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

Young children face daily challenges that require them to cope with stressful situations. Some of these challenges may seem trivial to adults, but to young children unable to regulate their own emotions, they can be problematic. The Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing set, comprising of a story book and companion guide is for use with children aged between 4 and 8 and is a conversation point for educators and parents to open discussions with young children about managing their emotions and coping with problems.

In the vibrant and accessible The Lonely Little Cactus storybook, children are introduced to a cactus that feels lonely living in the desert. Through a series of colourful interactions with desert dwellers, the little cactus learns strategies to cope with feelings of loneliness. Both entertaining and educational, the story showcases an array of coping strategies and encourages the reader to try various approaches to managing difficult situations and find strategies that best work for them.

The accompanying guidebook uses the evidence-driven Conceptual PlayWorlds model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer to provide supporting classroom- or home-based activities to help children aged between 4 and 8 solve challenges and learn wellbeing concepts through play. Offering imagery-rich scenarios including 20 unique activities, children have an opportunity to experientially grasp wellbeing concepts that can be otherwise difficult to explain. This resource book guides educators through a range of wellbeing activities including:

• Identifying feelings
• Coping (social support, problem solving, and self-regulation)
• Friendships (relationship building, working together, time with friends, social skills)
• Positive emotions (happiness, joy, doing something you love, enjoyment, fun)
• Relaxation strategies
• Belonging and inclusion (working together, collaboration, joining in play, including others)

Offering a unique opportunity for children to learn about psychological strategies while being engaged in a beautiful narrative and visually captivating illustrations, this set is the ideal resource for educators, support staff, practitioners and parents looking to help children understand and manage their feelings.

Table of Contents

Storybook

Companion Guide

1. PlayWorlds for wellbeing
2. An urgent message from Eagle
3. Little Cactus’ quest in Friendship Land
4. The Little Cactus finds out how to organise a playdate
5. Wise mermaid’s magic mirror
6. Helping Bat be included
7. From feeling unhappy to being a Superstar Snake
8. Anonymous acts of kindness
9. Grand opening of the Little Cactus movie
10. Feeling safe and designing a security system for the Deer Family
11. Message in a bottle
12. Working together for more than just treasure
13. Sneezing and wheezing: staying connected
14. Relaxing in the snow
15. The twinkle party
16. An acorn feast for Deer
17. Helping Eagle fly again
18. Breathing buddies
19. Celebration of strengths
20. A new friend
21. Compliments unlocked