What Is Gemstones?

The Gemstones programme has been developed as a classroom resource by New Zealand teachers to align with the New Zealand curriculum. It is based on the book Gem of The First Water, a fable about a boy embarking on a journey in which he encounters all sorts of interesting and personally challenging adventures.

The programme uses Therapeutic Storytelling Intervention, a methodology which uses the age-old art of storytelling as a very effective means of bringing about positive behavioural change in people’s lives.

The stories in Gemstones invoke mental images and pictures in the students’ minds and can be likened to holding up a mirror to them. It allows them, in their own time, to take an honest look at themselves.

The teacher guides them through the three stages of the TSI process by helping them to:

• identify with the behaviours of the characters in the story from a safe place;
• internalise the struggle that the character is facing and recognise their negative behaviours;
• make a decision to apply the successful techniques used by the character.

Where does Gemstones fit into the NZ curriculum?

Gemstones reflects key considerations of the New Zealand Curriculum document:

Values: The 6 stories offer the students the opportunity to explore and reflect on:

• Family relationships
• Choices
• Managing self
• Bullying
• Resisting alcohol and drugs
• Appreciating and valuing life

Key Competencies: By participating in the follow-up activities the programme gives students the opportunity to:

• Set personal goals and reflect on and respond to ideas they encounter (managing self).
• Interact and share ideas (relating to others, participating and contributing).
• Analyse and consider a variety of approaches to the issue at hand (thinking).
• Create texts to communicate ideas relevant to the issues reflected upon (using language and texts). 

The resource reinforces the New Zealand Curriculum statement that, "The values, competencies, knowledge, and skills that students will need for addressing real-life situations are rarely confined to one part of the curriculum."  Teachers who have participated in the Gemstones Professional Development workshops have concluded that the Gemstones programme has application in almost every part of the curriculum.

What's in the kit?

• Each Gemstones kit comprises:
• Introduction paper from Intermediate Principal Paul Murphy
• "Teachers' manual"
• Student workbook – "Gemstones4U"
• DVD of "A Teachers Guide to the Journey"
• CD of the stories from Gemstones recorded by author Ron Phillips
• One copy of text-book "Gem of the First Water" by author Ron Phillips
• Option to order "A Family Guide to Gemstones"
• Option to order "Research and Professional Practice"    [comprising four research papers on the effectiveness of TSI]
• Details of professional support options.

How does a school get the kit?

One Gemstones kit is available free to any school within New Zealand with students from years 7 to 9. Apply by completing the "Application Form" found on the Gemstones web site.

Only schools can apply for the kitset. It is not available to individuals.
For a school to apply, simply click on the words "Application Form" above to be taken to a Gemstones application form.

When does a school get the additional five copies of
"Gem of the First Water?

When a school has completed use of the Gemstones material and provided an evaluation to the Foundation, the teacher may click on "Get Your Free Gem of the First Water Books". This will link to an on-line form which may be completed and submitted automatically, and sent for processing.