For educators and teachers

What age group is the program designed for?

Sparky and Shady for Early Years – Five Things to Be Happy and Well is designed for children aged 3 to 8 years. It’s ideal for preschool, daycare, kindergarten, first year of primary school, Year 1 and Year 2 settings.  

How does Sparky and Shady align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the Australian Curriculum and state and territory curriculums?

The program is mapped to

• EYLF v2.0 learning outcomes,
• Australian Curriculum, NSW, Victoria and Western Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculums. NB. Australian Curriculum alignment applies to ACT, QLD, SA, Tasmania and NT.

Sparky and Shady supports children’s growth in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management — the foundation skills for lifelong wellbeing.

How long does each lesson take, and how many lessons are there?

The program includes an Introduction for educators and teachers plus five core lessons for children (nine short videos in total). Each session takes around 20–40 minutes, with optional creative or play-based follow-ups. Ideally, educators and teachers deliver one lesson a week to a small group or whole class. There is flexibility in delivery.

Do I need any special training or qualifications to deliver the program?

No special training is required. The program is designed to be easy and flexible to deliver. Each lesson includes a short video, downloadable posters, notes, and a clear sequence of activities and discussion prompts. You can teach the lesson at three levels of effort, Just Watch (literally press play), Jump In (prepare the materials, and follow the lesson plan) and Deep Dive (explore all or most of the materials in advance).

Is the program evidence-based? What psychological theories underpin it?

Yes. Sparky and Shady draws on evidence-based psychological frameworks including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based CBT, Neurobiology, and Attachment Theory. The program aligns with many concepts from humanistic psychology and positive psychology. These are presented through simple metaphors children can understand — helping them recognise emotions, self-regulate, and build resilience.

Can I use Sparky and Shady in both early learning centres and schools?

Yes. The program has been successfully used in early learning centres, preschools, and primary classrooms. The two pathways give flexible design, one for Early Childhood Educators and the other for Primary School Teachers. The videos, posters, behaviour support strategies, meditations, stories and games are the same in both programs. The lesson plans and support materials vary a little to ensure alignment with the different curriculum requirements and language used in early childhood services and primary schools.  

What materials are provided, and are they printable or digital?

You’ll receive everything you need online:

• six step-by-step implementation videos for educators and teachers
• written instructions on how to use the program
• a professional resource suite of handy documents to save you time aligning with registration and professional requirements
• videos, printable summary posters, strategy posters, stories, games, and meditations
• access to the Families Program.

Posters and classroom resources are downloadable in PDF format for easy printing.

Can lessons be adapted for children with additional needs or diverse backgrounds?

Yes. The program was developed with inclusive practice in mind. Activities are visual, concrete, and language-supported (the videos have subtitles enabled), making them suitable for children with a range of learning, sensory, and communication needs. The universal language of Sparky and Shady is also culturally adaptable. Sparky and Shady has been used successfully with EALD and First Nations students.

Does the program meet Be You’s social and emotional wellbeing framework?

Yes. Sparky and Shady is listed as an approved social and emotional wellbeing in the BeYOU Programs Directory Guide. It is also listed in the ACER’s Wellbeing Program Guide.  

Is the program suitable for group learning, or can it be used one-on-one?

It works beautifully in both contexts. Most educators use it with small or whole-class sessions, but it can also be used individually to support children needing extra help with emotional awareness and self-regulation.

How can I include families in the learning process?

Every educator and teacher membership includes a set of 40 access codes to the Families Program so parents and carers can watch the same videos and talk about Sparky and Shady at home. This ensures consistent language and shared understanding between home and school. Families do not pay for the program. 

What ongoing support or professional development do educators receive?

Educators gain nine hours of professional development through the program. Optional workshops, webinars, and printable follow-up materials are available to extend your learning. Ongoing updates and community support are included with your annual membership.

For families

What is Sparky and Shady all about?

Sparky and Shady helps children understand their emotions and learn how to calm, feel brave, and make kind choices. Sparky represents our wise, loving side, while Shady represents our protective, scared side. The program helps children discover that both are part of them and both are important.

How can I help my child use the ideas from the program at home?

Each family lesson includes short videos, posters, “Grownup Notes” and “Tricky Tips for Grownups” that help you talk about feelings and wellbeing in everyday life. You don’t need to be an expert, just watch together and use the same simple language together to follow-up, for e.g. “Let’s ask Sparky for help”.

Is this a religious or spiritual program?

No. Sparky and Shady is a secular wellbeing program based on research in child development, education, psychology and neuroscience. Sparky represents love, compassion, and wisdom — qualities that belong to everyone, no matter their background or beliefs.

What if my child has experienced trauma, loss, or anxiety – is it still suitable?

Yes. The program is gentle and affirming, focusing on safety, love, and connection. The program encourages children to talk to “a trusted grownup” to support them with painful thoughts and feelings. If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing and behaviour it is important to seek professional support from your GP and other specialist health professionals. 

How do I access the family videos and resources?

Your child’s early childhood service or school will give you a unique coupon code. If your child’s service or school does not have a membership, you can purchase one yourself for $220 for 12 months’ access. Once you sign in, you can watch the videos and download the materials at your own pace.

Do I need to pay for access, or is it included through my child’s educator?

Access for families is free when your child’s service or school has purchased a 12 months’ access as educators or teachers. Educators and teachers receive 40 Families Program coupon codes to share with parents and carers. 

How much time does it take to do the lessons at home?

Each video is around 5 minutes long, with optional activities that take 10–15 minutes. You can explore them together at any time.

Will this program help my child with behaviour and emotional regulation?

Yes. Children learn to name their feelings, calm their bodies, and make wise choices. Parents often notice improvements in empathy, confidence, and problem-solving as children start using the language of Sparky and Shady at home.

Can my older or younger child join in too?

Absolutely! The program is designed for ages 3–8, but many families find older siblings enjoy joining in, especially during Sparky and Shady conversations.

Who created Sparky and Shady, and why?

Sparky and Shady was created by Kathy Sheehan, an educator and psychology graduate passionate about children’s emotional wellbeing. The program grew from her belief that every child deserves to know they are loved, and that they can find calm, courage, and kindness inside themselves.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please send through to Kathy and the Sparky and Shady team via our contact page.