Children are amazing learners. They are making sense of the world through observation, exploration, experimentation, play, and stories. Stories, in particular, are a great tool to help communicate complex concepts.
It’s not just the age-appropriate language and interesting pictures that help with understanding. Stories promote an emotional response that enhances the connection between the content and experience. This not only increases engagement but openness to learning as well.
This is why I like to use stories when I work with children and thought I would share a few of my favourites.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Helping children to cope with separation anxiety, loneliness, grief, and loss. Want to make the invisible string more tangible? Cut a piece of string for your child to keep and remember they are not alone.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Satlzberg
An interactive book that helps children to cope with mistakes in fun and imaginative ways. Why not start turning mistakes into something fun? Colour outside the lines, make a fallen block tower into an earthquake, face the wrong way in an elevator…be creative.
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain and The Way I Act by Steve Metzger
These are great companion books to learn about a range of emotions that can come and go, as well as a number of positive actions to make. They are helpful platforms to talk about stressors and successes.
All book are images from bookdepository.com
Jessica Buster (M Clin Psych, Grad Dip Prof Psych, BA Psych Hons) is passionate about creating a caring and safe space to promote effective working relationships. Jessica applies evidence-based interventions in a client focused and collaborative manner to assist children, young people and their families move towards their goals of growth and wellbeing.
Jessica’s clinical training and experience has equipped her with skills in the assessment and treatment for mental health issues. She has gained experience working in roles across non-profit, hospital and private settings. This has included working as an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist and roles at Guardian Youth Care, Headspace, Westmead Children’s Hospital Psycho-Oncology, and Healthy Minds Happy Kids.
Across all her roles, Jessica has pursued her interest in working with children, adolescents and their families experiencing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioural difficulties, social difficulties, and disability. She has been able to promote understanding and engagement with these clients by integrating a sense of fun and creativity into treatment.