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Product: Clue Cards
Can I use the Clue Cards with all ages?
While some children who are 3 years old may be able to use it, it is best for children 4 and up. For younger children or some with significant cognitive or language delays you may want to modify the activity
How do you describe the Clue Cards activity to children?
We have some basic directions in the box, but will have a video with a demonstration and more instructions soon. We generally say something like, "We are doing an activity to learn more about you and the things that bother you."
How many cards are in the box?
142 cards
How should I respond when children ask about the colors of the cards?
The cards are color-coded to help identify patterns. We have not had children ask us this yet despite years of use, but if it comes up you can respond in different ways, depending on the age and level of curiosity of the child. You can simply tell them, "You don't need to pay attention to the colors." It's fine to let them know that they represent different categories if they persist in wanting more information.
How can I document this information in a therapy note or report?
Download a template here that you can use in a report. A description of the activity is included. We use a Google document for our evaluations and have found it easiest to voice type the responses after the session.
Will children do this with me even though we just met or will they be too nervous?
If you are evaluating a child who has never met you then there may be some hesitation about whether rapport is needed to do this activity. There may be concerns that some children may feel vulnerable sharing some of this information with a stranger.
However, this has not been our experience; in fact, most children have welcomed the opportunity to do this. However, it is not typically the first activity we do so there is an opportunity to establish rapport through other activities first.
Will this work with all children over age 4?
Not all children will understand the instructions, but you often don't know until you try it with them. Do not limit your attempts just because of some language and/or cognitive delays. More children probably understand this than you think will.
Can you use this with children who are in middle or high school?
Yes! We kept the box design colorful because it has helped gain the attention and interest of young children, so we typically just separate out the cards (words up) and boards for older children so they don't see the box. Their feedback so far has been positive and have not expressed that it feels as though it is for younger children.
Is this available in other languages?
We plan to make a Spanish version-stay tuned! With enough interest we will consider making a version in other languages as well.
Wouldn't it be better to have faces or emojis on the boards?
We actually had that in one of our early versions. However, some children took the faces very literally and it made the task more difficult. For example, something that they "can't handle" may feel internally very difficult but it may bring out different emotions. So, if there is a picture of someone who is angry or crying then that may not resonate with them and it is very limiting to what they may actually experience. For example, they may feel more sad, describe their feelings as having a "tornado inside," or dissociate and feel like they aren't in their body.
How can I use the information I learn from the child?
There are many ways to use this information. Sometimes the patterns you see from the color coded cards can help you, school teams, and caregivers consider additional supports, accommodations, etc. It can help guide direct therapy interventions and caregiver supports based on the areas of concern.
What else can I learn about children by doing this activity?
In addition to learning about their specific triggers you may learn:
- If they are masking in their environment
- Thought patterns: if they are a global thinker and see everything as either all good or all bad because cards are only placed at the extreme options
- How they process language and their ability to follow directions
- Their ability to focus and impulsivity
- Their ability to be flexible (are they okay with cards being in a pile or being off of the boards, do they focus more on having an equal number of cards on each board versus accurately sorting them based on topic)
Can I use this as a therapy tool too?
Yes! This is a great tool to use in groups to help teach perspective. It can address flexibility by having children grade other things as well (for example, rating a food they may put in each category). Make sure you receive our emails for other ideas!