If you ask people to describe the role that children play in the world, you will get a range of responses, which may include things like, ‘They are the future’, ‘They are the reason we get up and go to work in the morning’, …Read more
I shouldn’t be at all surprised by the creative ways Innovative Resources’ tools are used in classrooms, in the playground, in groups, or on the family fridge. But every time I deliver training or a workshop, I hear incredibly innovative stories from people—social workers, …Read more
I recently read The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, and it reminded me that becoming homeless can happen to anyone, anytime. As she says in the book: ‘We are all just a slip away from losing everything we have. Life is precarious, and we …Read more
Every step we take follows another. Every step we take precedes another. The smallest shifts—doing some dishes, putting something away, stopping something, starting something, taking a shower—can all be significant events on a continuum of ‘next steps’, representing our unique pathways through life. ‘A …Read more
“People, especially children, respond much better when given positive labels, even if it is a label they intend to pursue.” I’d been working with this family for several weeks and using the Solution Focused Approach. We’d seen marginal and inconsistent improvement in the boy’s …Read more
A gift is not always something that is wrapped up with brightly coloured paper. Not all gifts are the kind you can place under a Christmas tree or tuck under your arm when attending a birthday party. While tangible gifts can be utterly delightful …Read more
Acts of everyday kindness are all around us. They can come in the form of a kind word, a helping hand, a nod of appreciation, an encouraging smile, a story, a wave, a letter, a gentle caution, a friendly visit or a meal shared. …Read more
Cate Kennedy’s foreword for Storycatching (Innovative Resources, 2008) may have just turned 16, but it’s still one of the most beautiful pieces of writing about the shared experience of storytelling you’ll ever read. When Cate references the influence of TV, you realise this resource …Read more
I was recently listening to an episode of the fantastic podcast, The Imperfects, (part of The Resilience Project) where Dr Emily introduced the idea of ‘micro moments of joy’. The idea is that wherever you are and whatever is happening, if you choose to …Read more
After so many of you contacted us to ask about bringing back Angels, we decided to revitalise this much-loved card set, with a new name and a fresh new look. But don’t worry, we’ve kept all the beautiful, original watercolour illustrations by award-winning artist …Read more
Mat Jones is more than just a sublimely talented illustrator, designer and interpreter of strength-based ideas, he’s part of the fabric of Innovative Resources (IR). For almost 20 years, his illustrations have graced some of our most iconic card sets and his designs are …Read more
Eating Disorders, and mental illnesses come in all shapes, sizes, colours, ages, race and social economic levels. Throughout my lived eating disorder experience I have had to deal with weight stigma and being told things like “you don’t look that sick or underweight”, “your …Read more
Innovative Resources has been publishing strength-based card sets and books for more than 30 years. Over that time—for all sorts of reasons—card sets fall by the wayside. Some lose their relevance because of social or cultural changes. Others date because of their design and …Read more
We have five free card sets to give away … and we want to hear from YOU! Tell us about a favourite card from any Innovative Resources card set. Why does it speak to you? How has it influenced your life or work? What …Read more
We’re excited to be bringing back two of our old favourites, Respectful Relationships (formerly Mates Traits) and Everyday Strengths (formerly Angels), both with a fresh new look. Respectful Relationships What is a respectful relationship? How do we know if we are being inclusive? When …Read more
Tuning Into Kids (TIK) is a suite of globally recognised, evidence-based parenting programs that seek to build children’s emotional intelligence and develop strong family relationships. Created by Professor Sophie Havighurst from the University of Melbourne and teacher/sociologist, Ann Harley, Tuning Into Kids has been …Read more
The connection between Innovative Resources and creator/illustrator Katie Jardine began with a moment of serendipity and has grown to be a most enduring collaboration. It was almost 20 years ago that the Innovative Resources editorial team happened to be visiting their printer in Maryborough …Read more
Adel is a teacher at Woori Yallock Preschool, a small sessional kinder in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. The preschool has 38 children who each attend for 15 hours a week. Like many preschools, Woori Yallock’s first Innovative Resources card sets were purchased using the State …Read more
From its very inception, Innovative Resources was driven and inspired by the ideas and feedback of those who use the cards at the coal face—people working with people in all kinds of settings and situations. Thirty years on, and the stories keep coming—from teachers, …Read more
understanding the importance of children’s voices When Judy Hall describes The Bears as, ‘an opening of the floodgates’, it comes from a place of deep understanding of how important it is for children’s voices to be fully heard. judy hall’s background in child care …Read more
