'the stories of Harriett' supporting the emotional health & wellbeing of children

1. ‘the stories of Harriett’ ©Diane Hinchliffe 2013

2. ‘the stories of Harriett’
Creating a safe space, to give space for children
to talk about feelings
Therapeutic Process
Communication, Self Awareness, Empathy,
Confidence, Creativity, Imagination.

3. 7 short stories
10 Weeks
Exploration
Self Expression
Identity
Friendships
Feelings
Safe Places
Empathy
Creativity
Imagination

4. Harriett’s Magic Carpet
Creating a safe space

5. ‘the stories of Harriett’ provide a
therapeutic space for children to
explore and express their feelings.

6. Harriett is Sad
I don’t like feeling sad, I don’t like to cry…
Harriett’s Bad Mood Day
I feel in a bad mood when my favourite teacher leaves
and that's just happened!
What was it like to explore Harriett's bad mood through the music and drawing?
I knew what it felt like for somebody else.
I feel I have been eaten by Harriett that I am inside her and can feel what she feels.
Conversations…
Is Harriett dead? … we talk a lot about people who are dead.

7. Less is more…
space to give voice to, and talk
about feelings is important.

8. Evaluating
Children’s Thoughts…

9. They are really funny and you enjoy
listening to all the different places Harriett
visits.
They were amazing and poem like.
I feel sad, Harriett is only for 9 weeks and I
want it to be forever.
What would you like to say
about the stories…

10. Involving children in delivery of
the story helps engagement.

11. Creating our own ‘Magic Carpet’

12. My emotions have changed. A bit of my
anger and naughtiness has changed.
Changed for the good.
That it’s good to be in a group and more fun
being with other people.
What have you learnt about
yourself…

13. Sad, it’s the last session and I like being in
the club.
Sad that it’s our last session but pleased to
be part of it.
I feel sad because I have to leave the group.
How do you feel at the end…

15. Soothes me when I walk into the room.
Is really good and jolly.
Is peaceful and calm.
Harriett Music…

16. They are fabulous and you better go in the
next one
Go, go, go, go, go, go it’s so much FUN FUN
FUN FUN
I would like to read the stories to other
children
I would tell other children…

17. Evaluating
Support Staff…

18. I feel that lots of children need to express
their feelings and emotions so this
programme gives them the opportunity to
do this with confidence.
Support Staff …

19. Support Staff …
The programme supported confidence
building and giving children the
confidence to speak in a group situation.

20. Evaluating
Parents…

21. I feel confident about the programme
because my child feels more
comfortable in school.
Parents…

22. Parents…
My child has grown in confidence
My child asks more questions about things

23. Final Thoughts

24. You make it fun for us.
I would move schools to see Diane and
‘Harriett’ again.
I feel angry, this is because it is very
upsetting leaving Diane.
Relationships…

25. ‘Diane being a non-school person brings added
benefits to this role, as the children gain from
having the full attention of an appropriate
adult, who taps into what bothers them, and
the children go from the session leaving what
was said/shared with Diane/Harriett, and
feeling safe with this’.
Joyce Hughes – Educational Consultant & Trainer
(Observation of ‘the stories of Harriett’

26. ‘the stories of Harriett’
Pilot Programme
‘the stories of Harriett’ were piloted:
In two Barnsley Schools: March to May 2014
With KS2 Years 3&4
Engaging two groups of 10 children
Involving more boys than girls

27. ‘the stories of Harriett’
©Diane Hinchliffe 2013
Tel Contact: 07711 682048
Email: dianehinchliffe@blueyonder.co.uk
Web: www.creative-pd.com
Emotional Health & Wellbeing