Help children explore their feelings, strengths, struggles and support networks with this engaging, reusable A4 wipe-clean activity mat. Inspired by the iceberg metaphor, it encourages reflection on what others see and what might be happening beneath the surface.
There’s often more going on beneath the surface than we realise.
Who I Am Below the Surface is a colourful, reusable psychology activity mat designed to help children explore their inner worlds, recognise their strengths and identify the support they need.
Using an engaging underwater and iceberg theme, children are encouraged to think about what other people see, what others might think about them, the things they struggle with, their big feelings, and the strengths and qualities that make them who they are.
The activity also invites children to consider where they feel safe, who helps them and where they can go for support.
What can children explore?
What others see: Reflect on the behaviours and characteristics people notice.
What people might think: Consider how others may perceive them, opening up conversations about assumptions and being understood.
Things I struggle with: Identify challenges that others might not always recognise.
My big feelings: Explore and express emotions in a visual, accessible way.
My strengths and qualities: Recognise personal strengths and positive qualities.
Feeling safe and supported: Identify trusted people, safe spaces and places to turn for help.
How can adults use this resource?
This mat can support meaningful conversations with children at home, in schools, youth clubs and therapeutic settings. Parents, teachers, pastoral staff and practitioners can use it as a starting point for exploring emotions, self-awareness, relationships and help-seeking.
There is no need to complete every section at once. Adults can follow the child's lead, explore one area at a time and use gentle, open questions to help children share as much or as little as feels comfortable.
The activity can be particularly useful when a child finds it difficult to explain what is happening for them, when their behaviour doesn't tell the whole story, or when they need support recognising their strengths alongside their struggles.
Why choose a wipe-clean mat?
Reusable and practical: Complete activities with a dry-wipe pen, then wipe clean and use again.
Engaging and visual: A colourful underwater design helps make reflection more accessible.
Psychologically informed: Encourages self-awareness, emotional expression, strengths recognition and help-seeking.
Flexible across settings: Suitable for use at home, in education, youth work and therapeutic practice.
Product details
A4-sized activity mat
Laminated, wipe-clean finish
Reusable design
Suitable for use with a dry-wipe pen
Help children look beyond what is seen and explore the person beneath the surface.