Problem Postcards

`This is an excellent resource for teachers and other education professionals who are developing their practice in dealing with specific issues in schools. It is concise, well designed and, in the introductory section, linked to current theory. It will prove an invaluable resource for teachers and others who want to develop the social and emotional skills of their pupils′ - Special

`There is a wealth of supporting resources in the form of suggested warm up activities and the specifics are the problem solving format as applied to different situations. The accompanying CD contains A4 copies of all worksheets, which are accessible, eye-catching and should appeal to the target age group (7-11)′ - Nurturing Potential

This 14-session programme was initially developed for junior age children who had been permanently excluded. It has been adapted to assist young people who are disaffected and difficult, and could be at risk of exclusion.

The format is built around Circle Time activities and solution focused thinking. The theme of each session is a problem postcard from a young person highlighting a problem that will have a relevance to the participants. The participants then try to act as agony aunts to solve the problem, focussing their thinking on how to make things better, proving to them that they do possess the knowledge and the skills and can choose these behaviours.

The resource includes comprehensive facilitator instructions, warm ups, activities, Circle Time questions and worksheets.

The programme can be delivered to groups or whole classes and will:

• improve self-esteem

• develop your Social, Emotional and Behavioural Skills (SEBS) programme.

Tina Rae specializes in social, emotional and behavioral disorders and difficulties. She has undertaken research in the areas of engagement and disaffection with learning in young people, debriefing following critical incidents, attachment disorders, emotional well being and the psychological assessment of young offenders. Rae is experienced in assessing children and young people with respect to learning difficulties, emotional well being and relationships with carers.

She is a registered member of the Health Professions Council and a full member of the British Psychological Society. She is currently a Professional and Academic tutor on the Doctorate in Child and Educational Psychology at UEL. Tina is a member of the SEBDA executive and council and a member of ENSEC.

With 68 publications to date, she has written extensively on topics such as well-being, attachment, resilience, emotional literacy, behavioural problems, anger and stress management, critical incidents, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, loss and bereavement in young people, youth offending and social skills development.