Stones …have feelings too! Digital Toolbox

Stones…have Feelings Too! and supervision

‘I recently discovered that the Stones…have feelings too! cards are a fantastic resource for staff supervision. They helped a worker clearly express her feelings about planning, goal setting, and current family work. She chose stones that resonated with her and explored the associated emotions.

This sparked a valuable conversation about her strengths and how to use them to move toward her ‘preferred stones.’ It led to actionable steps for family intervention and her overall practice—a real ‘ping’ moment!

Thanks for this excellent tool. I’ll be integrating it more regularly in supervision.’

Revving up for fun and feelings in central New York

Susan LaFever, an elementary school counselor in New York, works with Pre-K to 2nd graders and loves using Innovative Resources’ card sets—purchased at her own expense ‘because they’re awesome!’

Each year, Susan picks a card set as her theme and creates opening activities for students and caregivers. In 2013, she used Stones…have feelings too! for children in changing families, helping them express emotions through family portraits and safe conversations. Students now walk into her room and point to cards that show how they feel.

She also integrates Sand Play Therapy, using stones for “zen” sand trays. This year, Cars ‘R’ Us decorates her office walls, while The Bears inspire feelings books and Strength Cards for Kids support other creative activities. Susan’s approach combines simplicity with imagination—making emotional learning fun and meaningful

Stone Therapy for Special Siblings

In September, art therapist Belinda Ryan used The Wrong Stone to inspire creative workshops for siblings of children in Adelaide’s Paediatric Palliative Care Unit. The pilot program for 8–12-year-olds aimed to help them connect, have fun, and feel special.

After reading the book, each child chose a ‘perfect stone,’ decorated it with a personal symbol, and helped create a colourful sand-and-stone mandala to take home. They also built a stone wall for a puppet show, using puppets to express feelings about having a sibling with a life-limiting illness.

Stones…have feelings too! and Pocket of Stones helped track emotions throughout the program. Each child received a copy of The Wrong Stone and stickers—a lasting reminder of their unique qualities and special place in the world.

The stones theme had a profound impact, reinforcing that everyone has a perfect spot, no matter what life brings