing the Hey Feelings game today?"
• "Can anyone remember one feeling we talked about in our adventure today? Why is it important?"

Positive Closure & Looking Forward:

• Praise everyone enthusiastically for their wonderful participation, for listening to each other, and for bravely exploring new feelings and ideas together.
• Let them know you're excited to play Hey Feelings again with them soon and explore more Emotion Worlds
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Pro Tip on Display Connections

For the simplest and usually most reliable setup for projecting Hey Feelings, connect your computer directly to your TV or projector using an HDMI cable. This single cable typically carries both sound and video, which reduces complexity. Once you've plugged it in, take a quick moment to check your computer's display settings (you can often find these by right-clicking on your desktop or looking in your System Settings/Control Panel) and ensure it's set to "Duplicate" or "Mirror." This means that what you see on your laptop screen is exactly what the children will see on the big screen. A quick test of this before children arrive can save a lot of troubleshooting time and help your session start smoothly!

🎥 Online Play with a Therapist

Online sessions with Hey Feelings make it possible to bring the same playful, therapeutic experience directly into a child’s home. Using any common video platform, the therapist runs the game in real time while the child follows along, makes choices, and responds to questions — just like during an in-person session.

Whenever possible, we recommend beginning with live, in-person sessions to build trust and familiarity. However, if this is not an option, the program can also be delivered fully online.

To make these meetings smooth, safe, and engaging, we recommend setting up a simple structure that ensures both technical readiness and emotional comfort for the child. Below you’ll find the key setup guidelines and checklists.

1) Purpose and Core Setup

• Format: 1:1 through any video platform (Google Meet, Zoom, Teams…).
• Control: the therapist shares their screen and runs the entire game; the child watches, listens, makes choices, and answers questions.
• Therapist’s role: plays as one of the characters (Filly/Dilly), asks Emotion Card questions, models responses, and can also answer as a “co-player.” The child plays as one of the other characters.
• Safety: child wears headphones, camera on. No session recording unless agreed by both therapist and parent.
• Recommendation: start with live/in-person sessions, then smoothly transition to online.

2) Before You Start — Quick Checklists

Equipment & Setup
✅ Stable internet connection (min. 10 Mbps)
✅ Therapist’s laptop/PC with mouse or touchpad
✅ Video platform with screen + sound sharing enabled (Meet/Zoom)
✅ Child’s headphones + camera on
✅ Quiet room with good lighting
✅ Meeting link sent in advance with short instructions

Child’s Environment
✅ “Safe spot” – table/desk, chair, no distractions
✅ Glass of water, small fidget toy if needed
✅ Parent available for technical support — decision between therapist & parent whether to stay in or outside the room (best if not listening closely, so the child feels free)

Consent & Privacy
✅ Consent for participation in online sessions (GDPR/RODO compliant)
✅ No recording by child/parent/therapist unless agreed in writing
✅ Clear stop rule (e.g. using the word “STOP” for breaks or leaving the session)

Parent Updates After a Session

It can be very helpful to send parents a short summary after each session. A few sentences about the theme you explored, how the child engaged, and a small takeaway or practice for the week keeps families informed and strengthens the home–therapy connection.

Parent-Friendly Summary

Consider sharing a simple description of how online sessions work. Parents should know that the therapist runs the game by sharing their screen, plays as a character, and interacts with the child in real time. It’s recommended that parents stay nearby for support, but not actively listen in, so the child feels more open. Headphones and the camera on help with focus and comfort. Families should also understand that in-person sessions are the best starting point, with online meetings introduced gradually.

Mini Instructions to Send With the Meeting Link

When sending the meeting link, include a short checklist for preparation, such as:

• Quiet spot with a table/desk and no distractions
• Laptop or computer (not a phone), with camera and microphone on
• Headphones (recommended)
• Glass of water and a small fidget toy if useful
• Parent available for technical help, but allowing the child to interact freely
• Join 5 minutes early to test sound and video

DISCLAIMER

Hey Feelings provides digital and physical tools to support emotional education and therapy. These materials are not a substitute for professional judgment. All online or in-person sessions using Hey Feelings must be facilitated by a qualified therapist, educator, or other licensed professional. Responsibility for the safety, appropriateness, and outcomes of each session lies entirely with the professional conducting it. Hey Feelings and its creators are not liable for any therapeutic decisions, diagnoses, or interventions made while using the platform or associated materials.

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Beyond the Basics: Fine-Tuning Your Game Control

You've got the core game flow down: rolling the die, guiding pawn movement, seeing diamonds collected, and discussing Question Cards. Now, let's explore some platform features that give you even greater control and flexibility:

Quick Recap: Core Gameplay Loop

Just to refresh, the basic cycle is:

1. A child from the "active group" rolls the die.
2. The “Turn Leader” decides how to move their pawn (Filly or Dilly), aiming to land on or pass directly over an Emotion Diamond.
3. Click on a diamond to collect it.
4. Question Card automatically appears.
5. "Turn Leader" and/or the group discusses the card, and then the turn passes.

