Learnings from Using the Tools

1. No tool is a panacea. No tool is guaranteed to be always successful.
2. All tools (including the words we use) are potentially dangerous and must be used with care.
3. To use any tool requires a certain degree of risk and courage on the part of the user.
4. Respectful practice suggest that knowing and respecting the culture and learning preferences of the client is an important way to minimise this risk.
5. No single metaphor will appeal to everyone. If the tool or metaphor isn’t helpful, move on.
6. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk about why something hasn’t worked (‘therapeutic stuff-ups’) to gain insight into other possibilities for exploration.
7. The extent to which the worker is comfortable with and enjoys the tool seems to be a key factor in the successful introduction and contextualisation of the resource.
8. The best metaphors are often the ones clients create themselves. Listening for the client’s own metaphors can be more helpful than waiting for the right moment to introduce a predetermined conversational prompt. Nevertheless, having a range of prompts can allow for a matching of tools to the client’s needs and interests.
9. Sometimes clients can experience the joy of discovery when they ‘bump into’ tools that might be sitting unannounced on the worker’s desk or as part of a travelling toolbox.
10. Tools do not have to be complete or comprehensive to work effectively. Occasionally we find someone is concerned that one of our card sets leaves an important concept out. We believe that if the cards suggest something that is not explicit, then they have done their job. We also believe that in many situations it is better to make a selection of cards rather than use the full set.
11. There is nothing sacred about our cards. They can be stuck on noticeboards or fridge doors. They can be given away. However, this is one reason we produce stickers; it means they can be given away more cheaply and with less temptation to infringe copyright!
12. All our materials are simply a means to an end. They can amplify the power of words and can be used in ways that celebrate multiple intelligences and different learning styles. But they are dispensable. And it can certainly be of great long-term value to work with clients to create their own materials that explore and celebrate learning, growth and curiosity.

All Innovative Resources’ materials rely on the creativity and sensitivity of the user. They do not require preparatory training courses and, as mentioned earlier they do not come with an instruction manual.

However, there are factors that need to be considered to ensure the materials are used purposefully and respectfully. The cards work best when the timing and circumstances are conducive to opening up respectful, safe and honest communication.. Judging the right moment to introduce the cards relies on the skill, creativity and sense of timing of the person introducing them.