Little Tin of Niggles

Activity Cards to Help Children Manage Small Worries and Emotional Regulation (SEMH Resource)

Stop “Small Niggles” from becoming Big Problems.

Every child experiences “niggles”—those small, nagging worries or irritations that can quickly escalate into anxiety or classroom disruption if left unaddressed. The Little Tin of Niggles is a therapeutic card set designed to help children identify, express, and resolve these minor stressors before they grow.

This portable resource is a staple for any “Calm Down Corner” or pastoral toolkit, offering a structured way for children to communicate their feelings in a safe, non-threatening format.

Why this tin is a classroom essential:

• Identifies “Hidden” Stressors: Helps children articulate the small things—like a friendship tiff or a change in routine—that they might otherwise bottle up.

• Develops Emotional Literacy: Provides the vocabulary children need to describe different levels of worry and irritation.

• Promotes Problem-Solving: Encourages children to move from “I’m annoyed” to “Here is how I can handle this,” building lifelong resilience.

• Teacher-Tested Format: Perfect for quick check-ins, morning registration, or structured 1-to-1 ELSA sessions.

• Durable & Portable: The pocket-sized tin is built for the rigors of school life, making it easy to use on the playground or in the classroom.

What’s Inside?

• 40+ Niggle Cards: Real-world scenarios that children frequently encounter.

• Strategy Cards: Practical, child-friendly techniques for resolving worries.

• Facilitator Guide: Tips for adults on how to use the cards to spark meaningful restorative conversations.

Perfect for:

• Primary Teachers looking to improve classroom climate and reduce low-level disruption.

• ELSA’s & Nurture Group Leads searching for tactile emotional regulation tools.

• Parents wanting a gentle way to help their child “decompress” after school.

• SENCOs looking for evidence-based SEMH intervention resources.

Help children find their voice and clear their “niggles.” Add this essential emotional regulation tool to your pastoral toolkit today.

ISBN 978-1-909380-84-4

Ages 11-18