Coaching Cards and Powerbubbles TM to Raise Self Esteem in Children
Six or seven years ago I started to use Microsoft Powerpoint when working with children who had difficulties with self esteem, emotions and behaviour. At the end of a number of sessions with an individual the child is able to take away a set of laminated cards that serve as a reminder of the work done and strategies to help at a future time and affirmation of their strengths and skills. This technique is often very powerful when youngsters are able to show me their superior IT skills.
I usually spend 2 or 3 sessions (45 minutes – 1 hour) working with the child, building rapport through games, use of cards, drawing and talking. The reasons for working with them are made clear and often a Teaching Assistant from the school will be present to gain new skills and then be able to continue the work after we have gone. I make notes about key responses from the child and build up a picture of what is happening in their life.
Having gained some valuable information and built rapport with the child I ask them if they would like to make some cards on the computer, sometimes showing them an example from someone else. We then spend some time putting information, strategies etc onto a Powerpoint presentation so it can be printed 6 slides to a page, laminated and cut up, bound together with a treasury tag or key ring and given to the child at the end of our work. They can then keep the cards in their pocket or wherever they would find them useful. They serve as timely reminders of the child’s strengths. A copy is then given to the school and parents with the child’s permission.
The creation of these cards is a tool and technique to engage with the child in a non-threatening and fun way. Looking at a computer screen can be far less threatening than sitting face to face. An example of a set of cards is available for you to see in this section. The Powerbubble TM exercise is a visualisation to help boost confidence, feel safe, deal with stress and anxiety, deal with bullying situations and to empower the child. Many adults use Powerbubbles and find them useful in all areas of life. A recent email I received described how an athlete competing in the Beijing Paralympics, used a Powerbubble to helpovercome her fear of flying. The idea comes from Powerchange who provided me with over ten days of training in personal development coaching.Further examples of children’s Powerbubbles can be seen on this website.