Wild Sprouts: Movement Cards for Big Feelings
Playful Tools for Emotional Regulation at Home and in the Classroom
When Words Can't Reach Big Feelings...
We’ve all been there.
Your child is overwhelmed.
Your students are caught in a wave of big emotions. You offer comfort… try to reason… but nothing seems to land.
That’s because when emotions run high, the thinking brain goes offline — and the body takes over. In those moments, what kids need isn’t more words.
They need movement.
A New Way to Help Kids Regulate
Wild Sprouts is a playful deck of animal-inspired movement cards that helps kids move through big feelings with ease, joy, and connection.
Each beautifully illustrated card offers a body-based practice inspired by how animals naturally reset their nervous systems — giving kids (and grown-ups!) tools to:
Release built-up energy
Calm their nervous system
Reconnect with their bodies
Build emotional resilience.,
From Butterfly Hugs to Puppy Shakes, Elephant Stomps to Gorilla Taps — each movement channels emotion through the body in a way that feels fun and safe.
These aren’t just cute movements — they’re science-backed tools to help kids return to balance, one wiggle, stretch, or shake at a time.
Why Movement Works (When Words Don't)
We often try to talk kids through big emotions — but feelings live in the body, not just the brain.
Research shows that an emotion lasts about 90 seconds — unless it gets stuck. Without a way to release that energy, it can build and overwhelm.
Movement gives emotions somewhere to go.
Wild Sprouts helps kids:
✔ Notice how they feel
✔ Choose a supportive movement
✔ Move through emotions in their body
✔ Return to a balanced state
A look inside
Wild Sprouts…
A set of 12 double-sided animal movement cards, designed for daily use — at home, in the classroom, or on the go.
Front of Each Card:
A simple, animal-inspired movement
A playful prompt that brings the animal to life through movement
Back of Each Card:
Color-coded emotions linked to the Zones of Regulation
A tip to deepen the practice
A benefit explaining how the movement supports regulation
BONUS: Access to the Wild Sprouts Resource Hub with ideas for home and classroom use, detailed explanations, and tips for supporting big emotions.
Zones of Regulation
For Every Emotion & Every Moment
Big feelings come in all forms — tiredness, anxiety, silliness, joy, meltdowns.
Wild Sprouts offers playful, movement-based support for whatever your child is feeling.
Each card is color-coded to align with the Zones of Regulation, helping kids recognize their emotions and choose what supports them — or simply move in a way that feels good.
Because Wild Sprouts isn’t about “fixing” emotions —
It’s about making space for them.
At Home
Morning and bedtime routines
Transitions between activities
Family connection time
In the Classroom:
Circle time and transitions
Calm corners or sensory spaces
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and emotional support
What Parents and Teachers Are Saying
Here’s what a mama of two (ages 3 and 5) shared about Wild Sprouts:
"I absolutely love the Wild Sprouts cards. My girls have really enjoyed using them, and their favorite animal and movement is the Puppy Shake. It's so fun to see it become something they naturally lean on... These cards have been such a helpful tool in our household."
— ECFE Early Childhood Teacher, Anoka-Hennepin School District
"The Wild Sprouts cards have been an amazing tool in my Early Childhood Family Education classroom. They exceed my expectations — using recognizable animals, quick and easy movements, and clear explanations of how the movement helps your body. A wonderful learning tool for children, parents, and teachers!"
Weave Emotional Regulation Into Your Day
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Use “Owl Flight” to wind down for bedtime or quiet time
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Try a “Tiger Roar” to release built-up energy during a transition
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Reset after big emotions with “Puppy Shake”
Even just 10-30 seconds of these simple movements can help kids (and grown-ups!) feel more balanced, centered, and connected throughout the day.
It Supports You Too, Not Just Your Child
Whether you're parenting, teaching, or caregiving — your regulation sets the tone.
You’re the steady presence kids anchor to.
That’s why Wild Sprouts isn’t just for little ones — it’s for you, too!
