Kimochis Foundations for Early Childhood

(In-person course on 20 January 2026 - 9am to 3:30pm)

Course Description

Kimochis® Foundations for Early Childhood training is tailored for understanding and implementing the key concepts of Kimochis® in the context of 3-6 year olds. It includes practical activities, and role plays to help participants get a feel for using Kimochis® in a practical way. 

Course Overview

Join us for a fun and interactive training session designed to help early childhood educators use Kimochis® to support children’s social and emotional learning. Discover how each Kimochis® character and the Keys to Communication™ can help children explore feelings, build self-awareness, and develop positive relationships. You’ll learn practical ways to use the feelings pillows for emotion coaching, introduce Kotowazas (wise sayings), and embed Kimochis® into daily routines, play areas, and activities. The workshop also includes games and strategies you can use immediately to foster empathy, communication, and positive behaviour in young children.

 Before you click the "Enrol" button

Make sure you only enrol up for the course if you can attend, as we have limited spots!

If you have decided to participate, but something
unforeseeable happens, try to notify us a week in advance if possible by email (hello@kimochisaustralia.com.au)

 Don't forget to reserve your spot :

Topics

6.5 Hours

Comprehensive Exploration

  • 4 Topics
  • 1 Course Evaluation
  • 1 Certification

Topic 1

Emotion coaching

Topic 2

Communication keys

Topic 3

Practical feeling activities

Topic 4

Kimochis characters (Cloud, Bug, Hugs, Cat, Lovey Dove, Hero)

Lisa Hughes

Angela Niejalke

Key Learning Outcomes 

Understand emotion coaching and how to respond to a child who is experiencing big feelings.

Learn how to introduce and use Kimochis characters.

Learn how to use feeling pillows to support children with their own feelings and communication.

Meet the instructor

Lisa Hughes

Hi, I’m Lisa Hughes and I love helping educators, therapists, pastoral care workers and families to empower children and families to express and manage their feelings using Kimochis. Having worked in primary and high schools, vocational training and community education settings, I enjoy connecting with people through stories, practical activities and group discussion to build our toolbox and encourage one another. 

Angela Niejalke

Hi, I'm Angela Niejalke. I enjoy supporting children, adults and families to navigate the myriad of life's challenges.  I love working with Kimochis to help children (and adults) learn to express their feelings and navigate social situations.

With a background in law, mediation, and counseling, as well as lived experience of disability, I appreciate the multitude of issues that are faced in society and the emotional upheavals that these experiences can bring.  My current employment roles enable me to equip and empower children and families to articulate and navigate life's social and emotional experiences.