Positive Education toolbox

The Positive Education toolbox games in detail

Let’s play strengths :

Positive traits are at the heart of positive psychology, as is the recognition and development of character strengths. Positive psychology is “the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of individuals, groups and institutions” (Gable & Haidt, 2005).

Knowing one’s strengths builds self-confidence because they contribute to a positive self-image. It also helps to understand others better and to see them in terms of their strengths.

Strengths can be defined as characteristics that enable a person to be as successful and happy as they can be (Wood et al., 2011). They can be both nurtured and practiced. Strengths are our natural way of functioning. When we use our strengths, we are authentic (this is the true self), energetic and successful.

This deck of 24 cards is based on the work of Seligman and Peterson, published in 2004, who developed a classification of 24 universal strengths recognised and valued “across history and cultures”. They are grouped into 6 categories of strengths that have consistent underlying values, so these cards are divided into 6 families.

Fantastic Worlds of Strengths Cards :

Character strengths are the optimal parts of our personality that capture who we really are at our best. The hallmark of apsychological strength is that it makes us feel competent, authentic and energised . The research into these 24 strengths is the scientific basis that has informed the development of this game. The strengths are represented here by 24 creatures (brilliantly designed by Charlie Bourdaud) each with a unique power.
Behind the concept of the character strengths are 6 underlying fundamental values that have been identified by Dr Seligman and Pr Peterson as part of their VIA classification, and the strengths are the ways in which the values are expressed into action.

These values are represented here by the 6 fantastical worlds to which the creatures belong:
• Wisdom and Knowledge (Water World)
• Courage (Dauntless Desert)
• Humanity and Relationships (Friendly Forest)
• Temperance (Mini World)
• Justice (Flight of Fairness)
• Transcendence (Galvanising Garden)

By encouraging the exploration of these fantastical worlds and the powers of their dwellers we encourage the identification and development of the child’s own strengths and values, and will also enable them to better recognise these strengths in others.

The Happiness Box :

Learn the skills of happiness while having fun! Help your children or students develop the skills of lasting happiness AND build a positive climate in your family or classroom.

Based on the latest scientific findings in positive psychology, this 3-in-1 card game is a fun and practical way to develop psycho-social skills.

The happiness games (the 7 families game, the happiness detective or a little moment to share) are adapted to all ages, all contexts and all needs felt or expressed.

With these 42 cards, you will learn to move, to savour, to practice mindfulness, to make choices, to express your emotions, to identify your strengths, to have and to trust, to see the glass as half full, to build respectful and peaceful relationships, etc.

Your Resilience Roadtrip :

With the Resilience Adventure, mobilise your resources to bounce back better: move from negative SPARC to positive SPARC!
Use the 3 types of resources to make this change.
SPARC is a 5 step process to work on a Situation – our Perception – our Affects – our Reaction – our Understanding.

Please note: to play, you will also need the SPARC wheel which can be downloaded here.

Strengths Cards :

If I asked you to name your strengths, what would your answer be? Most people are reluctant to talk about their strengths and many don’t even know what they are. According to Professor Alex Linley, “a strength is a pre-existing capacity for a particular way of behaving, thinking or feeling that is authentic and energising to the user, and which enables optimum functioning, development and performance”. In fact, the concept of strengths is so central to positive psychology today that knowing and using strengths is considered one of the most direct paths to personal and professional growth.

Research shows that simply identifying your strengths leads to increased well-being.

The 50 Strengths of the Game is a synthesis of all existing approaches to strength classification and covers the full range of our current scientific knowledge about strengths.