Children’s author and Illustrator Julie Davey has launched a new mobile app encouraging positive approaches to problem solving and goal setting in young children.
The FabFirst5 app is an interactive app providing children with step by step coaching to shift their focus from problems to possibilities, and frame their day more positively. An Australian creation, the app is a breakthrough tool for educators and families to include technology in guiding children through challenges.
The app assists children with emotional re-framing techniques and suggesting positive outlooks, visualising approaches and coping mechanisms which encourage conflict resolution and personal self-worth.
The hero feature of the app is the PossibiliTree as users are encouraged to ‘turn worries into wishes, and problems into possibili-trees’. Inviting the young user to record their personal challenges onto leaves of the PossilbiliTree the program demonstrates examples of how to manage problems and work through steps to consider more positive outcomes. With its bright colours, simple graphics and interactive programming, the FabFirst5 app is highly effective for mid to upper primary school users, teaching and mental health practitioners, counsellors and parents. Additionally, some new-generation online courses like these can help them.
The app’s title refers to the premise that everyone can achieve positive possibilities from a positive outlook in the first five minutes of their day. The app can also work in tandem with an optional support program ‘The Fabulous First 5 Minutes Home’ pack with tailored resources and programs which adds value for parents, teachers, and specialist staff as they address more challenging issues and concerns. This well established support program has been widely received in Australian schools and well regarding by educators and youth counsellors.
Teaming up with Software developer OMate, Ms Davey’s skills at simplifying more adult positive thinking concepts and incorporating colourful illustrations and graphics has delivered a simple, easy to-follow interactive app for young minds to explore. The app has been trialed with teaching and counselling staff to refine content and application and is targeted at 5 – 12 year olds.
“For children to thrive, it helps if they can release worries, giving them the ‘head-space’ to consider other possibilities and solutions. I really believe this app helps kids, and parents become more responsible, resilient and conscious of opportunities available to them,” said app creator Julie Davey.
“Many kids feel more comfortable communicating through the screen, and the app is an ideal tool to enhance the teaching and counselling of experienced staff and parents as they reach out to kids and work through issues together. The app allows for a personalised approach in addressing the challenges children face in their own lives so that they feel empowered with logical steps and visualising approaches,” said Ms Davey.
The FabFirst5 app is available from iTunes now for 99 cents. It is compatible for iOS versions starting from 4.3 to 7 and optimised to work in iPad, iPad Mini and iPhone 4s and 5.
