Celebrate National Scrabble Day with a good game of Scrabble!
Celebrate Int'l Guitar Month in April
-For a large group, have a guitarist play for your participants.
-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.
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!
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!
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
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!
Outing to Local Gardens
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.
Outing to 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.
Gone Fishing
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!!!!
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
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.
St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas
Have a Green Sherbert "Sundae" social. Serve green sherbert with green sprinkles on top or green sherbert gingerale floats (or punch). Play Irish music.
Have cookie decorating with green icing and sprinkles. Or make green sugar cookies in the shape of shamrocks.
Have your participants make all the decorations in advance: 1)Shamrock place mats for the tables 2) Shamrocks for the walls complete with green glitter! 3) Make Kiss Me I'm Irish buttons for participants to wear. 4) Place gold coins on tables. 5) Make centerpieces.
March is Nat'l Crafts Month
Host a special craft once a week with a guest craft instructor. Contact your local parks and recreation department or arts council for some volunteer or if able, hire an instructor. Visit a local craft show in your area or a museum with an special art or craft exhibition.
Talent Show
Sign your clients up for talent show! Invite the staff and family members to participate. Don't be hesitant to "assign" talents if need be and assist individuals in practicing and perfecting their talent. Encourage group participation. Suggestions for talent include: dancing, present a song (karaoke works! or sing-a-long material), read poetry or read their own poem, and presenting skits. I've had creative groups do skits, especially when they were encouraged to do so or were provided the material. The most important part of a talent show is having a sense of humor and having FUN!
March Madness
Post up a tournament board for basketball's March Madness. Print a mini bracket sheet for those clients interested and have a "pickin" contest to see who predicts the most winners.
Making Exercise Fun
-Use Props-
Hand weights
Bar
Ribbons
Balls or Mini medicine balls
Balloons
Parachute
Items can be purchased at www.ssww.com or www.flaghouse.com
-Music-
Make sure the music you use is fitted to your clients' taste. Using modern aerobics music may not be as effective in creating a fun environment, so try what works for your group. http://www.fitnessav.ca/Seniors-Fitness-Music-s/92.htm or http://www.powermusic.com/ for music selections
-Seated Chair or Standing Dance-
When teaching a dance from sitting, teach one step at a time before adding music or add a slower paced music and modify the leg work. Suggestions are the Macarena, Electric Slide, or the Hokey Pokey which you can sing together without music.
-Modified Yoga Stretches-
There are several websites to give you a selection of yoga chair stretches you can lead yourself
Chair Yoga, Printable Yoga Exercises
http://www.yogaheart.com/
-Try a something you haven't before:-
Tai Chi or Qigong: These sessions don't have to cost you money for an instructor or a training session for yourself. Check out a video from your local library!
Aquatic Arthritis or Fibromyalgia classes- If you don't have a pool, check with your local wellness center to see if they will tailor a class for your clients.
-Try a something you haven't before:-
Tai Chi or Qigong: These sessions don't have to cost you money for an instructor or a training session for yourself. Check out a video from your local library!
Aquatic Arthritis or Fibromyalgia classes- If you don't have a pool, check with your local wellness center to see if they will tailor a class for your clients.
Learn to lead your group in a relaxation session with guided imagery. Or find some sessions you like on You Tube and play them for your group. Or hire a person to do a live session. Live sessions are the most effective in my opinion. A good session will last at least 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a quiet and relaxing room with quiet, relaxing music. This activity is good for a small group who does not have issues with concentrating.
Host a Support Group
Host a support group for the local chapter of a common diagnosis such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, MR, CP, MS, or those with mental health diagnoses. Invite family members of those who are affected. Encourage your clients to attend. Or start your own support group and invite professionals to host various topics.
Women's Poker Game
The men usually get together to play poker and often exclude the women. Have a special women's only poker event. Make it special by serving drinks and food. Use candy or another popular item as "chips".
Memory and Recognition Games
Variation of the Memory Game (for 1-2 people)- Using 4 to 9 pictures depending on ability level, arrange pictures in an order and allow the player to view the pictures for a period of time. Take up the pictures have the player arrange the pictures the way originally displayed. Difficulty: Very hard
Picture Bingo- Create your own Bingo cards using pictures (or download some versions off the Internet) or graphics and give clues to describe the picture for players. Difficulty: Moderate
Jingo- A version of Picture Bingo. You will need a Jingo game which comes in several different themes. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pokerkeeno- A Bingo type game with the cards picturing playing cards instead of numbers and letters.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trivia Games
Trivial Pursuit
- Don't use the board, just the questions. Divide up into 2 teams with team captains and compete against one another. If one team doesn't get the answer, the opposing team can "steal" the point. Play up to time is up or 20 points.
Theme trivia
Played as above
-Pick a holiday theme
-Pick a celebration i.e. Black History month or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, etc.
Or
-Topic i.e. television of the 50s, sports, geography. There are lots of popular topics at www.funtrivia.com
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Word Games
Pick from one of the following word games based on the level of your group:
Word Board Games:
-Scrabble
-Boggle
-Wheel of Fortune - You can make your own "wheel" to spin and use an erase board or flip chart
Word Games using an erase board or flip chart:
-Word Unscramble- Scramble the letters of a word, divide your group into individual opponents or teams to see who get the most words.
-Word Creations - Choose a word, preferably a long word, and see how many words your group can come up with using any of the letters in the original word.
-Hangman
Other related games:
-Giant crossword puzzles available from various activity suppliers. Great for a small group.
