Back To School Project To Curve the Worries: Guatemala Worry Dolls
- Kaila Piepkow
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
At Doodles Academy, we believe that art is more than just making something “pretty” to hang on the fridge. In our classrooms, art is a way for your child to ask questions, explore ideas, and express their unique point of view.
Instead of everyone copying the same example step by step, our inquiry-based approach starts with a big idea or question. Children then explore that idea through art-making, guided discussion, and reflection. They might investigate how colors mix, what symbols say about identity, or how shapes can tell a story.
We emphasize the process of creating, not just the final product. Why? Because this is where the real learning happens:
Students practice problem-solving and critical thinking.
They discover their own creative voice.
They learn to take risks, adapt, and make decisions as they go.
They reflect on their choices and share their ideas with others.
By focusing on the process, every child’s artwork is authentic and personal, showcasing their individual creativity and perspective.
Our lessons also connect to other areas of learning—like literacy, science, and cultural studies—helping kids make meaningful connections between what they learn in school and the world around them.
We’re proud to give children the time, space, and support to wonder, create, and grow through art. After all, it’s not just about what they make—it’s about who they become while making it.
In Guatemala, children have a very special way of letting go of their worries—tiny handmade figures called worry dolls, or muñecas quitapenasry.
These little dolls come from an old Mayan legend about a wise princess who could talk to the sun and help people with their troubles. When kids feel scared or have something on their mind, they tell their worry to one of the dolls before going to sleep, then tuck it under their pillow. The next morning, the legend says, the doll has “taken care of” the worry so the child can wake up feeling calm and brave. Worry dolls are wrapped in colorful fabrics and carry a piece of Guatemalan culture in their design. They’re a way to remind us that sharing your feelings—whether with a doll, a friend, or a grown-up—can help you feel better.
The Legend
The legend of the worry doll comes from the Maya people of Guatemala. Long ago, a wise princess named Ixmucané was given a magical gift from the sun god: the power to take away people’s worries. People would come to her with their problems, and she would listen and help them feel better. To remember her kindness, people began making tiny dolls dressed in bright Mayan clothes, so children could tell their worries to the dolls at night—just like they would have told Ixmucané—and feel at peace in the morning.
THE PROJECT:
Materials:
Clothespins
Fabric scraps/old clothing
Yarn or string
Markers or pens
Glue, safety pins (optional)
Paper and pencil for journaling
How to Make a Worry Doll – Simple Steps for Parents:
1. Talk & Connect
Share a quick story: “In Guatemala, people make tiny dolls to share their worries. The fabric they use often tells a story about their family or home.”
Let your child choose a small fabric scrap that reminds them of something special.
2. Write or Talk About a Worry
Ask your child to complete: “One thing I worry about is…”
Chat about it: “What does that feel like? How do you think your doll can help?”
3. Make the Doll
Take a clothespin or stick.
Wrap yarn around it to “dress” the body.
Add a small fabric piece for clothing details (like a skirt or shirt).
Use a marker to draw a face — or leave it blank like traditional dolls.
4. Give the Doll a Job
Have your child whisper their worry to the doll.
Place it under their pillow or somewhere safe to “hold” their feelings.
REFLECT WITH YOUR CHILD: How does it feel to give your worry to the doll? How might your doll help a friend who feels the same way? What would you say to someone who’s worried?
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