Unpacking Worries is a beautifully designed, ready-to-use teaching guide inspired by The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside. It helps children explore emotions, understand what worries are, and learn simple, creative strategies to manage them.
Developed by Primary Links, this 4-lesson guide blends story, creativity, and therapeutic play principles to nurture self-awareness and calm in the classroom. Each lesson includes:
✨ Clear learning intentions and SPHE/Wellbeing objectives
✨ Playful warm-ups and calming cool-downs
✨ Story-based discussions to build emotional literacy
✨ Creative 2D and 3D activity options
✨ Affirmations and reflection prompts
✨ Classroom display ideas
Grounded in Dr. Sue Jennings’ Embodiment–Projection–Role (EPR) model, this resource invites children to express and release emotions safely through body-based play, imaginative art, and shared storytelling.
Perfect for:
🩵 Class teachers (1st–4th Class, adaptable for older pupils)
💛 SETs supporting emotional regulation
💬 Whole-class wellbeing lessons or small group interventions
If a child in your care is struggling with worries, why not explore it together as a class? This shared experience fosters empathy, understanding, and belonging, key foundations for wellbeing.