Lara McKinley

Fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood is crucial for the holistic development and wellbeing of young children. This set, comprised of two beautifully illustrated story books and an accompanying practical resource book, is for use with children aged 4-8 to help build strong connections and a sense of belonging.The story books, Mia Belongs Here and School is Where We All Belong, focus on belonging at home and at school, introducing a cast of characters who show how they know they belong through the different senses (smell, taste, touch, hearing and sight). With engaging and captivating illustrations, children are encouraged to reflect and share the sensations and stories that help them feel like they belong.The accompanying resource book expands on these narratives, offering detailed play-based activities and scenarios that allow children to experience and solve real-life problems through imaginative play. It is based on the Conceptual PlayWorld, an evidence-based model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer, and activities are inspired by research on relationship building, social and emotional competencies, and positive psychology. Each chapter introduces a new PlayWorld that draws on the characters introduced in the story books and includes detailed guidance on designing, planning and carrying out each narrative scenario.Together, the books provide a comprehensive toolkit for educators to create immersive play environments that teach children about the importance of feeling included and valued. In a world of increasing rates of loneliness, disconnection and social isolation, opportunities to encourage a sense of belonging in children have never been more needed. This set will help teachers, practitioners and parents empower children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

For effective use, this book should be purchased alongside the story books, Mia Belongs Here and School is Where We All Belong. The books can be purchased individually or as a set, Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging: Stories and Activities to Build a Sense of Belonging.Fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood is crucial for the development and wellbeing of young children. This practical resource is for use with children aged 4-8 to help build strong connections and a sense of belonging. Through the practice of mindfulness, children are encouraged to pause and fully engage with the place and moment they are in.Based on the Conceptual PlayWorld, an evidence-based model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer, this book includes a range of research-informed activities. Each chapter provides educators with a Conceptual PlayWorld to implement which will engage children in practical scenarios and problem-solving activities rooted in play. They address different aspects of belonging at home and in school settings, aiming to foster empathy, inclusion, and community in young learners. The narratives are crafted around two foundational storybooks, Mia Belongs Here and School is Where We All Belong, enhancing the connection between storytelling and experiential learning.In a world of increasing rates of loneliness, disconnection and social isolation, opportunities to encourage a sense of belonging in children have never been more needed. This unique educational resource will help teachers, practitioners and parents empower children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

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.

For effective use, this book should be purchased alongside the story book, The Lonely Little Cactus: A Story About Friendship, Coping, and Belonging. Both books can be purchased together as a set, Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Wellbeing: The Lonely Little Cactus Story Book and Accompanying Resource Book.This vital resource 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 four and eight solve challenges and learn wellbeing concepts through play.Intended for use with the accompanying picture story book, The Lonely Little Cactus, a tale about a cactus that feels lonely living in the desert, this guide offers imagery-rich scenarios, including 20 unique activities, so children have an opportunity to experientially grasp wellbeing concepts that can be otherwise difficult to explain. This resource guides educators and teachers through a range of wellbeing activities, including:Identifying feelingsCoping (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 strategiesBelonging 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 is the ideal resource for educators or teachers, support staff, practitioners, and families looking to help children understand and manage their feelings. While the context is centre-based, the activities can be done almost anywhere, such as in family homes, the Botanical Gardens, when on holidays, or when visiting a park.

Are you an academic who struggles to know what to post on social media and how to disseminate your research effectively on different social media platforms? Social media serves as a powerful communication tool, yet while most academics are aware of the benefits of social media, many are unsure of what to post, and how to do it in a way that is authentic, engaging, and above all, comfortable! This user-friendly practical guide is designed for all academics who aim to engage in social media platforms in an effective and productive way. This book explains how academics can build their reputation, develop networks, and disseminate their research. It includes 365 useful post prompts applicable to all mainstream social media platforms which help guide academics on what to post on the platforms they choose to engage with. The book is designed for all academics at all levels and can be applied across various social media platforms including Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram.

Are you an academic who struggles to know what to post on social media and how to disseminate your research effectively on different social media platforms? Social media serves as a powerful communication tool, yet while most academics are aware of the benefits of social media, many are unsure of what to post, and how to do it in a way that is authentic, engaging, and above all, comfortable! This user-friendly practical guide is designed for all academics who aim to engage in social media platforms in an effective and productive way. This book explains how academics can build their reputation, develop networks, and disseminate their research. It includes 365 useful post prompts applicable to all mainstream social media platforms which help guide academics on what to post on the platforms they choose to engage with. The book is designed for all academics at all levels and can be applied across various social media platforms including Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram.