MRMICT

@YouHueApp – X (formerly Twitter)

As we embark on a fresh year, you may be like me and feel more invigorated and brimming with new ideas and strategies to engage and support their students. But amidst the lessons and curriculum developments, it’s crucial to remember the emotional foundation of every classroom. Enter YouHue, an innovative app that I’ve talked about regularly that’s transforming the way we check in on our students’ emotional well-being across Key Stage 2, and I’m here to tell you why it’s been a game-changer in my class.

Forget about using loud and clunky lollipop sticks, charts and awkward displays.

YouHue offers a discreet and engaging way for students to express their emotions throughout the day. In a discussion with the children about the app and how it’s going in implementing it across school, the children said things like, “I like how it’s just between me and my teacher.” Or “before we had to put a peg on a board but everyone kept asking why I was sad which made me feel worse.” It aligns perfectly with the “Zones of Regulation” framework used in many schools, allowing students to check in, check up, and check out using familiar language like “Calm,” “Happy”and “Angry.”

While the app’s emoji palettes differ slightly from Zones of Regulation colors, the flexibility to adapt and personalize is fantastic. In my Upper Key Stage 2 class, the kids have wholeheartedly embraced YouHue. They love the colourful interface, simple check-in process, and even the playful emoji comments (think sunshine for happy or a raincloud for sad).

But YouHue’s true power is in its data presentation and in its flagged posts. Imagine receiving an instant email notification the moment a student uses a keyword like “hurt,” “sick,” or “hungry.” This early warning system empowers you to prioritize urgent needs and ensure every student feels supported. What’s more, your Teaching Assistant or pastoral support team can have their own account, meaning they have eyes on the children’s feelings and a watchful eye is always present, as we know that with best intentions each child in our class has 1/30th of our attention, and as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.

YouHue isn’t just about quick fixes; it also provides valuable resources and guides. From understanding emotions to implementing effective interventions, the platform offers a holistic approach to supporting student well-being. In a previous blog post I discussed one of the ways in which we put the insights it offers into practice by enhancing or PSHE curriculum.

YouHue’s insight section is a brilliant tool to track emotional trends within your classroom. Across a day, week, month or longer I can access key information. If a child is continually “sad” on a Monday I could start building parts of the picture. It could be that a child finds break and lunchtime time difficult but is unable to really communicate it during the time so can reflect better by typing into the app.

What’s more is the teacher or classroom practitioner can comment back, either offering advice or making time to discuss at a more discreet or convenient time.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, pastoral lead, or SEND coordinator, YouHue deserves a spot in your educational toolbox. With its 100-student free plan and GDPR compliant, it’s a win-win for everyone. Discreetly check in on vulnerable or key groups, foster open communication, and build a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

This New Year, let’s make emotional well-being a top priority. Ditch the old-fashioned methods and embrace the new YouHue: a simple, discreet, and incredibly effective way to support our students every step of the way.

As always feel free to get in touch or ask any questions. Find me on @MRMICT on X (formerly Twitter).

Karl