I am a social worker working with Children of women of Domestic Violence. I am creating a project for the?

Question

children on self-esteem, my project is to have the children create a Coat of Arms of their own in which they utilize positive qualities they feel they possess, however I need to find a good explanation that I can give to kids about the meaning of a Coat Of Arms, any suggestions?

Answer 1

First, I just want to thank you for your work with children! I am a paralegal IV, and my office represents the DCS/CPS caseworkers, and I know how hard you work. Thank you.

Now, my idea would be to make one of my own, show that to them, explain that I am making a "symbol of my family" and perhaps liken it to things they can relate to, like (depending on their age range) hold up a familiar object that we all recognize, like the flag represents the U.S., a dollar sign represents money, even the familiar arches of McDonalds...and go on to explain my coat of arms, maybe a paw print because I have a dog will be on it, a peace sign because I hate to argue and always try to "keep the peace" maybe a pom pom because I coach cheerleading, or deer antlers because I see them every morning and I like to sit outside and have my coffee and watch them before I start my day...all those sorts of things would be on mine, and how I would want people to recoginze when they saw MY coat of arms...and of course, it would have to be in my favorite NFL team colors-blue and white! GO COLTS!

Answer 2

I think if you could find a story or legend about a coat of arms, that would be cool. Maybe look up your last name or someone's that the kids would recognize. Also, maybe review what positive traits could be, so they have an idea of what to come up with. I think this is a really cool activity that these kids may remember for a long time. Is there any way real objects or materials could be included? Sometimes that helps to keep their attention and help those kids who say they can't draw. So, this might be old CD's (like the back side of those AOL CD's), different colors and textures of cloth, pieces of wood, metal, cotton, etc. This might help them analogize: "I put cotton on because I'm a soft, tender person, or because I love looking at clouds," or whatever. Have fun!

Answer 3

What a wonderful idea. My hat is off to you. I do not know anything about Coat of Arms but here is a suggestion I used to help myself heal from child abuse. It needs to be done like hypotism or visualization, whatever you want to call it. You talk them into deep breathing, relaxing, then after they are relaxed have them picture the parents the should have gotten. Pick loving mom and dad describe : start by describing them walking through the woods and down a path that leads to a cute looking cottage. At the door is their very loving Mother welcoming them home. She gives them a big hug and kiss and has them sit down for a meal she has prepared especially for them. Dad comes over and hugs them too telling them how much he loves them and has been waiting for them...go on and on with this giving them everything the need to have a wonderful, happy experience...I do this every once a while even now and am age 59. It always makes me feel loved and wanted, even though I have dealt with this issue many times in the past years and have created a happy satisfying life for myself.

Answer 4

Give them the meaning of Coat of Arms...these children are probably not stupid by any means and wont need to be talked down to. If given the chance these children will be great! But if the people who are here to help them don't stop treating them like second class people with maladaptive brains then these kids will be just that. Teach them what you know not what you think they will understand. They might surprise you.

Answer 5

Here's a link. I hope it helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms

Answer 6

its a shield with stuff on it that shows people about themselves

Answer 7

so they can help