All About Me Backpack - Back To School Resources for Classrooms and Teachers!

Welcome to the All About Me Backpack, a unique and thoughtful resource designed to deepen your connection with your class and support their wellbeing. Unlike traditional ice-breaker activities, this resource goes beyond simple questions like favourite colours and aims to understand students on a more personal level, focussing on their emotional needs and preferences.

About This Resource

The All About Me Backpack is a fun getting-to-know-you activity designed to help children express their likes, dislikes, and what makes them feel calm and supported. It encourages them to share information about their emotional needs, coping mechanisms and comfort zones. This approach not only builds a greater understanding between students and teachers but also prioritises emotional well-being and creates a more empathetic classroom environment.

How to Use

1. Introduction: Begin by introducing the All About Me Backpack activity to your class. Explain that this is a special way for you to get to know them.
2. Complete the Backpack: Guide students through the different sections of the backpack. They’ll fill in details about their favourite activities and what helps them stay calm. Provide support and encouragement as they reflect on these aspects of their lives.
3. Share and Discuss: Allow children to share parts of their completed backpacks with the class or in small groups. This can be done through structured sharing sessions where children take turns discussing their responses. Encourage a respectful and supportive atmosphere during these discussions.
4. Classroom Integration: Use the information gathered to tailor classroom activities and create a more supportive environment. For example, if a child finds calm in completing puzzles or games, consider providing quiet spaces with these activities.

Benefits

• Deepens Understanding: Helps teachers and students connect on a deeper level by exploring emotional needs and comfort zones.
• Supports Emotional Wellbeing: Encourages students to think about what makes them feel calm and supported, which is crucial for managing stress and anxiety.
• Fosters Empathy: Promotes a greater sense of empathy and understanding among students, as they learn about each other’s needs and preferences.
• Customizes Learning Environment: Allows teachers to adapt classroom activities and routines to better meet individual children's emotional needs, enhancing their overall experience.
• Builds a Supportive Community: Creates a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel heard and valued.

The All About Me Backpack is a wellbeing-focussed resource that goes beyond traditional ice-breakers to help students and teachers connect on a deeper level. By understanding what helps each student feel calm and supported, this resource helps to support children and creates a more emotionally responsive classroom.