At the time of development we saw a great need for encouraging ethical thinking, empathy and EQ. This feels even more relevant in today's environment with children face rising social and emotional challenges, particularly with access to negative social media. It is not too early to address and challenge children to think for themselves and is even more important to encourage 'good thinking'. The stories and open ended questions encourage young children to think about their impact of how their thoughts and actions may affect others. The resource offers social and emotional wellbeing through playful, accessible child and teacher-friendly materials—transforming abstract skills such as empathy, ethical thinking and EQ via engaging stories, puppets and flash cards. The entire resource with its objectives, lesson plans, open ended questions and activities are loved and trusted by both children and teachers. The new self paced online professional development module supports teachers use of the materials furthering the impact of the resource.
In Practice:
The Ginnie & Pinney 'Learn & Grow' Resource Package is a multi-sensory SEL toolkit featuring:
· An eight book set with animated videos and nine finger puppets: The characters model a multitude of emotions through engaging narratives
· Open ended questions assist teachers or parents to encourage thoughtful enquiry
· Learning Emotions Flashcards: Visual tools help children identify and articulate various emotions and emotions through the facial recognition cards.
· Teacher Guide: Step-by-step lesson plans including open ended questions, activities, objectives, Early Years Learning Framework outcomes, discussion questions and focus on educators practice
· Self Paced, online professional development module supporting teachers use of the materials.
· Hands-On Activities: Role-playing games and crafts reinforce skills like empathy and conflict resolution
How It Solves the Problem:
1. Makes SEL Tangible: Flashcards and puppets transform abstract concepts into concrete learning
2. Supports Educators: Teacher guide and online, self paced PD module ensure effective implementation
3. Research-Based: Developed in consultation with Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Doctor of Education and Doctor of Linguistics
· Original character IP and research-backed curriculum (Early Years Learning Framework)
· Integrated physical (books, flashcards, puppets)/digital system (animated videos, online PD)
As a result of the achievements below, the Ginnie & Pinney resource package has been taken up by Early Learning Centres in Australia.
Growth & Achievements (2019–2025):
· 2019 HundrED Innovation
· Ginnie & Pinney is a recommended resource by the Victorian Department of Education and Training on their School Readiness Funding menu (2020–present) and Queensland’s C &K Kindy Uplift program (2022-present)
· International Expansion: Books published in Korean (2021)
· Media Recognition: Featured in Good Reading Magazine and Reading Time (2021)
· Awards: Highly Commended, Educational Publishing Awards Australia (2021); Flashcards shortlisted for HundrED Innovation 2024
· New Offerings: Launched online self paced Professional Development Module (2024)
Next 2–3 Years:
1. Tech Growth: Interactive app & animation series
2. Research: Longitudinal SEL impact study
3. Policy: Advocate for national SEL frameworks
Yes, the innovation was added to in 2024 with the self paced professional development module written by Doctor Tessa Weadman, School of Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
To access our resource visit our website, www.ginnieandpinney.com.au.
We are available via email and by phone for anyone who needs help. The materials can be adapted to focus on social & emotional wellbeing, access & inclusion, communication (language development) and fine & gross motor skills.
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