Ideas to celebrate:
-For a large group, have a guitarist play for your participants. If your facility serves meals, have the guitarist play during lunch or dinner.
-For individuals or a small group, Play Guitar Hero on your XBox or Wii.
-For lower functioning groups, have a music/guitar education session for participants to learn about the guitar, touch one and strum.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Ceramics
Offer your participants the opportunity to create ceramic pieces. Although ceramics can be highly rewarding, the process can be involved and as complex as. This discussion is only meant to be an overview.
The simplest form ceramics involves buying and staining bisque, which doesn't require the use of a kiln. This method is also the most expensive. The following is a discussion of more complex methods of doing ceramics:
-Kilns: If very ambitious, suggest the facility buy kilns. Another option is take the pieces to an outside facility with charges for firing. Purchasing kilns makes the process more complicated and increases responsibility on the part of the recreation department, but it also raises the possibility of a wider variety of creations. Think "outside the box" for purchasing kilns and don't let expense prevent it. For example, pursue grant money toward their purchase if the facility is not for profit or buy used kilns. Also remember, a space is needed with good ventilation for the kilns which may require some remodeling. Extra storage space will also be needed. Once kilns are purchased, the cost of doing ceramics or pottery is greatly reduced as buying bisque is very expensive. However, buying molds for ceramics can also be expensive initially.
- Pieces: Doing your own ceramics will require you to buy either molds, greenware, or bisque. The piece begins as a liquid that is poured into a mold and allowed to set. Greenware is the fragile, fairly wet ceramic piece that has set in the mold, prior to firing in the kiln. It requires a being cleaned, which means lightly sanding the imperfections and seems. Once fired it becomes bisque, a hardened piece ready for the final process. The piece will require re-firing if glazed.
A piece can be bought at every stage of the process. Greenware can be bought cheaply if you can find a supplier locally. Bisque is much more expensive. Keep in mind that although pouring your own molds is less expensive, it requires a lot of extra space and makes the process more lengthy. To offset costs, have participants buy their own pieces and any special glazes.
-Staining/Glazing:: Staining ceramics is just painting the piece (the paint is called "stain") and does not require an additional firing. To achieve a shiny porcelain type finish, the piece will need to be glazed. The glazing process can use glazes and/or undersglazes and can be a complicated process with several steps in firing depending on the effect desired. If you plan to do ceramics on your own, keeping the pieces simple and use stains or one color of glaze.
-Have fun, as always!
The simplest form ceramics involves buying and staining bisque, which doesn't require the use of a kiln. This method is also the most expensive. The following is a discussion of more complex methods of doing ceramics:
-Kilns: If very ambitious, suggest the facility buy kilns. Another option is take the pieces to an outside facility with charges for firing. Purchasing kilns makes the process more complicated and increases responsibility on the part of the recreation department, but it also raises the possibility of a wider variety of creations. Think "outside the box" for purchasing kilns and don't let expense prevent it. For example, pursue grant money toward their purchase if the facility is not for profit or buy used kilns. Also remember, a space is needed with good ventilation for the kilns which may require some remodeling. Extra storage space will also be needed. Once kilns are purchased, the cost of doing ceramics or pottery is greatly reduced as buying bisque is very expensive. However, buying molds for ceramics can also be expensive initially.
- Pieces: Doing your own ceramics will require you to buy either molds, greenware, or bisque. The piece begins as a liquid that is poured into a mold and allowed to set. Greenware is the fragile, fairly wet ceramic piece that has set in the mold, prior to firing in the kiln. It requires a being cleaned, which means lightly sanding the imperfections and seems. Once fired it becomes bisque, a hardened piece ready for the final process. The piece will require re-firing if glazed.
A piece can be bought at every stage of the process. Greenware can be bought cheaply if you can find a supplier locally. Bisque is much more expensive. Keep in mind that although pouring your own molds is less expensive, it requires a lot of extra space and makes the process more lengthy. To offset costs, have participants buy their own pieces and any special glazes.
-Staining/Glazing:: Staining ceramics is just painting the piece (the paint is called "stain") and does not require an additional firing. To achieve a shiny porcelain type finish, the piece will need to be glazed. The glazing process can use glazes and/or undersglazes and can be a complicated process with several steps in firing depending on the effect desired. If you plan to do ceramics on your own, keeping the pieces simple and use stains or one color of glaze.
-Have fun, as always!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Bowling
Bowling can be done two ways- 1) At the bowling alley, of course or 2) Set up your own for a small group or individual play.
