Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing: The Lonely Little Cactus Story Book and Accompanying Resource Book

The Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing set is a conversation point for educators and parents to open discussions with young children about managing their emotions and coping with problems. The Lonely Little Cactus storybook introduces a cactus that feels lonely living in the desert and teaches strategies to cope with feelings of loneliness through colorful interactions with desert dwellers. The accompanying guidebook uses the Conceptual PlayWorlds model of intentional teaching to provide supporting classroom- or home-based activities to help children aged 4-8 solve challenges and learn wellbeing concepts through play.

Format: Mixed media product
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Young children encounter numerous daily challenges that demand their ability to navigate stressful situations effectively. While some of these challenges may appear insignificant to adults, they can pose significant difficulties for young children who struggle to regulate their emotions. Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing set, comprising a captivating storybook and companion guide, has been designed specifically for children aged between 4 and 8. This resource serves as a valuable conversation starter for educators and parents, fostering open discussions with young children about managing their emotions and coping with problems.

In the enchanting tale of The Lonely Little Cactus, children embark on a journey through the desert alongside a unique cactus that feels lonely in its solitary existence. Through a series of captivating interactions with various desert inhabitants, the little cactus learns valuable strategies for overcoming feelings of loneliness. Both entertaining and educational, this story showcases a diverse range of coping mechanisms and encourages readers to explore various approaches to managing challenging situations and discovering the most effective strategies for their well-being.

The companion guidebook, utilizing the evidence-based Conceptual PlayWorlds model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer, offers a wealth of supporting classroom- or home-based activities designed to assist children aged between 4 and 8 in solving challenges and acquiring essential wellbeing concepts through play. With its rich imagery and 20 unique activities, this resource provides children with an immersive experiential learning opportunity, enabling them to grasp and comprehend wellbeing concepts that may otherwise be challenging to explain. This comprehensive resource book guides educators through a range of wellbeing activities, including:

Identifying and understanding emotions

Coping with social support, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills

Building and nurturing friendships, including relationship-building, teamwork, spending quality time with friends, and developing social skills

Promoting positive attitudes and beliefs

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032073644