Activity of the Day

National Scrabble Day April 13

2012-04-13T14:47:00.002-07:00

Celebrate National Scrabble Day with a good game of Scrabble!

April is Int'l Guitar Month

2012-03-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Ceramics

2012-03-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

2012-03-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

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

2012-03-10T17:13:00.001-08:00

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

2012-03-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

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!

Cancer Awareness

2012-03-07T12:44:00.004-08:00

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.

Bagels, Donuts and Coffee Social

2012-03-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Outing to Local Garden

2012-03-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

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 the Farmer's Market

2012-03-04T12:22:00.002-08:00

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.

Fishing Outing

2012-03-03T15:49:00.003-08:00

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

2012-03-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

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

2012-03-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-29T11:20:00.001-08:00

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.

Celebrate National Craft Month

2012-02-29T11:03:00.001-08:00

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

2012-02-27T14:45:00.002-08:00

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!

Partner with the Girl Scouts

2012-02-26T12:15:00.001-08:00

The 3rd week in March is Girl Scouts week. Partner with a local troop to do a project or program at your facility and have your clients assist. Find your local council at http://www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder/. If you are in Georgia, take a field trip to Savannah to visit where the Girl Scouts began.

March Madness

2012-02-24T15:17:00.001-08:00

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!

2012-02-23T13:52:00.003-08:00

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://getfitwhereyousit.com/

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.

Relaxation Techniques: Guided Imagery

2012-02-22T07:53:00.001-08:00

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. 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 or with one individual.

Host a Support Group

2012-02-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-20T14:49:00.002-08:00

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

2012-02-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

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

Take Advantage of VSA Arts

2012-02-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.

With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is providing arts and education programming for youth and adults with disabilities around the world.

Through their community events programs, your clients can enjoy many free or reduced rates for shows, museums and other events.

My clients have enjoyed various off-broadway shows, ballet, opera, museum discounts on special exhibitions, and the circus. Every state has an affiliate. Membership includes a sliding scale based on your budget, however, the rates are extraodinarily low for the opportunities your clients receive.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/affiliates/usa.cfm

Contact your state affliate for more information and other educational opportunities for your clients through VSA Arts.

Trivia Games

2012-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

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