Customer Reviews

104 Activities That Build: Self-Esteem, Teamwork, Communication, Anger Management, Self-Discovery, Coping Skills

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Alanna Jones is a certified recreational therapist who has compiled an interesting set of 104 games and activities that social workers, recreational therapists, and some educators and school counselors (in substantially separate classrooms for behavior/emotional disorders) can use. The book is organized into activities that build (1) teamwork, (2) self-esteem, (3) communication, (4) self-discovery, (5) anger management, and (6) coping skills. Almost all activities are designed for elementary school aged children, but Ms. Jones, under each activity, presents variations--either in the activity itself or in the intended age group.

The crucial part of using these activities occurs after the activity is done. This is the "debriefing" part of the activity. It is absolutely necessary to do this debriefing in order that the youngster(s) arrive at some understanding of the activity just completed, and its possible meaning to them. It is assumed that the reader is comfortable with this type of debriefing, and has the skills to intercede in case the activity or debriefing are going south.

The things I liked about this book are: (1) Ms. Jones' energy and positive thinking about youngsters and her desire to provide them with challenging and thoughtful moments; (2) She explains each activity or game fully, provides lists of materials needed, gives some advice on structuring the activity; (3) This is therapy "in action," so it attracts the interest and energy of the youngsters.

I had two small questions about some of this book: (1) Self-esteem comes from accomplishing something, and I thought self-esteem activities were the weakest section of the book; and (2) In regard to anger management, these activities must be regarded as an adjunct, not the central core, of an anger management therapy program. When readers have a good therapeutic anger management therapy program at their facility (in their classroom), Ms. Jones' activities can help.

I was impressed by Ms. Jones' selection and believe it will help counselors, therapists, coaches, and recreational therapists.

This is a GREAT book for Sp.Ed.Teachers,Teachers, Counselors,Church group leaders and families. Children, teens and adults can all learn more about themselves while having a good time. This book works on Self-Esteem, Coping Skills, Communication, Anger Management, Self-Discovery and Teamwork. Each game is prepared with Objectives, Audience, Group size, Materials, Description, Discussion prompts and Variations for 104 EXCITING GAMES. Most of these games can be played with ordinary household or classroom materials. Alanna Jones has also wtitten another HELPFUL and FUN BOOK called The Wrecking Yard

I selected this book in order to complete a required communications class assignment that I am presently enrolled in. The title of the book caught my attention. I am an Assessment Coordinator and I work with approximately 10 to 20 individuals at a time with a new group every three weeks. Several of the issues that I need to address that are a major concern with our clients are covered in Alanna Jone's book. These are issues dealing with self-esteem, communication, anger management, self discovery and coping skills. As instructors and parents we often find ourselves in situations where people are resistant to learning. The many reasons for this vary.
Some of the first activities I used from Alanna book were the Creative Coloring, the Good, Bad and Ugly and Create a country activities. The activities gave individuals an opportunity to make their oun choices, to support and encourage one another and to empower each other to succeed. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get our clients to participate. These activities helped the most introverted members of our groups blossom.
The activities were successful in that they helped the clients to discuss personal issues that were holding them back from succeeding and moving forward. The activities helped individuals who do not like to participate to feel more a part of the group and not so alone.
After working with our clients and using some of the activities in the book we can see improvement in the areas of concern mentioned above. The activities can be altered to fit the needs and concerns of each unique group. Alanna's book provided yet another powerful resource of creative ideas and activities to help our clients grow. I would recommend this book not only because it has many useful ideas and activities, but because it will spark your creativity to develop even more as well.

This book is a great resource for anyone working with children or adolescents! I bought it because I needed ideas for activities for elementary school students, but it has been useful for the adolescents I work with, too. There are a lot of really creative ideas in here, and I have used it consistently since the day I got it. All of my coworkers think I am so creative now! This is a very useful book and well worth the money.

I was a little afraid the teens at my high school would find the games "babyish" or too "corny" but let me tell you they LOVE these games. Any book that can get 13-18 year old Latino and African American males engaged is a must have!

If you are in the mental health field, this book is a must. I have utilized many of these activities which have all been a success. Teaching elementary and junior high students social skills can be a challenge, but not with this book in your library. The activities are targeted towards children who struggle with self esteem issues, anger management, and coping skills. This book is FANTASTIC!

I got this book hoping it would have simple, easy to use exercises to utilize in groups, with individual clients, and with families. However, it is not. Many of the exercises require extra materials and some require a good bit of creativity. I prefer the workbook types and have those are much more helpful than this one. If you are just looking for a good place to start and some creative ideas, then this book is for you. If you all ready have some resources you like and use, you may want to check this book out from a library or bookstore before buying because I was disappointed.

I use this book all the time for an after school program. I have K-5 students all in the same program. I modify some of the activities, but it really helps build a community within the group. It also allows for those students who need to find a voice, or just do not want to particpate have an opportunity without feeling offended, distracted, or felt like they were being made to do something. It has a wide variety of activities for all sorts of issues children face, but do not know really what the issues are they are facing. Once you have it you will use it often!

As a middle school counselor, I have used the activities in this book with kids of various ages and ability levels. While some of the activities do take some prep time, there are also many that you can use with what you have on hand, which is great for the busy school counselor. The activities are a lot of fun and teach great skills such as teamwork and decision-making. Well worth the money!

This book is pretty good, but not as good as her Teamwork book. The key is that this book does not have team building activities like the other book. It only covers what is stated. I would still recommend this book for the topics it says it covers... but dont buy this for teambuilding...