Noticing Worry in My Body; A gentle activity to support children in understandin

This resource has been designed to help children begin to recognise how worry can show up in their body.
For many children, feelings of anxiety are experienced physically before they can be put into words. Developing awareness of these body signals is an important first step in building emotional understanding and supporting regulation.
This activity provides a simple, structured way for children to notice, reflect on, and begin to make sense of these internal experiences.
 
🧠 What This Resource Supports
Awareness of body-based signs of anxiety
Emotional literacy and expression
Early identification of distress
Opportunities for co-regulation and support
Development of self-understanding over time
✏️ What’s Included
A brief, child-friendly explanation of worry and the body
A visual overview of common body signals
A body mapping activity for children to explore their own experiences
Reflection prompts to support discussion and understanding
🌱 How It Can Be Used
This resource can be used flexibly across settings, including:
At home with a parent or caregiver
In the classroom as part of wellbeing or SEL learning
Within therapy sessions to support emotional awareness
There is no single “right way” to complete the activity. Children may engage through drawing, colouring, talking, or observing, depending on their preferences and needs.
 
Children vary in how easily they are able to identify and describe internal sensations. Some may find this process intuitive, while others may require time, modelling, or repeated exposure.
All responses are valid, and the focus is on supporting curiosity and understanding rather than correctness.
 
 
📥 Access
This is a digital resource available for immediate download.