This Teacher Helps Kids Unpack Their “Baggage” In An Incredible Way 

Now that school has started, children are in the care of their teachers throughout the day.

And every good teacher knows that each child is different and unique and has their own set of problems and challenges.

In a touching display of compassion, one teacher went above and beyond to show her students just how much she cares for them.

And her activity is bound to start a chain reaction in schools across the nation. 

In a heartwarming Facebook post that has now gone viral, this veteran teacher of 22 years shared what she describes as one of the most “impactful” teaching days she’s ever had.

Knowing that all children don’t come from a good home, and even those who do have struggles, she decided to do a activity called “The Baggage Activity” – where children had the chance to write down on a piece of paper the heavy things in life they are carrying.

Not knowing what would happen, this teacher was blown away at the vulnerability and emotion her students shared.

This middle school teacher, Karen Lowe, shared her experience with the world via Facebook and her post stated the incredible impact this exercise had on not only their lives, but hers as well: 

“I asked them to write down on a piece of paper what was bothering them, what was heavy on their heart, what was hurting them, etc. No names were to be on a paper. They wadded the paper up, and threw it across the room.

They picked up a piece of paper and took turns reading out loud what their classmate wrote. After a student read a paper, I asked who wrote that, and if they cared to share.

I’m here to tell you, I have never been so moved to tears as what these kids opened up and about and shared with the class.

Things like suicide, parents in prison, drugs in their family, being left by their parents, death, cancer, losing pets (one said their gerbil died cause it was fat, we giggled😁) and on and on.

The kids who read the papers would cry because what they were reading was tough. The person who shared (if they chose to tell us it was them) would cry sometimes too. It was an emotionally draining day, but I firmly believe my kids will judge a little less, love a little more, and forgive a little faster.

This bag hangs by my door to remind them that we all have baggage. We will leave it at the door. As they left I told them, they are not alone, they are loved, and we have each other’s back.

I am honored to be their teacher.”

With some teachers using the classroom as a political battlefield to strut their leftist views – it’s refreshing to see a teacher who truly has the best interest of her students at heart.

More than ever, kids just want to know they are loved and cared for.  That they matter. 

Some kids never get the chance to talk about what is bothering them, and this activity gave them a chance to either write anonymously or speak it out.  

In addition, helping children express their feelings in a non-judgmental way teaches children how to process what they are feeling in a safe environment. 

And as a bonus, children can see that each person has their own unique struggles and learn to have compassion for one another.

The students in this class are now forever changed, all because one teacher was dedicated to their well-being. 

What are your thoughts on “The Baggage Activity” project?

Were you surprised to see how honest and vulnerable some students were with one another?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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