The little Wusel story
One face on Flauschi’s cardboard circle looked happy, one sad and one rather angry. The fourth had its mouth open with excitement. Puschel studied them. Puschel“That last one looks as though it has just spotted an enormous pancake.”
Flauschi“To me it looks excited,” Flauschi said. Flauschi“What do you see?” Puschel considered it. Puschel“Excited fits too. A bit like just before a surprise.”
Together they coloured the sections. Flauschi chose her colours; Puschel picked different ones for a second sketch. Puschel“Does angry have to be red?” he asked. Flauschi“On your wheel, it can be any colour,” Flauschi replied.
Once the card pointer was ready, Flauschi carefully attached it with the little paper fastener. Flauschi checked that it moved easily. Puschel slid it towards happiness. Then he paused.
Puschel“I am happy. But I’m excited as well, because I want to show my picture later.” He looked from one section to another. Flauschi laid a little paper marker beside the second face. Flauschi“Then two can fit today.”
Puschel thought for a moment. Puschel“And if I don’t know which one fits?” Flauschi opened a blank card. Flauschi“You can say that. Or leave the wheel alone.”
They sat quietly for a while. Puschel looked at the laughing drawing. Puschel“This face looks especially happy. But it doesn’t have to stay that way all day.” Flauschi nodded. Flauschi“We can look again later, if we want to.”
Puschel moved the pointer back to happiness. Puschel“Right now, I’m mostly looking forward to a pancake.” Flauschi laughed. Flauschi“We’ve only drawn one today.” Puschel“Then I’m also just a little surprised,” Puschel said.
What you need
- sturdy pale card, about A4 size, and optionally the free circle template
- a plate about 18 cm across to draw around, or a ready-cut card circle
- coloured pencils or pens and children’s scissors
- a broad pointer about 6 cm long, cut from sturdy card
- optionally a split-pin paper fastener, fitted by an adult only
- a small piece of firm tape to cover fastener ends, plus a blank card or large paper marker
How it works
- Draw an 18 cm circle on sturdy card. An adult helps cut it out. Divide it into four sections with two lines.
- Draw a recognisable face in each section. You could choose happiness, sadness, anger and excitement, or other feelings that matter to you. Choose any colours.
- Cut a broad pointer about 6 cm long from card. Its tip will point into the sections and its back end will sit over the circle’s centre.
- For a rotating pointer, an adult makes suitable holes in the centre and the pointer’s back end on a protected surface, inserts the fastener and spreads its ends flat behind the circle. Leave enough room for the pointer to turn.
- An adult covers the metal ends with firm tape and checks for scratching, loose parts or blocked movement. Without a fastener, lay the pointer on the wheel or point with your finger.
- You may choose one face, mark several with paper pieces, draw another or use the blank card for “I don’t know right now”. You do not have to choose or explain anything.
- If you would like to talk, ask something like “Would you like to tell me about it?” Do not guess against someone’s wishes or judge a feeling as wrong.
Adult help: Adults make all holes and fit the metal fastener. It has small, potentially sharp parts and must be kept away from children under three. Check covered ends before each use; if damaged, use the version without a fastener. The wheel is an optional conversation idea, not a test or a way to guess other people’s feelings.
One more idea
- No colour means the same feeling for everyone.
- If you do not want to draw, you can use words or shapes, or simply watch.
Your circle and pointer template
Blank circle with four sections and a separate pointer. Choose your own faces and colours.
Preview the printable
To print, open in a new tab and choose Print in your browser. For the circle template use A4 portrait, actual size / 100%.