Bowling at the bowling alley is a good occasional outing or regular activity for clients. Remember, the bowling alley should have a good set of bowling ramps for those in needing to bowl from sitting. Almost anyone can bowl with the assistance of ramps, although you may need someone to retrieve the balls!
If you set up your own bowling, you will need a GOOD set of foam or plastic bowling ball and pins. Good for a short activity, don't forget that the bowler can help you set up the pins as a part of the activity, based on the participant's ability.
Have fun bowling!
Bowling at the bowling alley is a good occasional outing or regular activity for clients. Remember, the bowling alley should have a good set of bowling ramps for those in needing to bowl from sitting. Almost anyone can bowl with the assistance of ramps, although you may need someone to retrieve the balls!
If you set up your own bowling, you will need a GOOD set of foam or plastic bowling ball and pins. Good for a short activity, don't forget that the bowler can help you set up the pins as a part of the activity, based on the participant's ability.
Have fun bowling!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Music Therapy
Hire a music therapist for a group session. Music therapists have special training in which to use with your special needs group. If you are unable to hire music therapist, plan a music themed activity. Here are some suggestions:
-Name that Tune: Using a collection of various music selections, divide your group into 2 teams to compete for a prize.
-Sing-a-Long: Lead your group in some popular tunes with the help of a karaoke machine, hymnbook, or songbook and sing-a-long CDs. Have a pianist or entertainer lead your group if you are unable to.
-Musical Chairs
-Cake Walk
-Name that Tune: Using a collection of various music selections, divide your group into 2 teams to compete for a prize.
-Sing-a-Long: Lead your group in some popular tunes with the help of a karaoke machine, hymnbook, or songbook and sing-a-long CDs. Have a pianist or entertainer lead your group if you are unable to.
-Musical Chairs
-Cake Walk
Thursday, March 8, 2012
American Idol
Depending on your clientele and the personality of your group, a modified version of American Idol can be a big hit. Change the name to personalize Idol to your facility. Using a karaoke machine, invite participants to sing for the panel of judges. Schedule at least a few contestants in advance to get the ball rolling. Make the panel of judges special: an administrator, a family member, and another staff, etc. The panel should have a good sense of humor and make funny, positive comments about the "performances". If possible, hand out ballots with contestants numbered so there can be an official winner, or leave it to the judges to decide. Again, make it fun - the best doesn't have to the winner!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Cancer Awareness
April is Cancer Control Month. Cancer is one of the leading cause of death in the US, second only to heart disease. Prepare now by inviting a local expert on cancer prevention and treatment to speak to your group. Check your local cancer center or nearest medical university.
There are many mixed messages about cancer and what is versus what is not good for prevention. Help your participants separate fact from fiction and be educated early detection, prevention, and treatment.
There are many mixed messages about cancer and what is versus what is not good for prevention. Help your participants separate fact from fiction and be educated early detection, prevention, and treatment.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bagels, Donuts and Coffee Social
Once every month or so, give your clients a change of pace and offer a bagel, donuts and coffee social in the late morning. If you don't have a coffee pot, most coffee stores have a large coffee container, however, it is cheaper to buy a large coffee maker and make it yourself.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Outing to Local Garden
Spring is the time to visit local botanical gardens! Try to pick a time to visit when a particular flower is blooming or for a special exhibition on display.
There is a lot of walking for participants and the gardens can be hilly. Take some volunteers and extra equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs for older or more physically challenged participants. For those who work in physical rehab, this is a great functional outing for practicing walking and wheelchair mobility.
Often there is a discount for groups or even free tickets for certain kinds of groups. If you cannot get a discount as a group, ask for the school rate. Have the gardens give your group a guided tour through one or more sections of the garden keeping in mind the physical endurance or attention your group can tolerate. Many botanical gardens offer snacks or a lunch meal, so make arrangements to eat at the gardens.
There is a lot of walking for participants and the gardens can be hilly. Take some volunteers and extra equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs for older or more physically challenged participants. For those who work in physical rehab, this is a great functional outing for practicing walking and wheelchair mobility.
Often there is a discount for groups or even free tickets for certain kinds of groups. If you cannot get a discount as a group, ask for the school rate. Have the gardens give your group a guided tour through one or more sections of the garden keeping in mind the physical endurance or attention your group can tolerate. Many botanical gardens offer snacks or a lunch meal, so make arrangements to eat at the gardens.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Outing to the Farmer's Market
Most communities have a nearby outdoor farmer's or fresh open market on the weekends. If not, the larger cities have indoor farmer's markets that often sell items from around the world. These outings make very fun field trips once every month or so. The outdoor markets often also feature local vendors with gifts, arts and crafts.