Precision Tool: Manual Diamond Adjustment

Sometimes, a click might be missed, or a diamond might be awarded when it shouldn't have been. Don't worry! The on-screen diamond counters for Filly's Group and Dilly's Group are interactive.

• How to Use: Simply hover your mouse cursor directly over your group's diamond total displayed on the game screen. You'll see small "+" (plus) and "-" (minus) icons appear next to the number.
• Purpose: Clicking these icons allows you to manually add or subtract a diamond from a group's score. This is a handy tool for making quick corrections and ensuring the on-screen score accurately reflects the gameplay.

Key Element: The Hey Feelings Cards

Within each Emotion World, you'll discover a set of fun and engaging cards. These feature a mix of playful activities and thoughtful questions, all designed to effortlessly impart key SEL knowledge. Dive deeper into the complete card collection under the Emotion Books.

Before a session where you plan to explore a new Emotion World, take a few minutes and go over all Question Cards. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the range of topics and discussion prompts for that specific world. It can help you anticipate potential conversations and even prepare some of your own insightful follow-up questions to deepen the learning.

The Game Changer: Understanding and Using Booster Cards

One of the most exciting elements of Hey Feelings is the Booster Card feature! These are an automatic surprise that activates whenever a "1" is rolled on the die. If you have Hey Feelings Plush Die, there will be a cat & dog symbol isntead of "1"

Instead of a "1" being a low or disappointing roll, it transforms into a fun "superpower" or positive event for the group! Examples include:

• Double Move: Roll the dice two times
• Triple Up: Roll the dice three times
• Freeze: Freeze the other group for one round
• Swap: Swap the pawns with the other group if you like
• Diamond Magnet: You’re magnetized. Pull in a nearby Diamond!
• Mega Jump: Jump one spot ahead of the other group
• Time Machine: The other group moves back to their previous spot
• Teleport: Move to anywhere except spots with Diamonds

Your Role: When a Booster Card appears on screen, read its text aloud with enthusiasm! Help the group understand its effect and how to apply it during their current turn. This adds a wonderful element of surprise and fun.

The Hidden Helper: Accessing the In-Game Side Menu

There's a useful menu tucked away for quick access to card information To access it, gently hover your mouse cursor over the far-left edge of the main game screen. A side menu will slide out from the left.

Key Features of the Side Menu:

• Manually Select Question Card: This option empowers you to intentionally choose and display any single Question Card from the current Emotion World. Instead of relying on the game's progression, you can handpick a specific card to guide the discussion, revisit an important point, address an immediate group need, or ensure a particular theme is explored.
• View Booster Card Options: This lets you see a list or description of the possible Booster Cards that can appear in the game. This is primarily for your reference, so you understand the range of "superpowers" that might pop up.

Elevating Your Facilitation: Sparking Deeper Emotional Learning

The Question Cards are fantastic starting points, but your facilitation is what truly unlocks deep learning. Here’s how to take your discussions to the next level:

Beyond the Card: Asking Probing & Extending Questions

Don't feel limited by the exact text on the Question Card. Use it as a springboard for richer dialogue:

• "That's what the card asks... but what do you think might happen after that character does that?"
• "Can you think of a time in a book you've read, or a movie you've seen, when a character might have felt this way?"
• "If you could give that character in the story some friendly advice right now, what would it be?"

Fostering Elaboration & Critical Thinking

Encourage children to expand on their initial responses:

• "That's an interesting point! Can you tell me a little more about why you chose that answer?"
• "What makes that feeling feel strong for you, or maybe just a little bit strong?"
• "Are there different kinds of [the emotion being discussed, e.g., 'scared']? Can you describe one?"

Active Listening & Validation – Creating True Emotional Safety

Your responses model kids' emotional intelligence. Reiterate the importance of being non-judgmental: "Thank you for sharing that, Matthew. It's brave to talk about our feelings."

Show empathy in your replies: "It sounds like that was a really frustrating situation for you when that happened," or "I can understand why that would make you feel excited!"

Connecting to Real Life With Care and Respect

Help children see how the emotions and scenarios in the game relate to their own lives, always ensuring a pressure-free environment. Ask questions like "Has anything a bit like that ever happened to you, or perhaps to someone you know?"

Important Note: Always respect a child's choice not to share personal details. Create an atmosphere where sharing is invited but never forced. Prioritize their comfort and emotional safety above all.

Tips for Smooth & Fun Group Sessions

A lively Hey Feelings session means active group play! Here are some tips to keep group play flowing.

