Three Houses Tool

The ‘Three Houses’ technique was created by Nicki Weld and Maggie Greening in New Zealand. It is a simple and effective way of discussing strengths, risks and hopes. Although it is used by social workers as a child protection tool it is also very effective for communicating with the child in an ELSA setting.  Adapt your questions accordingly.

1.House of worries – what are you worried about?

2.House of good things – what is going well?

3.House of dreams – what needs to happen? How would things look in a perfect world?

This resource is very visual and makes it a whole activity if the child is involved in making it. It could be used at the beginning of each of your sessions.

Make up the three houses with the child. Lots of opportunity for colouring and decorating first. Invite the child to draw pictures, write things down, fold up and post into the top of the relevant house. The house can be closed and sealed with a bit of bluetak.

You could just make up the three houses yourself and use them as a tool with lots of children. Print onto strong card if you are doing this so they last longer and are a bit more hard wearing.

Download: The three houses templates

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