Workshops run by Dr Richard Woolfson

Richard runs training workshops for early years professionals and for parents (often for a mixed audience of parents and professionals), on a variety of topics related to child development. A summary of full-day programmes are given below, but programmes can be tailor-made to the needs of the particular participants. Programmes can be condensed into a half-day, if required. Please click on the workshop titles for details of these sample workshops.

A Practical Guide To Understanding and Managing Children
Based directly on Richard's best-selling book Why Do Children Do That?, this workshop looks at the formative influences in a child’s life, and considers the effectiveness of positive discipline. Problems in managing children’s behaviour are discussed, along with practical solutions. The workshop also considers children’s emotional and social needs.
The Psychology of Children's Play
This workshop opens with an examination of play and what it means for children. Learning occurs through play, and this is also the way in which children develop social skills. The role of imagination in play is considered, as are gender differences in play patterns. There are positive ways for adults to become involved in play.
10 Principles for Effective Management of Children's Behaviour
Resting on 10 basic principles for effectively managing and understanding children’s behaviour, this workshop offers practical strategies for meeting children’s needs both at home and in pre-school settings. The workshop concludes with a model for developing an action plan that enables carers to deal with difficult behaviour.
Encouraging Children's Social Development
Social interaction is a key part of a child’s life. In this workshop, key issues connected with social development, such as acquiring social skills, learning how to play cooperatively with others, managing conflict, and shyness are considered. Attention is also paid to the effect of peer pressure and ways to boost a child’s social confidence.
Understanding Disability In Early Years
Models of disability open this workshop, followed by a discussion about inclusion. Strategies that help early years professionals and parents manage children with disability are also considered. In addition to looking at discipline and self-esteem of children with disability, the impact of disability on family life is also examined.
Understanding Teenagers & Working With Them
Adolescence is a period of change, and this workshops discusses the key physical, intellectual, social and moral transitions associated with this phase of development. Communicating with teenagers is also considered. The workshop concludes with consideration of typical teenage problems and how to manage them effectively.
Developing Language & Communication Skills
This workshop focuses on the development of language and communication during childhood. Key topics are considered, including the nature of receptive and expressive language, language and communication difficulties, and the importance of non-verbal communication. Key skills for communicating with children are also discussed.
Establishing Positive Relationships With Children
Working with children can be challenging, but this workshop takes a positive approach by looking at ways to establish positive relationships, and how to manage behaviour positively. The workshop also examines what to do when children fight, how to boost self-confidence and positive ways to use play with children.