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 4 and 8 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 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 is the ideal resource for educators, support staff, practitioners and parents looking to help children understand and manage their feelings.