Anxiety & Asking for Help SEL Story + Activities | The Invisible Backpack

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Help your students put words to “big feelings” with this gentle SEL story and print-and-go activity pack about invisible emotional backpacks, worry rocks, and asking for help.

The Invisible Backpack is a social-emotional learning story for Grades 2–4 that follows Jayden, a normally funny and energetic student who comes to school quiet, withdrawn, and “cloudy.” With the help of a caring classmate, a supportive teacher, and a stuffed crocodile named Swish, Jayden learns to unpack his “invisible backpack” of worries, sort his “worry rocks,” and discover tools that make the load feel lighter.

Use this resource for whole-group read-alouds, small-group counseling, or morning meetings when your class needs to talk about big feelings, empathy, and help-seeking in a concrete, child-friendly way.

What’s included

All pages are in English and ready to print or assign digitally (PDF):

• Original read-aloud storybook: The Invisible Backpack
• Comprehension Questions (story worksheet)
• SEL Reflection Sheet – The Invisible Backpack
• Creative Writing Prompt – “My Invisible Backpack”
• Coloring Pages
• Role-Play Ideas Page
• Bonus Activity 1 – “Feeling Tools” Coupons
• Bonus Activity 2 – “Swish’s Backpack Tips”
• Teacher Guide (lesson plan)

Perfect for

• Whole-class SEL read-alouds (Grades 2–4)
• Morning meetings / class meetings
• School counselors & social workers
• Small groups focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, or friendship
• Calm corner / regulation station activities
• Back-to-school, test-prep season, or any time students are carrying “heavy” days