Debbie got in touch to ask if I would review her strength cards , after the success of my earlier review of my mood stars (for a friend of Debbie).
She sent me a box of 24 cards and a cute session bag to keep them in.
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The cards are:- playful, graceful and socible; funny, honest and clever; helpful, cheerful and friendly; happy,sensible and sporty; thoughtful, generous and brave; intelligent, loving and respectful; caring, creative and wise; strong, musical and artistic.
Strength cards are designed to do what it ‘says on the tin’ give strength.
I feel that they would be a real asset to practitioners working in the early years sector, being especially helpful to anyone who has children in their care with a low self esteem.
Each card is durable and can be washed in warm soapy water meaning that they will last much longer than similar cards made from paper.
Debbie suggests (on another card) laying the cards on a table and asking a child to select 5 which she thinks represents her strengths, then talk together about her choices.
In addition the adult can ask the child how she is going to use each strength and then ask her to pick a card with a strength that she doesn’t think she has, but would like to get and discuss how she could get this strength.
As well as being used in a one-to-one situation, strength cards could be used in a group setting. Debbie suggests laying the cards face down. The group leader should pick a card and ask the children who in the class has that strength?
There are various ways that strength cards could be used: Personally I would them as a way to encourage a reluctant talker to speak as the colourful images give opportunity for conversation.
Debbie makes her strength cards by hand, each card is waterproof and has a colourful image that children will find appealing.
I think that strength cards could be used along side books and other resources demonstrating similar topics.
All early years settings would benefit from having a set and they would be especially helpful to anyone working as a special needs co-coordinator (S.E.N.C.O) plus Ofsted would be impressed by them.
The cards fit snugly into the drawstring bag for safe keeping.
Packs of 24 strength cards can be purchased for £20 (postage and packing is included in the U.K) from the website www.strengthcards.co.uk
Disclosure: I was sent the strength cards for the purpose of this review, but all opinions are my own.
As always questions/comments and topic suggestions are welcome.
Until next time
Karen
x
💖 Thanks so much for being the first to post to my linky party!!! 💖 My kiddos love flashcards! Also, thanks for the honest review! These cards are such a AWESOME idea! I’m so glad to know they can be washed too – I can’t tell you how many of my fave sets aren’t complete anymore because we’ve had to just toss a couple out!
It’s my pleasure, I love a linky party, so discovering this new one was great, I will be a regular contributor x
Thanks for your comment, there is a video on the website that shows just how durable they are! And I’m always happy to supply the replacement card if one gets lost!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
I think strength cards are great. I loved using flashcards with my kids when they were little. #BigPinkLink
Thanks for your feedback Rosie.
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
Strength cards are such a positive idea. Love it! #keepingitreal
#thesatsesh ooo interesting, are all cards completely different or are their duplicates?
All of the cards are different , thanks for your question x
Hi there are 24 character strength cards and each card represents a different character with a different graphic for each one.
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
What a lovely idea, I think they would be good in pairs to play as Memory game too. #CoolMumsClub
That’s a very good idea too!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
I love this idea, great way of teaching.kids about emotions X #coolmumclub
Love this! What a simple but positive idea and it would so helpful for my son as he struggles to believe he can do anything really #coolmumclub
Have a look at my website there are other ranges also available – Calm cards and animal strength cards x
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
This is such a great idea for kids and teaching them about emotions. love them! #stayclassymama
Thanks for your feedback Kat!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
These are lovely. My daughter did a strength craft at school the other day and I think it’s wonderful to encourage children to recognise and celebrate their strengths and the strengths of others in this way. Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub Karen! x
These look like a brilliant resource for practitioners, schools and parents. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
My kids loved flash cards. I love the little bag for them. (my youngest is a junior in high school!) Time flies. Thanks for sharing at the inspiration spotlight party @DearCreatives hope to see you again soon. A new party starts tomorrow if you want to join in again.
Thanks for your feedback, I felt the little hessian or Jute bags were ideal to carry them around in, glad you like the idea too!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
These sound totally awesome. A great way to help children develop their self-esteem. You could also use them in groups, where children can give out strength cards to each other as copliments. We did this once when I was on a camp for blind teens. #PoCoLo
thanks for your feedback!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
One of my clients who runs an after school cookery club does just that, the children select a card for another child at their table. As the cards are waterproof and washable they are ideal for the sticky fingers!
Debbi
Strengthcards.co.uk
This is such a brilliantly positive activity for the kids #globalblogging
I’ve never heard of these before, they look fabulous! Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales, do come back Tuesday!
Oh what a lovely idea, anything that helps children identify thoughts and feelings that they have is a winner in my book. Thanks for linking up with us at the #bigpinklink this week.
What a lovely idea, I haven’t heard of these before. Thank you for sharing with #Blogstravaganza 🙂
Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
I really like them. Thank you for sharing with #stayclassymama
What a great idea. Thanks for linking to #pocolo
These look great – I’ve seen strength training for adults which is really effective and it’s good to see these available for all. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo