The Big Book of Therapeutic Activity Ideas for Children and Teens : Inspiring Arts-based Activities and Character Education Curricula

For difficult or challenging children and teenagers in therapeutic or school settings, creative activities can be an excellent way of increasing enjoyment and boosting motivation, making the sessions more rewarding and successful for everyone involved. This resource provides over one hundred tried-and-tested fun and imaginative therapeutic activities and ideas to unleash the creativity of children and teenagers aged 5+. Using a variety of techniques which make use of art, music, stories, poetry and film, the activities teach social skills development, anger control strategies, conflict resolution, positive thinking skills, and many other therapeutic skills. Also included are character education activities and ideas for conducting therapeutic day camps, including sample schedules and handouts. The activities can be used in many different settings with all ages, are flexible, and can be adapted for use with individuals or groups. Brimming with imaginative ideas, this book will be invaluable to anyone working with children and teenagers, including school counselors, social workers, therapists, psychologists and teachers.

Lindsey Joiner is a Positive Behavior Specialist with Meridian Public School District in Mississippi (USA). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor. Many of the activities in this book were developed as part of Lindsey's experience conducting and supervising day treatment programs for children and teens in a community mental health center. She discovered that creative activities helped to engage and motivate the children and teens, improving their enjoyment and attendance in therapeutic sessions.