Building Emotional Awareness with LEGO Mood Cubes
I recently spent an evening building the LEGO® Disney Inside Out 2 Mood Cubes set, and it was more than just a fun project—it sparked an idea for my office. The set, inspired by the themes of the two Inside Out movies, is designed to help kids (and, yes, adults!) express their emotions through creative play. As I assembled the cubes, I realized how perfectly this set could help foster emotional awareness in my students.
I’ve set up the mood cubes in my office, and now I’m inviting students to stop by and use them to share their emotions. It’s simple: pick a mood plate that matches how you’re feeling and set it on the display stand. Whether it’s Joy, Anxiety, or something in between, this activity offers a quick and low-pressure way to check in with yourself.
Emotional awareness plays a huge role in academic success. Acknowledging how we feel—whether it’s Joy when mastering a tough concept or Anxiety before an exam—can help us manage our responses and perform better.
Here's how the Inside Out emotions connect to law school and bar prep:
Joy: Celebrate every success, no matter how small.
Anger: Channel frustration into productive energy.
Disgust: Set boundaries and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Sadness: Reflect on challenges and learn from them.
Fear: Approach uncertainty with preparation and courage.
Anxiety: Recognize the nerves as motivation to act.
Embarrassment: Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.
Envy: Focus on personal growth rather than comparison.
Ennui: Reignite motivation during periods of boredom or dissatisfaction.
The Inside Out movies remind us that every emotion—positive or negative—has value and plays a role in shaping our experiences. The LEGO mood cubes offer a tangible way to reflect on and express those feelings.
Whether you’re preparing for the bar exam, dealing with the pressures of law school, or just having a rough day, emotions matter. I hope this activity sparks meaningful conversations about mental and emotional health.
