Progressive Group Drawing

Submitted by Mallory Diepen, CTRS, Adventist Glen Oaks Hospital, Behavioral Health Department


Materials Needed: Paper, art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons, etc.)

Group size: 4-12

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Instructions: Give each participant a blank sheet of paper and pass out art supplies. Have everyone take turns being the “leader”, giving a directive to the rest of the group. The directive will be to draw one picture on their sheet of paper. For example, the first participant might say “draw a house” and everyone, including the leader, will draw a house. The next person might add to that “draw a purple tree next to the house.” The directive can be as simple or detailed as the leader wants (with consideration to the ability level of the group). The activity will end when each person has had a chance to be the leader. Have everyone share their picture when complete.

Processing:
• How did you feel during this activity?
• Did you like being the leader or the one receiving the directive better and why?
• What skills did you need to participate in this activity?
• Discuss how each person gave input to complete the activity
• Talk about how each picture is different and that everyone has their own point of view
• How can it be helpful to be able to view things from multiple angles?

There are several directions you can go with this activity. It can be related to leadership skills and self-esteem, communication and being assertive, creativity and self-expression, following directions and focusing, etc. This activity can be adapted for all populations; however, I have found it to work well with a lower functioning population or those who have difficulty staying focused.

Thanks again Mallory!

Fourth of July Idea Round-Up!

Can you believe it's already JULY?!?! Where is the summer going? Today, rather than post a new activity, I thought I'd highlight some of our favorite Fourth of July activities from past years! Be sure to check them out and comment with your favorites as well!

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I remember a few years ago working on a particular holiday and the patients seemed to be frustrated and disappointed that they couldn't be home with their families and friends celebrating. I've discovered that one of the best ways to deal with these types of situations was to get my patients focused on something else, someone else. We've made lots of different kinds of cards, but these Military Postcards would be perfect for this holiday weekend! There are several different places you could send them once they are complete, check with your local community resources for places in your area!

One of my absolute favorite activities for any holiday is Jeopardy! My patients also love that Jeopardy usually involves candy as a prize. ;) So, here's a link to our Fourth of July Jeopardy game. This usually works with any age group, but may be better for higher functioning individuals. The questions can also be adapted based on the particular population you are working with.

If you're in the mood for an art therapy project, be sure to check out our Toothpick Fireworks activity! This is a relatively easy activity that can be done with just about any population. I'm even thinking of doing this art activity with my cute niece and nephews this weekend! You can stick to the red, white, and blue colors or make the fireworks colorful.

Finally, if you wanna just have a party, there's always Fourth of July Minute to Win It games! The post features games such as What a Racket, Wet Balloon, and Wrap Them Up! Alternatively, you could present patients with a few supplies and have them create their own games for the rest of the group to play.

What are some of YOUR favorite Fourth of July Activities? Be sure to share below!

Pinterest Link Up Party!!

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One of my favorite resources for fun ideas is Pinterest!!

I'm sure we all have our favorite boards of activity ideas, whether it's for rec therapy, teaching, entertaining the kids, or behavioral management tips. This week, I want to hear from ALL of YOU! Comment below with a link to your favorite pinterest board so we can all be inspired by one another! Or, post one idea you found on pinterest that has been successful for you! :)

I can't wait to see your comments!

Mandala Coloring Therapy

From Donica

Mandala Coloring Therapy

Size: Any size, any age

Equipment: Printer or digital graphics program like Paint Shop. For printed copy you'll want coloring gear like felt markers, watercolor paints, pencil crayons, glue and sparkles etc. Good posture is highly recommended while coloring; find a coloring location/posture that supports this.

Objective: Many people find meditation incredibly hard to get into, even though the benefits are well documented. With Coloring Therapy, a state of meditative awareness is easily attained, because the focus needed to gain observation of our inner dialogue occurs in the coloring.

SUMMER TIP FOR PARENTS: Going on a roadtip this summer? Looking for something to entertain the kids on those summer days when it's too hot to send them outside? Download some of these coloring pages and have a contest of who can color them the most elaborate. Or color it with only three colors. The possibilities are endless! 

http://www.free-mandala.com/en/start.html

http://www.doodle-art-alley.com/

P.S. Post some finished Mandalas in the comments so we can enjoy your artwork!! :)

Senior Adult Prom

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submitted here by Melinda Dykes of Lincoln Residential Center, Brookhaven, MS on Tuesday, January 07, 2003

Size: large group

Equipment: decorations, finger food, music, a specific place to take pictures

Objective: Socialization

Description: Decorate as you would for a school prom. Invite area high school students to come wearing their prom attire. Dress clients in nice clothing (e.g. old prom or wedding dresses collected from staff). Decorate an area for taking pictures. Play music appropriate for the age group. Have a great time!

Blanket Names

Spend a short amount of time introducing everyone in the group.

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Separate the players into two teams.  Have each team form one line.  Each team chooses one player and does not reveal whom they chose.  One person from each team volunteers to hold up a blanket between the two teams.  The chosen players face the blanket directly.

The players who are holding the blanket should drop the blanket.  The first player to name the person they are facing correctly wins.  The other player is out.  

Continue selecting players to represent each team and naming them until an entire team is out.

Random Words

Prepare a list of random words ahead of time.

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One person will go at a time.  Have that patient close his eyes and point to a word on the list.  Patient will then open his eyes and tell of an experience or memory they have in connection to this word.  Have each person go a few time.

Talk about the importance of boundaries and how we should be aware of what information we share with others.

This is a great activity for the geriatric unit because they love to reminisce.