ANTS Negative Nancy Pupil Leaflet – Item 762

This printable ANTS Negative Nancy pupil leaflet is specially designed for children aged 7 to 11, offering gentle, neuroaffirming guidance on understanding negative thinking, noticing when thoughts focus only on problems, and learning how to spot small positives alongside the negatives.

For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent or experience anxiety, overwhelm, or strong emotional responses, the brain can zoom in on what’s wrong and make situations feel bigger than they really are. This resource helps children understand that noticing negatives is normal but not the whole story. It breaks this down in a calm, child-friendly way, helping children practise seeing the positives as well, stay balanced, and feel more in control.

What’s inside the Negative Nancy pupil leaflet:

• Clear explanations of negative thinking and why it happens
• Support to notice when the brain focuses only on the bad
• Gentle strategies to pause and spot positives
• The Positives Backpack activity to practise coping tools
• Visual cues and relatable examples to support understanding and engagement

Perfect for:

• PSHE lessons
• ELSA and wellbeing interventions
• School counselling
• Nurture groups
• Home conversations
• SEN support

Designed with inclusivity in mind:
This leaflet uses affirming, supportive language and avoids shaming. It reassures children that noticing negatives is normal while helping them notice positives too, supporting emotional regulation, confidence, and balanced thinking.

Helping children understand:

• Noticing negatives is normal
• Positives exist too, even when it feels like everything went wrong
• Pausing helps to see the full picture
• Small wins still count

Design details of the Negative Nancy pupil leaflet:

• A4 printable trifold in colour and black and white
• Clean design with visual cues and calm illustrations
• Clear layout to reduce visual overwhelm

Important information:
The Negative Nancy leaflet is designed to be used as part of ELSA sessions, PSHE teaching, or another supportive session. It should not simply be handed to children without guidance. These leaflets are intended as reminders for pupils to take away and to support adults working through the content with them.

It is your responsibility to decide whether the information in this leaflet is appropriate and helpful for your pupils.

Under our terms and conditions, these leaflets must not be uploaded to school websites. They are for printing and using within sessions or as a structured basis for teaching and discussion.