How do we help teenagers understand the things people may be carrying when we can’t see them?

Created to accompany The Weight Keeper, this comprehensive Teacher Resource Pack uses Maya’s story to open up thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about depression and low mood, hidden effort, connection, support, boundaries and asking for help.

Rather than reducing Maya to her difficulties, the resources encourage students to look at the whole person – her friendships, creativity, thoughts, strengths and experiences – and to consider what can sit beneath the behaviour we see.

The pack includes 16 structured lesson plans, divided into two sets, together with core lesson worksheets and an extensive Additional Resource Bank. Activities can be selected individually or combined into a sequence, making the resource flexible enough for whole-class, small-group or pastoral work.

The powerful metaphor of The Weight gives students a way to explore experiences that can otherwise be difficult to put into words. Other images from Maya’s story – including tangled threads and a backpack filled with stones – provide further opportunities to think about what metaphors can communicate and where their limitations lie.

Across the lessons, students explore the difference between noticing and assuming, supporting and rescuing, kindness and over-carrying, and being there for someone without believing we have to solve everything for them.

The emphasis throughout is on understanding, empathy, healthy boundaries and recognising when help is needed, while giving students the option to remain entirely within Maya’s fictional story rather than disclose personal experiences.

The accompanying printed book The Weight Keeper is required and is sold separately. Discounted class packs of the book are also available from Curious Bee Books.

Digital Teacher Resource Pack – One School Licence