The Spark Squad: A Creative Group for Real-World Emotions

Written By Ryan Fontaine

We’ve been hearing it loud and clear from parents lately: kids have big feelings... and not always the tools to handle them (unless catching an attitude or slamming a door counts as emotional processing). The owner of Eden Wellness knows this firsthand—her 7-year-old has gotten pretty good at naming her emotions.

Actual quote: “I was feeling mad and couldn’t answer you because my words would’ve come out mad.” (Honestly? Fair enough. Solid emotional insight for a 7-year-old.)

But learning to name emotions is just the beginning. Regulating them in the moment? That’s still a work in progress—in her house and in just about every house we know.

That’s exactly why we created The Spark Squad—a virtual group for 1st–3rd graders to move, make, and process their feelings in fun, hands-on ways. Honestly, it’s as much for the kids as it is for the grown-ups who love them. (Because let’s be real: sometimes we’re the ones who need a break from the emotional rollercoaster.)

Also? The owner's daughter lobbied hard for this group. She came up with a list of reasons we had to offer one for her age group. She made her case, and we couldn’t argue. So here we are.

🖍️ So, what is The Spark Squad?

It’s a weekly drop-in group for 1st–3rd graders, led by experienced child therapists who love working with kids and know how to turn emotional learning into play. It’s not therapy in the traditional sense—it’s more like guided creative time with emotional skill-building baked in.

Child painting seen from behind

Each session is built around a creative theme that helps kids express themselves and feel seen. One week they might design their own superhero alter egos. Another week, they’ll explore their “inside weather,” build feelings collages, or create story creatures with silly names and strong emotions.

We use art, movement, imagination, and storytelling to help kids explore what’s going on inside, without pressure or expectations. The goal isn’t to fix anything—it’s to give kids tools they can actually use in the moment, and to help them feel less alone in whatever they’re feeling.

💬 Why It Matters

At this age, kids are just starting to figure out what emotions mean—and how to express them without melting down in the middle of Target. But they don’t always have the language, or the confidence, to explain what they’re going through. That’s where The Spark Squad comes in.

Instead of forcing uncomfortable conversations or sitting through worksheets, kids get to explore feelings in a way that makes sense to them: through movement, colors, stories, and imagination. It’s engaging, accessible, and most of all—fun. Because when kids are having fun, they’re more open to learning and connection.

And since it’s all virtual, they can join from anywhere. Whether they’re curled up on the couch, hanging out at the kitchen table, or still in their pajamas with a granola bar in one hand and a marker in the other—it works. And for the parents? No carpooling, no snacks to pack, and no rushing across town for a 60-minute group. Win-win.

🎨 The Basics

  • Who it’s for: 1st–3rd graders

  • When: Thursdays · 2–3 PM (live on Google Hangouts)

  • Cost: $10 per session

  • Led by: A child therapist from the Eden Wellness team

  • What to bring: Paper, markers, crayons—whatever they have around the house

It’s drop-in style, no long-term commitment required. Kids can come once or every week—whatever works for your family.

✨ What We Hope

That kids leave each session feeling proud of what they made, more confident in how they feel, and more connected to themselves and others. That they learn something new about how to care for their emotions. That they know there’s nothing “too big” or “too much” about them—and that their feelings matter.

Because when kids feel safe enough to be themselves, everything starts to shift.

Curious? Want to give it a try? Visit us at edenwellnesscounseling.com/gather-at-eden

We’d love to see your kiddo in the Squad. 💛

Ryan Fontaine