🤝 One Group Play – Co-operation Mode

For younger children, you can switch from two competing groups to One Big Team. Instead of splitting into Filly’s group and Dilly’s group, the whole group plays together.

• Kids take turns rolling the dice, then decide together which character (Filly the Cat or Dilly the Dog) should move on the on-screen board.
• The goal here is free exploration of the Emotion Worlds rather than competition between two groups. Both characters collect Emotion Diamonds, but since they represent the same team, everyone celebrates each move.
• This mode encourages collaboration, shared decision-making, and joyful discovery — perfect for younger kids who benefit more from cooperation than rivalry.

👉 Coming soon: age-differentiated Question Cards, so therapist can choose simpler prompts for 4–5-year-olds and more advanced ones for 6–7-year-olds.

👥 Ensuring Equitable Participation & Every Voice is Heard:

Strategic Questioning: After a more vocal child shares, you might gently say, "That's a great point! Mike, I wonder what your thoughts are on this?"

Informal Group Roles: You could subtly encourage different children to be the "lead spokesperson" for their group's answer on different turns, helping everyone get a chance to articulate the group's ideas.

💬 Navigating Disagreements & Fostering Collaboration Within Groups:

Sometimes groups will have different ideas about how to move their pawn or answer a question. This is a learning opportunity! "Okay, it sounds like Filly's group has two interesting ideas here. How can you decide together which one you'd like to try first for your move?" Frame these moments not as conflicts, but as chances to practice communication and problem-solving.

⏱️ Maintaining Engaging Pace & Flow:

Be mindful of the time spent on each Question Card. If the discussion is rich and productive, allow it to flourish. If it's stalling or going off-topic, gently guide it back or decide it's time to move to the next turn.

Your own energy and enthusiasm are contagious! They play a big part in keeping the session dynamic and enjoyable for everyone.

The Emotion Books: Creative & Reflective SEL Journal

The Emotion Book (whether you're using the premium Printed Books or the flexible Printable PDF Pages from the Academy Platform) is much more than just a place to track game progress. Its true power lies in its ability to:

1. Extend and Personalize Learning: Activities within the book allow children to reflect on the emotions explored in the game in a more individual way.
2. Facilitate Personal Reflection: Prompts and activities encourage children to think more deeply about their own feelings and experiences.
3. Offer Creative Outlets: Coloring pages and other extra materials provide a calming way for children to visually process and express their understanding of emotions.

Quick Recap of Your Two Format Options:

Printable PDF Workbook Pages: You download lesson-specific PDF pages from the Hey Feelings Academy Platform for each activity (e.g., you'll download and print the "Spookyland World - Opening Story" for one session, and the "Fear World - Little Microphones" for another). With this option, there are no physical stickers, diamond collection is tracked on-screen, and rewards are verbal.

Purchased Printed Workbooks: A child has their own comprehensive workbook. It includes all activity pages for every Emotion World, plus integrated Emotion Diamond sticker sheets. Children apply stickers from their own book when their group collects a diamond in the game.

Expanding Each Emotion World with Emotion Book Activities

Here’s a typical flow, integrating Emotion Book components:

Lesson 1 - Playing the Game

Introduction & Core Gameplay, typically for a New Emotion World Unit. Immerse children in the theme of the new Emotion World and have an engaging initial game experience.

Activities:

• Read the Opening Story for the current Emotion World (this can be read from the platform, or children can follow along if they have the physical Emotion Books).
• Play the short Mood-Setting Video Clip from the platform.
• Conduct a Main Hey Feelings Game Session (refer to Articles 2 & 3 for detailed gameplay guidance).

Emotion Book Integration:

• Purchased Printed Workbooks: Children should turn to the section for the new Emotion World. As their group collects Emotion Diamonds during the game, each child in that successful group takes a corresponding sticker from their own sticker sheet and places it in their book.
• Printable PDF Workbook Pages: Not needed. Focus is on the digital gameplay and on-screen diamond tracking.

Additional Activities: Coloring Pages and others

Allow children to visually process the emotion, engage in a calming reflective activity, and reinforce the themes of the current Emotion World.

• Distribute the Coloring Pages designed for the current Emotion World. These will be pages in their printed Emotion Book, or specific PDF pages you've downloaded and printed from the platform's resource section for that World.
• Facilitate During Coloring: As they work, circulate and encourage quiet conversation. You might ask: "What do you see in this picture that reminds you of our [Current Emotion] World?" "What colors are you choosing for that part, and why?" "How does this picture make you feel?"
• Optional Follow-up: You could follow this with a very short (5-10 minute) game session for the same Emotion World, focusing on just a few Diamond questions, or have a brief group share where children can show their finished coloring pages if they wish.

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