Resource
Worry to Next Step
Separate a concern from the next safe, practical action without presenting the sheet as treatment. Includes a two-page A4 printable, specific educator guidance, adaptations and a cut-off quick-reference card.
Ready for a real OSHC session
Preview both printable pages
Download 2-page practical printableCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
When this resource is useful
The structure can support practical problem-solving while clearly directing children to adult help rather than asking them to manage serious concerns alone.
What children do
Use a fictional example or skip the page. A trusted adult can help with any step.
Materials and preparation
Materials: Printed pages and pencils; use only the optional ordinary materials named on the page.
Allow about 2 minutes to print and place the resource. The activity itself usually takes 15 minutes and can pause when the group needs to transition.
Run the activity
Offer privately and remain available. Use fictional examples when introducing the page.
The child-facing prompts are:
- What is the situation? Keep private details off shared pages.
- Is there something to do now?
- Choose: ask, plan, wait safely or get adult help.
- What is one small next step?
- Who is a trusted adult here?
- What information does that adult need?
- What can wait until later?
- Would another activity feel helpful now?
Adapt participation
Simpler way to join: Use four action cards: ask, plan, wait, adult help.
More challenge: Write a fictional scenario and compare two safe next steps.
Children may draw, dictate, point, work beside a peer, observe or join later. Start, Explore and Extend labels describe task routes, not children.
Extend the idea
- Create a service help-seeking map.
- Practise how to start a conversation with an adult.
Safety and privacy
This is not crisis or therapeutic support; follow child-protection, medical and wellbeing procedures.
Learning opportunities
Look for agency, communication, environmental awareness and help-seeking choices. Record what children choose, explain, test or revise rather than treating completion as proof of learning.
Checking an open-ended response
There is no single required answer. A useful response follows the printed condition and can be explained, demonstrated or revised by the child.
Printing notes
Print at actual size on A4 paper. Page one is child-facing. Page two contains educator guidance and a dashed cut-off reference card that can be kept with the activity or laminated.
