Testimonials for Rainbow Planet Connection’s unique range of fun, creative and educational resources for parents, teachers and professionals to use in the social and emotional well-being in children.
As reviewed in Children of the New Earth Online Magazine – Sandy Sedgbeer, USA.
I found Module 5 – Exploring and Expressing Feelings Book plus Colourful Card Set to be a rich resource of ideas that encourages children (and adults) to become more deeply aware of their feelings and the workings of their bodies.
It is equally valuable for the group leader/facilitator working with children as it is for a parent with their own child. This resource is full of lists, instructions and step-by-step planning to accomplish the activities. It also comes with 32 feelings cards and a booklet with ideas for using them.
Another product in this range is Module 3 – Visualization and Relaxation Activities for Children Book plus CD. The CD contains “visualizations and art expressions activities, to encourage children to use their imagination and to express their emotions in a fun and creative way.” The music and voices are calm and soothing.
Through the use of “rainbow people,” laser beams and crystals, the visualizations encourage children to interact and process feelings describing them in colors and shapes.
“This was a peaceful, nurturing, welcoming, healing and freeing CD.”
As reviewed by: Amrita Hobbs – Author of ‘Getting Real’ Books and Workshops, Australia. www.amritahobbs.com
‘I’ve used the Rainbow Planet Connection Feelings Cards in groups with young people and parents. The biggest surprise was when I had them in a middle of a group of men.
Each man picked a card and introduced themselves to the others, talking through the card about their feelings. They said the cards were great as they assisted them in connecting with emotions that are not always easy to identify.
“I recommend these cards for teachers, counsellors, people who run workshops and most importantly for families to use on a daily basis.”
As reviewed by: Dianne Wilson BSc, DipEd, MACE, MRACI, Secondary Teacher and Life Coach, Australia.
I had the pleasure of using the Rainbow Planet Connections activity books and cards for a couple of sessions with a group of 12 children from Years 4-6, who were in a specialised gifted program.
These children were egocentric and found it difficult to deal with their peers. Interestingly enough, I discovered most of them were only children of older parents, who were accustomed to dealing with adults, and being the centre of attention.
Their regular teacher mentioned her dilemma of their aggressive behaviour, and I offered to work with her. I took Rainbow Connection materials into the class with me. The packaging of the materials was bright and attention-getting, to start with.
We used the vibrant cards in a game of charades and discussed the related feelings, ensuring only one person spoke at a time. The discussions, along with regular focusing exercises, helped the children gain a better level of awareness of both themselves and of others, and they seemed much more considerate of each other, following the sessions.
“I would recommend the use of the cards and the accompanying activities for teachers of primary school aged students.”
As reviewed by: Barbara Westage, Yoga teacher, Canada. The Children’s Garden Yoga and Reiki
Barbara enrolled on the Rainbow Planet Connection’s E-course Training for Group Leaders and delivered several sessions for children. Below are some excerpts from her Q&A feedback.
Q. Barbara why were you drawn to the Rainbow Planet E-course Training Program?
A. I have been interested in Social/Emotional Intelligence for many years. I was drawn to the Rainbow Planet E-course Training Program which I saw on their website. What they are doing and offering sounded so in tune to what I feel children need. I was not in a position to travel to any of the countries where the workshops were being offered so I ‘jumped’ at the possibility of doing an E-course. Thus far, I have not been disappointed.
Q. How are the parents responding to what you are offering the children in this program?
A. I was overwhelmed by the response. Parents want this for their children. I have been asked if I will continue to offer the classes after this series end. I continue to get calls from parents who have heard through others about this programme. One of the mothers said her son is loving the classes. Truthfully, I have had numerous positive responses and much encouragement from most of the parents.
Q. How are the children responding?
A. After the first class, I had children asking if they could come back the next week. The children are eager to give me examples of how they are using the skills. They immediately took to the breathing and many come in each class, asking when we can do our breathing/relaxation exercises. They love the role play and art activities. I have to push them out the door when it is time for them to leave – really!
Q. How do you feel that the children are benefiting from this course?
A. I believe the children are learning to exercise self-discipline and to self calm. I know they are using the breathing techniques. I believe they are feeling more confident. I think some of the children may feel they finally have been given a voice. One little girl always breathes out the same feeling (being left out). This speaks volumes to me and I am thrilled that the children are learning to share their feelings. Some may take longer to actually put the techniques into practice but they are learning them.
Q. How are you feeling about yourself as you are running it?
A. I feel exhilarated after each class. Sure there are pitfalls. There are hurdles. There are challenges. There are moments when I have to think fast. It is not always easy. The programme takes planning and time, but each class verifies it is energy well spent. It is a good feeling to be in a position to offer positive suggestions and see them blossom and grow but there is a need for enormous integrity. I am honoured to be a part of this delicate development and never undervalue the enormity of my influence.
Q. How effective has the support been from the Developers at the Rainbow Planet?
A. I have asked plenty of questions. I have received excellent answers and support…immediately! Whole body listening is a buzz word in my classes now. I have children who have their eyes on me. They are listening with their ears, their heart and their whole body (most of the time). This approach came directly from the Developers at Rainbow Planet when I was experiencing some interruptive behaviour. So far their advice has been very effective and I expect it will continue to be so.
Q. If someone was considering using this program what would you say?
A. PLEASE DO IT!
Q. Do you have any other comments at this stage?
A. I look forward to continuing with the rest of the sessions and learning I feel this is an extremely valuable programme and I am anxious to learn as much as I possibly can from the Developers of the Rainbow Planet. I also teach yoga to children and I see these two modalities working hand in hand. I expect to be using them both for a long, long time.
Below are some extracts from Barbara’s feedback over the past 5 weeks:
‘The parents were concerned and have varying reasons for having an interest in this program, from a general interest because they like the sounds of the program to quite serious needs.’
Group 1: ages 4-7 (6 children present)
- loved the animal segment; thinking and feeling as animals
- I was so amazed at the level of understanding and cooperation from this group
Other Groups ages ranging from 5-12 years
- I was really surprised to see how they identified with different shapes and colours which represented different feelings. I found this the most awesome part of the night; I didn’t realize how readily they would identify and label.
- Loved the warm-up activity – What’s best thing that happened to you this week in your life? I may do this every week in one form or another as it is a great way to think positively and remember to be grateful
- I am positive they all leave feeling relaxed and prepared to use the ideas presented whether breathing or an understanding of how looking and speaking with confidence is a better choice than not speaking up or by doing so in anger. For the most part, I felt it was a good session in every way
‘So far I am loving this journey; thank you for providing the opportunity. I am excited though to see the outcome of the three groups as they are all so different and each has started out so differently.’
