🎁 DIY Montessori Wooden Feelings Flashcards Tutorial for Autism & ADHD | Personalised | Christmas Edition

This hands-on tutorial from 101Autism.com will guide you step by step in creating your own set of Montessori-inspired emotions and feelings flashcards. Thoughtfully designed for all children, these cards offer special support for kids on the autism spectrum and with ADHD. We’ll be making them on beautiful, durable wooden tiles—perfect for sensory-friendly play, emotional learning, and a meaningful holiday gift.

🌟 Why These Flashcards Are So Effective:

✅ Montessori Inspired

1. Focuses on clarity, structure, and child-led exploration.

✅ Autism & ADHD Friendly

1. Minimalist design reduces distractions.
2. Wooden texture offers soothing, tactile engagement.
3. Emotion faces are clear and exaggerated for easy recognition.

✅ Personalised for Your Child

1. Choose which emotions to include.
2. You can even use familiar faces (though this tutorial uses general illustrations).

✅ Durable & Tactile

1. Wooden cards are long-lasting and sturdy—perfect for little hands.
2. The sensory feel of wood adds a calming element to learning.

✅ Thoughtful Gift Idea

1. Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
2. A handmade gift that supports emotional growth.
3. 🔗 Don’t forget to pair your physical cards with our free Interactive Emotions & Feelings Flashcards Tool to reinforce learning in a fun, self-paced way.

1. 10–15 small wooden tiles (approx. 3” x 3”) – smooth and unfinished
2. Non-toxic acrylic paint or wood markers (assorted colors)
3. Paintbrushes
4. Printable emoji/emotion faces or custom photos of your child
5. Mod Podge or wood glue
6. Scissors
7. Sandpaper (optional)
8. Permanent marker or wood burner tool (for names/labels)
9. Optional: Clear sealant spray for durability
10. Optional: Cotton bag or box for storage

Gently sand any rough edges from the wooden tiles. Wipe clean.

Paint each tile in calming colors—blue for calm, red for angry, yellow for happy, etc. Let dry.

Print or draw cartoon-style faces showing core emotions:

1. Happy
2. Sad
3. Angry
4. Excited
5. Confused
6. Proud
7. Scared
8. Calm
9. Silly
10. Embarrassed

TIP: For autistic or ADHD kids, use clear and exaggerated expressions. Optionally, use your child’s photos for a personalized touch.

Cut out the images neatly and glue them to the center of each tile using Mod Podge or wood glue. Let it set.

Write the emotion name clearly at the bottom using a permanent marker or wood-burning tool.

Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the surface or spray with a child-safe sealant. Let dry completely.

Write your child’s name on the back of each tile or the storage pouch. Add a Christmas ribbon for gifting.

Put the finished cards in a bag or wooden box. Add a holiday tag—“Made with Love for [Child's Name]”.

These DIY wooden flashcards aren’t just a creative activity—they’re a pathway to emotional connection. For children with autism or ADHD, identifying and expressing emotions can be a daily challenge. These tactile, Montessori-inspired cards offer a gentle, hands-on way to practice emotional recognition in a safe, playful setting.

And the learning doesn’t stop there.

🧠 Pair your handmade cards with our Interactive Emotions and Feelings Flashcards—a free online tool developed by 101Autism.com. It features clear emoji-style faces, spoken emotion names, and a self-paced “Next Emotion” button to reinforce auditory and visual learning.

Together, these tools help children:

1. Identify facial expressions
2. Build emotional vocabulary
3. Recognize feelings in themselves and others
4. Learn through consistent repetition and play

📖 Try the interactive tool and read the full guide at 101Autism.com