Bright Ideas is an eight-session program designed to teach students the skills of optimistic thinking. It is suitable for class groups of students in Years 5, 6 and 7.

Bright Ideas applies the results of decades of research into resilience and depression by Martin Seligman and associates. Seligman is the past president of the American Psychological Association and the author of "The Optimistic Child".

The program teaches the fundamentals of optimistic thinking and begins with the identification of self-talk and its link with feelings. Students then learn to evaluate their thoughts and learn strategies of how to deal with these thoughts and move forward.

The program includes a teacher manual, CD and student workbooks.

Bright Ideas work sheets: Draw a Feeling, Bright Ideas Mobile 1, Bright Ideas Mobile 2

Student comments

'..I will stop and think before reaching boiling point or over reacting..'

'..I am thinking more positively..'

Parent thoughts

' I will use it more with my kids, like when I have just finished vacuuming the floor and they make a mess. I usually over react but I will put it in perspective..'

Teacher comments

'..helps change destructive thought processes..'

'..being able to identify and assist any child that may require extra help with optimism..'

' hopefully a new way of thinking for all..'

Acknowledgement: The authors of this program are Catherine Brandon and Everarda Cunningham.

Geographical reach

Australia Wide via OzChild accredited trainers.

Hire a trainer

School level

Primary and secondary

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