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
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
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
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
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
innovative resources: born out of the strengths approach It was 1992, and ideas around how welfare services should be delivered were changing. At St Luke’s (now Anglicare Victoria) workers decided there was a genuine need for a hands-on tool that could be used by …Read more
For a long time, I’ve felt honoured to live in a country that is home to the longest, living, continuous, culture in the world. It has always felt momentous to me. But it wasn’t until I went on a trip to Greece last year …Read more
Strength Cards® Unlimited takes conversations about strengths in all sorts of new directions. We know that each of us has strengths that can help us overcome challenges and solve problems—but strengths are more than just our personal qualities. They can include everything from our …Read more
Ray Bowler is a name well known to long-term devotees of Innovative Resources’ products and training. His quirky, soulful illustrations and designs have helped thousands of people explore their feelings, prompted important conversations about strengths and mental health, and inspired people to share stories …Read more
First came the gold spinning top logo, then the pink spinning top, now, based on feedback from over 1000 of our fabulous customers (that’s you!) we have launched our latest look. This time, our logo focusses on what we do best—creating conversation-starting tools and …Read more
