New Diagnostic Lesson  Character Lessons for life

“The Baggage Bag Activity”.

 Getting to know your students and the pain that they live within their families.  Ask the kids what it means to have baggage and kids tend to say” it is hurtful stuff you carry around on your back.  Could be a hurt , hangup or habit. “Ask your students to write down on a piece of paper what is bothering them, what is heavy on their heart, what is hurting them, etc. Make it clear that no names are to be included on papers. Kid write down their areas of pain and then are requested to wad the paper up and throw it across to a designated corner of the room.

 Each of the students pick up a piece of wadded paper and take turns reading out loud what their classmate wrote.  After a student reads a paper, you can request who wrote it and if they would like to share. Make it clear it’s ok to share and it’s ok not to share. Be prepared to hear what your kids share with the class.  

 Things like rejection, belittled, suicide, incarcerated parents, drug and other addictions, being left by their parents, death of a grandparent or family member, cancer, losing pets,  etc. The person who shared (if they chose to share it was them) will sometimes cry. It can be an emotionally draining day, but An Activity like Baggage that unveil various painful experiences  has the potential to prevent less judging and more empathy and forgiveness.

 Put all the notes in a bag and title it “Baggage Bag”. Keep it hanging in the room to remind students that we all have baggage and we all need support, understanding and empathy in life’s journey.