5 Looking Back, Looking Forward Activities for Primary Classes

New term, new year, or a class about to move on. These are good moments to help children look at where they have been and where they want to go. Reflection like this builds confidence, gives quieter children a way to share, and makes a good start to a conversation.

Here are five simple activities. Each takes 10 to 30 minutes and needs very little prep.

1. Two footprints: places I have been, places I want to go

Give each child a page with two big footprints. On the left footprint, they write places they have been: holidays, trips, schools, classrooms. On the right, they write places they want to go: a holiday, a new class, secondary school.

Our free My Journey worksheet is built for exactly this. It includes a short lesson plan too. Download the My Journey worksheet.

2. Share one place with a partner

After writing, pair children up. Each one shares one place they have been and one place they would love to go. Sentence starters help: “I have been to…”, “I would love to go to…”, “I am looking forward to…”.

3. A class journey map

Draw a simple winding path on the board or a large sheet. Add places the class has been together this year (a trip, a project, a new topic) and places you are heading next. Children add sticky notes or drawings.

4. One thing I have learned, one thing I want to try

Pick a smaller version for busy days. Children finish two sentences: “One thing I have learned is…” and “One thing I want to try is…”. Collect them on a wall display.

5. Look back in June

Keep the footprints. In June, hand them back and ask what has changed. Which places did they visit? Which goals did they reach? It is a gentle way to notice progress.

Tips for teachers

• Let children draw as well as write.
• Accept every answer. A trip to the shop is a place.
• Keep sharing optional for anyone who prefers to stay private.
• Be mindful that not every child has travelled. Include places like a grandparent’s house, a new classroom, or a park.

More free wellbeing resources

Looking for more? Browse our free Children’s Wellbeing resources for check-ins, journals and getting to know me sheets, all ready to print.