Entry 12 (Long Activity Facilitation)

Long Activity Facilitation

Three groups facilitated their activities, including my group.  Group 4 (my group) facilitated team sports and active recreational activities, Group 5 facilitated drama activities, and Group 6 facilitated relaxation techniques and activities.

Group 4 (Team Sports and Active Recreational Activities):
What:
Various activities and games that worked on social skills, being supportive/positive reinforcement, working as a team, and utilizing communication skills.

Types:
Birdie on a Perch: Ice-breaker to expand your personal circle and get to know others
Spider-Web:  Physical activity that can be played by most populations.  Focuses on concentration and movement.
Toothpick Basketball:  Physical activity that concentrates on hand-eye coordination.
Obstacle Course:  Requires trust of your partner and "living" in the world differently (blindfolded).

Where:
The activities performed by the class could be played anywhere that space allows.

YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6F79E_yVi8

Group 5 (Drama):
What:
Activities and games that bring dramatic play into your life.

Types:
Prop Imagination:  Use the prop given and turn it into something you've never heard or seen before.
Wheelchair Dancing:  Partner dancing (one partner is in a wheelchair and the other is up on his/her feet)

Where:
Anywhere space allows.  More space is needed for wheelchair dancing that prop imagination.

YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhDxTcw0AZs

Group 6 (Relaxation):
What:
Relaxation techniques that can be used to alleviate stress or something else on one's mind.

Types:
Lying down/sitting comfortably
Lights dim/off
Calming music on/quiet
Soothing pictures of nature/people smiling/something one enjoys

Where:
Relaxation can take place anywhere you feel comfortable with little to no distraction.

YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwmCwYPGXlA

These were all great activities facilitated.  However, I found team sports/active recreational games to be the most recreation based.  This group's activities were not pointed at a specific disability but rather many different disabilities and populations.