It gives you permission to pause, move, and breathe — so you can respond, not react.
Why Parents & Teachers Love Wild Sprouts
It's simple — Easy to use, even in tough moments
It's fun — Kids actually enjoy these movements
It’s effective — Supports the nervous system through body-based practices
It’s connecting — Builds trust and co-regulation
It’s lasting — Builds emotional resilience over time
FAQs on Emotional Regulation for Kids
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Wild Sprouts is perfect for kids of all ages! The simple, animal-inspired movements are easy enough for toddlers to jump right in, while older kids can begin to explore the connection between their emotions and their body.
I started introducing some of these movements when my son was just 16 months old, and it’s been incredible to see how quickly little ones can pick up on these playful movements.
And the best part? Grown-ups can join the fun too — making them ideal for families, caregivers, and educators alike.
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Somatics is all about tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you. Think about how animals naturally shake off stress or stretch to reset—our bodies have that same wisdom! With Wild Sprouts, kids learn to notice big feelings in their bodies and respond with simple, playful movements. These practices help them feel more grounded and give them tools to navigate overwhelming emotions. It’s like giving them their very own secret superpower to feel grounded, balanced, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.
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Big feelings are a natural part of growing up, but learning to manage them is a skill that lasts a lifetime. When kids can understand and navigate their emotions, they’re better equipped to handle stress, adapt to challenges, and build strong relationships. Wild Sprouts makes emotional regulation fun and engaging, turning tough moments into opportunities for growth. These playful practices help kids build resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to themselves.
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For Families:
It’s all about keeping it light and playful! Start by picking a card and trying out the movement together. You can use the cards proactively—like winding down before bedtime—or in the moment, when big emotions show up.When bringing these practices into daily life, encourage your child to explore each movement for even just 10–30 seconds. Finding small moments throughout the day and discovering movements that feel good to them can make it easier to tap into these tools when they need them most.
Think of it like building a habit—over time, these small, simple movements can become a comforting and natural way for your child to feel more grounded and in control.
For Educators:
Wild Sprouts can easily fit into a classroom or group setting, offering playful ways to help children manage energy and emotions. Here are some ideas:Circle Time Activity: Introduce a card during circle time or as part of your morning routine. Talk about the animal on the card—what sounds it makes, where it lives, and how it moves. Then, invite the children to mimic the movement together.
Card of the Week: Choose one card to focus on each week. Use it as a theme to explore the animal’s traits and movements. For example, with the "Tiger Roar" card, you might read a story about tigers, watch a short video about their behavior, and then practice the movement as a group.
Transitions: Use a card during transitions to help kids reset and refocus. For example, after outdoor play or before starting a quiet activity, try “Puppy Shake” to release energy and prepare for the next task.
Emotional Awareness: When big emotions arise, use the cards as tools to help children self-regulate. Model the movements, invite them to join in, and encourage them to notice how their bodies feel afterward.
Movement Breaks: Incorporate these playful practices into movement breaks throughout the day. Just a few seconds of intentional movement can make a big difference in helping kids feel balanced and ready to learn.
These ideas not only support emotional regulation but also bring an added layer of fun and connection to any group or classroom environment. Over time, kids will look forward to these moments of movement and self-discovery!
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Absolutely! Even a brief moment of movement can help children release tension, reset, and feel more connected to themselves. Wild Sprouts is designed to fit into real-life moments—whether you have a few seconds or a few minutes.
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All you need is a bit of space to move, your Wild Sprouts cards, and a phone or device to scan the QR code (optional). Each card has simple, easy-to-follow instructions, and the QR code links to a video so you can see exactly how it’s done. No extra tools, no stress—just fun, meaningful moments of movement and connection.
Get Your Wild Sprouts Deck Today
Whether you're supporting one child or an entire classroom, Wild Sprouts offers a playful, practical way to move through big emotions — together.
Let's help kids grow resilient — one wild, wonderful movement at a time.