Meet Ark Valley’s Energy Friends!

We use the Energy Friends to help children name, notice, and navigate their feelings and energy levels. Each friend represents a different state of energy—from stormy and overwhelmed to calm and ready. These visuals give children the words and tools they need to recognize what’s happening in their bodies and choose healthy strategies.

How We Use Energy Friends at AVP

  • Daily Check-Ins: Children use the chart each day to “show” how they’re feeling. This builds self-awareness and normalizes all emotions.

  • Transitions & Routines: Teachers refer to Energy Friends when helping children settle after big play, move into circle time, or prepare for rest.

  • Problem-Solving: Instead of correcting the behavior, teachers can guide children to notice their energy: “It looks like you’re feeling like Flash right now. What could help your body settle?”

Meet the Energy Friends

Sunny

Twinkle

Flash

Stormy

  • Shining Sun - Calm & Ready

    “My body feels steady, calm, and clear. I can think, make good choices, and be a kind friend. This is when I am ready to play, learn, and help others.”

    Ready to play and learn.

  • Twinkling (Wiggling) Star - Playful Energy

    “My body feels full of energy and wiggles. I might feel silly, restless, or a little frustrated. This is when I can use a strategy—like breathing, moving, or asking for help—to stay steady and kind.”

    Breathe, move, ask for help.

  • Lightning - Rushed Energy

    “My body feels super speedy, like it can’t slow down. I might feel jumpy, anxious, or on edge. This is when I can take a break, stretch, or use a calming tool to bring my body back to balance.”

    Stretch, shake, breathe.

  • Storm Cloud - Overwhelmed

    “My body has BIG feelings, and my brain feels cloudy. I might want to yell, stomp, or react fast. This is the time to pause, take a breath, and give my body space to calm before I choose what to do.”

    Pause, breathe, choose.

How Families Can Use Energy Friends at Home

  • Morning/Evening Ritual: Start or end the day by asking, “Which Energy Friend are you today?”

  • Support Big Feelings: When tantrums or big energy moments happen, point to the chart together and choose a strategy (stretch, shake, breathe).

  • Celebrate Calm: Notice and name when your child is a Shining Sun—ready to play, learn, and be kind.

  • Family Language: Use consistent words between home and school so children feel supported in both spaces.

Energy Friends live in every AVP classroom—on posters, in stories, and in children’s daily conversations. Families are encouraged to use them at home too. Together, we’re giving children the tools to recognize their feelings and build lifelong emotional intelligence.