-Giant Soduku - Use a flipchart to make the board
Beauty Day
Arrange some volunteers to help pamper the women with a spa hand treatment: paint nails and massage hands. Or do it yourself and schedule appointment times.
Collection for Local Pet Shelter
Start a collection of old towels, blankets, sheets and other needed items for a local pet shelter. Once the collection is complete, arrange a trip to the agency to drop off the items.
Stained Glass
Materials: Various glass stain bottles from any craft store
Stained glass (plastic) premade forms from www.ssww.com or Hobby Lobby
Paper clip or push pin to pop bubbles
Paper towels or kleenex for mistakes
Q-tips for mistakes
S & S Worldwide makes inexpensive and numerous paintable stained glass. Words well for lower to high functioning individuals. The paint is squeezed onto the space not requiring paint brushes. Use a Q-tip to absorb excess paint, although do not swirl it around as this creates bubbles. Pop bubbles that form with pin.
Scavenger Hunt
A good one-on-one or small group activity is a Scavenger Hunt. Whoever gets the most items in the time frame given wins! The following is an example or make up your own:
_________________________ a movie ticket stub
_________________________ a chocolate chip cookie recipe
_________________________ a bar of hotel soap
_________________________ a word search puzzle
_________________________ a pack of takeout ketchup
_________________________ a popsicle stick
_________________________ an old cd
_________________________ a used stamp
_________________________ a colored napkin
_________________________ a plastic fork
_________________________ a balloon
_________________________ a birthday candle
_________________________ a Christmas card
_________________________ a can of pop
_________________________ a paper grocery bag
_________________________ a used printer cartridge
_________________________ a tea bag
_________________________ a potato
_________________________ a magazine
_________________________ a fast food coupon
_________________________ a hanger
_________________________ a spool of thread
_________________________ a 1990 penny
_________________________ an elastic band
_________________________ a tape case
_________________________ a grocery receipt
Bunco: Large group game
If you are looking for a large group activity (16 +) that is social, active, and fun that is not complicated, Bunco is it! Bunco is a basic dice game, and requires constant changes places at playing tables to get the chance to play with everyone. The rules for Bunco are found at www.buncorules.com - an excellent source.
Sequence Board Game
Sequence is a board game that is fairly simple in execution but great for a group of 6 or so. Purchase the large game board. Is it a card matching and strategy game similar to Bingo or Pokerkeeno. It's worth the investment and works well with prizes for the winners. Lasts about 45 min to an hour with 6 or more players and there are 2 people to a team. Also works well for some who are lower functioning but can at least match playing cards. Excellent physical rehab and community based game.
One to one activity: Propagating new plants.
Choose 2 or 3 plants for which you would like to make new plants from. 15 to 30 min activity
Materials- Old egg carton, or mini planters
Soil and spoon or dowel
Scissors or plant sheers
Planting hormone (liquid can get at a nursery)
Cover- something plastic or glass and see through
Water
Directions: Where there is new growth, cut at the main stem. Shave back the outer layer of the stem with fingernail or scissors. Dip edge in hormone, plant with soil in mini planters, water, cover with cover provided or with plastic cover (saran wrap works)- this creates a greenhouse effect. Old canners work well also. Place in sunlight. The cover keeps the moisture in and reduces watering. Once the plant has produced roots, transplant to larger planter in a week or two.
Functional "Sorry"
Physical activity idea: Functional or Exercise "Sorry" Game for a small group. 1 hour+
Materials: Sorry board game
Index cards with exercises and number of spaces to move forward
Directions: The cards in the game are replaced by homemade cards that have an activity the person is to do and the number of spaces to move forward. Examples are, "Walk to the water fountain and back," "Tell the group where you are from and stand to shake the persons had across from you." You'll need at least 20 different activities or more. Keep them simple. The idea is to increase socialization and physical activity with simple requests while trying to win. The person who makes it around the board with their pawns first wins. This a fun and active game that gets people going without being boring.
Other card examples:
Touch your toes 10 times
Do 10 arm circles
Do 10 leg raises
Do 10 knee raises
Tell the group what you want for dinner
Baking Biscuits
If you have a participant who is a good baker, have them teach the group or just work one on one to bake biscuits. Depending on the setting, many haven't made biscuits or a favorite pastry in a long time. If you don't have access to a resident kitchen, ask to bake them in the master kitchen.
Materials: Buttermilk
Crisco or butter
Self rising flour
Cup or biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits
Flour sifter
pan
Optional- measuring spoons depending on the cook!
Outing to Humane Society
Maybe you already have a pet therapy group. This time that your group to the Humane Society or similar shelter to pet the animals there. Advertise it as a volunteer opportunity to give back!
Craft: Mosaic Tile
Great one to one or group activity that covers several sessions. Is messy but reveals a beautiful product the participants are proud of and love!
Materials: Wooden picture frames (or some other flat surface decorative piece)
Mosaic tiles
Tile adhesive
Grout
Spacers (Optional)
Grout applicator
Grout sealer
Damp towel
Directions: Lay surface flat and wipe excess dust or dirt. Arrange tiles in a desirable pattern, making sure there is 1-2 mm of space on all sides of tiles. Glue on tiles. Allow to dry over night and make sure each tile is secure. Mix grout (follow pkg directions) and apply with grout applicator making sure all the spaces are filled in. As it begins to set, wipe surface with damp towel to reveal surface of tiles. May need to let dry for a while before wiping. Make sure edges are covered with grout and smooth. After the grout has set for some time (one to two weeks) apply grout sealer.
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