Sparky and Shady is a video-based social and emotional wellbeing program for 3–7 year olds. It helps children develop self-awareness, resilience, and positive relationships.
Listed in Beyond Blue and ACER Wellbeing Program Guides.
Written by Wellbeing Teacher, Kathy Sheehan, BEd(Spec Ed, Beh Mgt), BPsychSc (Hons).
Grounded in psychology. Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian National Curriculum.
For use in early years educational settings (daycare, preschool, and infants school).
Families can purchase the program directly or obtain FREE access via their child’s centre or school.
Together
Educators and families can work together, sharing a consistent, attachment- informed approach.
For Life
Empowering children with strategies to manage their feelings, thoughts and behaviours for life.
How the Program Works
In nine short videos, Kathy and Ranger guide children through the Five Things to Be Happy and Well – simple strategies to build confidence, emotional awareness and healthy habits.
The videos are supported by a range of engaging resources for families and educators to use with children, including:
– Colourful summary posters
– Visual self-regulation posters
– Guided meditations
– Notes to support follow up and wellbeing.
Educator programs also include detailed lesson plans with discussion prompts, games, traditional stories and more – all aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum. Educators can run the program over five to nine weeks and revisit as needed.
Families can access the program for free through their child’s early learning setting (if they have a membership), or purchase their own 12-month access.
The Five Things to be Happy and Well are:
1. Connect with Sparky (the loving helpful part of you)
2. Train Shady (the fearful protective part of you)
3. Look After Your Body
4. Feel Your Feelings
5. Love Yourself
Sneak a Peak
Testimonial
“Sparky and Shady is a very thoughtful process that considers the different aspects of children. It contains lovely descriptions of the positive aspects of ourselves (Sparky) and the more critical, wary and protective part (Shady). It contains strategies and methods for children to cope with a range of problems and challenges. A great contribution!”
Andrew Fuller
Clinical Psychologist, Author and Speaker