Lucky Duck is renowned for books on developing social, emotional and behavioural skills, and this is a worthy addition. Central to it is a belief in the importance of fostering emotional literacy in everyone.

The programme encourages problem solving in circle time, and the introduction lists the aims and structure of the 15 sessions. What makes these so interesting and effective is that each introduces a postcard showing a particular problem.

The problems are relevant to all the participants, so that by using their knowledge to solve each others’ problems they enhance their skills and increase their self-esteem.

The book contains detailed information for running each session, including warm-ups, questions, a problem solving format and worksheets designed to help the children apply their learning to familiar situations. Children with learning difficulties may require support to fill these in.

All the postcards and worksheets may be photocopied. There is also a CD-Rom, which requires Acrobat Reader 3 or higher.

The programme is designed for groups of at least six children and time is needed for initial one-to-one work. However, there are suggestions on how to adapt it for whole class use.

Sarah Beer

Special education support teacher, Croydon integrated support service