How can I help my primary school class share their worries or concerns?

The worry monster activity

"Hi there,

When I speak to teachers around the country, I often get asked for techniques which teachers can use to help the children manage their worries or concerns.  A really quick and simple technique is the worry monster!  

This is a great way for children to communicate their worries and is a popular activity that’s often used by teachers to monitor worries, concerns and anxieties that children may be experiencing.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Get an empty shoebox and cut a 1 to 2 inch wide slot in the lid.
  2. Decorate it however you want.
  3. Anytime your children have a worry, they can write it down on a piece of paper and put it into the worry monster.
  4. Stick the poem (you'll find in in the download below) on the wall near the worry monster for children to say as they post a worry.
  5. You (their class teacher) can read the worries and then address concerns individually or as a collective.  You might want to then discuss the general matter as a group if it’s a recurring concern, like exams.  Some children will need more additional support if they have raised issues like bullying, friendships, homelife or school work.  

The poem goes like this:

Worry Monster please eat my worry,

Gobble it up quick I’m in a hurry,

Chew it up and take it away,

So I can be happy for the rest of the day!

Scroll down to find a short video explaining the activity and a download with the instructions and a copy of the poem.  

I hope you have fun with this one!

Imogen  :-) "

Watch the short video to quickly understand how this technique will really help your students manage anxiety and worries they may have.  

 

You can also download the instructions and the poem to use with your class below.

>>Click here to download instructions for the Worry Monster<<

Like this and want even more?

Set up your FREE imoves wellbeing account, and get access to even more health and mental wellbeing resources with complimentary full access for 14 days, and a selection of our best lessons permanently!


No contract. No commitment. 100% risk free.

>Create your free wellbeing access here<

Our latest reviews...