If your clients need lifeskills or instrumental activities of daily living training, having them buy items for a meal they must prepare (if advanced) from the local market is a great way to make a mundane task more fun. Teach budgeting beforehand, work on money exchange or shopping while managing a wheelchair are all excellent functional activities.
If your clients need lifeskills or instrumental activities of daily living training, having them buy items for a meal they must prepare (if advanced) from the local market is a great way to make a mundane task more fun. Teach budgeting beforehand, work on money exchange or shopping while managing a wheelchair are all excellent functional activities.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Fishing Outing
If your clients are the outdoorsy types, this kind of trip is worth the effort. The rewards are worth for even one client! With very little help, no more than 5 or 6 clients should go. If there is a lot of extra help available or your clients are more self-sufficient, take as many as you can. I have found these trips to always be successful whether or not we caught any fish! Practice your casting beforehand and keep in mind the following suggestions for pulling it off:
1) Figure out where to go. A lake, river, or pond? If a private pond is known, there may be a small fee to fish. Keep it as simple as possible and find a place that is either accessible by dock or with a level embankment. Fish for crappy or catfish if they are available where you are.
2) Fishing gear and supplies:
-Poles - If your clients already like to fish, they may own their own poles, or you may buy very cheap poles at Walmart (under $20). The cheapest poles are bamboo (also called cane and "snatch") best used with catfish and crappy.
-Bait- For crappy and the like, buy worms or crickets at a nearby store to your chosen fishing hole or at Walmart. For catfish, chicken livers (or even hotdogs will work) are best.
-Purchase fishing licenses in advance, on the Internet typically. Here in Georgia, we have a couple of free fishing days, so check in your state.
-Tackle box stocked with pliers, extra fishing line, sinkers, scissors, and various size hooks.
-Large bucket to place water in for the fish that are caught
-Fishing net
-Trash bags
-Towels- Used for cleaning hands and helps with holding onto fish.
-Other outing supplies you may need such as water or sunscreen.
-*If you are not familiar with fishing, take at least one person (not including a client!) who is!*
3) If possible, go on a nice warm spring day without wind or bad weather.
4) Have FUN!!!!
1) Figure out where to go. A lake, river, or pond? If a private pond is known, there may be a small fee to fish. Keep it as simple as possible and find a place that is either accessible by dock or with a level embankment. Fish for crappy or catfish if they are available where you are.
2) Fishing gear and supplies:
-Poles - If your clients already like to fish, they may own their own poles, or you may buy very cheap poles at Walmart (under $20). The cheapest poles are bamboo (also called cane and "snatch") best used with catfish and crappy.
-Bait- For crappy and the like, buy worms or crickets at a nearby store to your chosen fishing hole or at Walmart. For catfish, chicken livers (or even hotdogs will work) are best.
-Purchase fishing licenses in advance, on the Internet typically. Here in Georgia, we have a couple of free fishing days, so check in your state.
-Tackle box stocked with pliers, extra fishing line, sinkers, scissors, and various size hooks.
-Large bucket to place water in for the fish that are caught
-Fishing net
-Trash bags
-Towels- Used for cleaning hands and helps with holding onto fish.
-Other outing supplies you may need such as water or sunscreen.
-*If you are not familiar with fishing, take at least one person (not including a client!) who is!*
3) If possible, go on a nice warm spring day without wind or bad weather.
4) Have FUN!!!!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Outing to a Flea Market
Pick a small or mid-sized flea market in your local area or nearby for your clients to shop at and have lunch out. Make it a game by seeing who can by the most with $5.00. Or make it a true scavenger hunt by creating a list of fun things to find and give the one with most finds a prize! Here's a sample list:
-glass colored bottle
-straight razor or double razor
-churn
-a flour sifter
-whiskey bottle
-old Life magazine
-embroidered hankerchief
-vintage tablecloth
-vintage tatted doily
-fake pearl earrings
-red handkerchief
-opal ring
-shirt
-shoes
-a jewelry pin
-a dish
-glass colored bottle
-straight razor or double razor
-churn
-a flour sifter
-whiskey bottle
-old Life magazine
-embroidered hankerchief
-vintage tablecloth
-vintage tatted doily
-fake pearl earrings
-red handkerchief
-opal ring
-shirt
-shoes
-a jewelry pin
-a dish
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Celebrate American Diabetes Alert Month
Invite the Health Dept. or a local hospital to come and do complimentary blood sugar checks for your clients. Or have a Diabetes Educator do a program on awareness and management of the disease.
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