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Backpack of Events – Wellbeing & PSHE Resource

This resource uses the simple and powerful analogy of a backpack to help children explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences they carry with them each day. Some things feel light and easy to let go of, while others feel heavy and harder to put down. Through discussion, reflection, and practical strategies, pupils learn how to notice what’s in their backpack and find ways to “lighten the load.”

What’s included:

• Introduction and teacher notes
• Examples to suggest to pupils
• Visual analogy page: The Backpack of Events
• Circle time prompts and talking tokens
• Worksheet activity sheet 1: What’s in Your Backpack? (draw/write worries as pebbles)
• Worksheet activity sheet 2: Lightening the Load (bin, backpack and list for letting go or asking for help)
• Movement break: Shake Off the Weight
• Breathing technique: Belly Breathing
• Poster text: How Can You Lighten the Load Today?
• RSE/PSHE curriculum links for KS1 and KS2
• Links to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing

Key themes:

• Understanding and naming feelings
• Talking about worries and experiences
• Learning strategies for letting go of stress
• Building emotional awareness and coping skills

This resource is ideal for PSHE lessons, circle time, nurture groups, and wellbeing interventions.

RSE/PSHE Curriculum Links
Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7)

Recognise and name a range of feelings in themselves and others.

Talk about things that make them happy, sad, worried, or cross.

Understand that it is normal to feel different things at different times.

Learn and practise simple strategies for managing feelings.

Identify who they can talk to if something is worrying them.

Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11)

Recognise and talk about a wider range of feelings and emotions.

Understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Learn and use strategies to manage difficult emotions.

Understand that pressure, worries, and stress can affect wellbeing.

Explore ways to ask for help and identify who can support them.

Develop coping strategies for managing change, challenge, or setbacks.

5 Ways to Wellbeing

This pack also links with the evidence-based 5 Ways to Wellbeing:

Connect – talking about what we are carrying and asking for support.

Be Active – using movement breaks to release tension.

Take Notice – noticing how thoughts and feelings add weight to the backpack.

Keep Learning – developing new strategies for managing worries.

Give – listening to and supporting others to help lighten their load.