This past week of class, I actually was not present. I was blessed to be able to drive out to Augusta, Montana with my parents to watch my little sister graduate from Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. It was such a joy to be there. (I attended the school two years ago.) It was refreshing to spend time with my parents and then with the people at the school, to whom my heart is very attached. I thank the Lord for that opportunity. He is good to me far beyond what I deserve.
So I did a little bit of research on timeslips, to see what they are and how they are used and why people like them so much. Timeslips are used primarily for patients with Alzheimer's. They allow them to create stories about random pictures. Below is a link for the official timeslips website. The thing that I thought was really neat about timeslips is that they don't pressure people to remember, but they allow them to be creative with their imagination. At the same time, it challenges them to be thinking and be stretched cognitively whereas they might not be in other activities. This activity helps them to engage with their caretakers and fellow peers and it allows them to effectively communicate. Everyone loves a good story.
http://www.timeslips.org/
Here is an article talking about the benefits and effectiveness of timeslips: http://www.disabled-world.com/health/aging/alzheimers/storytelling-program.php
Jodi Bender
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Physical Fitness

We also played a game where there were two circles and your partner was in the opposite circle of you. When they called out an action, you had to find your partner and act it out. They used different things, such as "churning butter" and "mama and baby bear" and "humans vs. zombies." This was focused for people with autism and I think it could be used with for almost any population. It was a riot! I think people with physical disabilities could really have fun with this, whether they've suffered from spina bifida or an amputation or any physical disability. It really forces you to work your brain and be creative with your resources. It would enable people with physical disabilities to feel empowered because although they might look at a scene or action differently, it still works. Also, people with developmental disabilities might like this activity, as long as the actions are simple and straight forward.
The final game we played was called Humans and Zombies. This was adapted so we couldn't see, and so it would be doable with people with visual impairments. We had to walk around with our eyes closed and when we bumped into someone, we would scream. The game started out with one zombie and when the zombie bumps into a person, they don't scream and the other person does. When only one scream is heard, the other person knows that they turn into a zombie. When two zombies bump into one another, they both turn back into humans. It really made you think and be aware of your surroundings. I think you could also play this with people with hearing impairments and when you run into someone you have to squeeze their arm if you're a zombie. All the rules would apply, but you wouldn't need to use sound. All of these games are great for getting any population moving. They get their heart rates increasing and allow them to build muscle strength and endurance. These games also increase hand-eye coordination.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Shooting Beauty, Chalking Challenge and New Games!

Next, my group presented our chalking challenge, which was a very directed chalk drawing/art project that was focused towards people with HIV/AIDS. We had each person kind of have their own space, so it could be a more reflective time, processing their days and their thoughts. We had maybe 10 prompts, with different things along the lines of "What was your first thought of the day?" or "Draw a symbol/picture of how you think people see you?" or "Write a note to someone you haven't seen in a long time." This activity could be adapted for a number of populations, including people with MS or muscular dystrophy, kids with autism, at-risk youth, and people with intellectual disabilities. It could be done with almost any group of people, because the questions can be so easily adapted. We thought that if we did it for kids with autism, we would probably throw more games in the mix, so they would have the chance to interact with others and be more active. For people with MS or muscular dystrophy, we would probably adapt the chalk and attach it to the end of a stick, so they could draw from a wheelchair. We also thought that they could possibly draw on the side of a building, since they couldn't reach the ground. For each group of people, the questions would have to be molded and changed to fit the people.
Next we were able to play New Games, which are cooperative games that aren't competitive. They are meant to encourage teamwork and positive attitudes during play. We played people to people, a caboose game, cat and mouse, and a game where we had to work together to keep the ball up off the ground. In a few of the games we were blindfolded and in others we weren't allowed to use our arms or our dominant hand. So, these games can be used for people with visual impairments, amputations, or people with intellectual disabilities. I think another population that would benefit from New Games would be youth with behavioral problems. You could adapt the games so they are more of a challenge for the youth, but still have the game run so there isn't a winner. For the game with keeping the ball in the air, you might allow them to run around and move with the ball and for the game with the cat and mouse, you could find different objects to pass around the circle that would make it more difficult. Something I'm always learning is that thinking on your feet is crucial in this field. Also, adaptations don't have to be super involved, but the littlest change might help in a big way. When in doubt, just TRY something and it's okay to fail.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hooping

Anyways, after sharing how hula hooping has helped her and how she wants to use it for women transitioning from incarceration, we got to MAKE HULA HOOPS! We took irrigation tubing and connected it with a special plastic piece. It was easier to connect them if we dipped the ends in hot water. After we had our hoops, we decorated them with duct tape. The tape not only looks awesome, but helps with traction and keeping the hoop up on your body. We listened to music and chatted as we created. That's one reason I love TR. The community within our classes is awesome. After we were finished making our hoops, we went outside to practice. Alli led us in a warm-up and cool down and in between we were able to do some freestyle hula hooping.
One thing that I learned tonight was that the main I was so intrigued and interested in hula hooping was because of Alli. I want this in my life. I want this passion and this something that I believe in, so that other people want it. As I pursue therapeutic recreation, I know that I can't do it without the Lord, because he is my life. I want people to see how good he is and how much he loves us. I want them to see how much he wants to help us and heal us. He is truly more valuable than any TR program we can ever put on. I'm excited to learn how to grow my passion and love for him as I continue on in therapeutic recreation.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
innovative activity 10: slimy slip and slide

This is a great game for the summer and it could be focused towards kids with autism. I think it would be beneficial for them to have the sensory stimulation of the slime and how it feels. Also, they would need to learn to interact with each other, because only one person can go at a time. This game will allow them to appropriately act within a group. They will have to use their social skills to work together as a team and retrieve as many flags as possible.
There are always risks when one brings out a slip and slide, so it's important to make sure only one person is on the slip and slide at once. Make sure there are no allergies to the flour/gluten.
Materials needed:
-slip and slide
-water/hose
-food coloring
-flour
-flags/objects to grab
http://www.thesource4ym.com/games/game.aspx?ID=768#
innovative activity 9: If you had taken a different path

When this activity is done, debriefing will be crucial for the participants. They will talk directly about their experience on the path in the woods, and then they will share about the story of their own personal lives. With each person, it would be beneficial for them to point out what would have happened if they had taken a different path. This is meant to inspire them to change behavior and spur them on towards their dreams/goals.
When I found this activity, I thought it was most appropriate for people coming out of drug/alcohol addictions. Emotionally, they would be able to reflect on their choices in the past: how they made them feel and what consequences these choices led to. As they're honest with their desires for their lives, they will be able to openly pursue those things. It's so important to tell other people the goals we have, because they can keep us accountable to reaching those goals. Participants will benefit socially from this activity as well. They will see that there are people in their lives at certain times throughout their journey, but they might do some of it alone. I think they will find the value in depending on other people for support and help.
After finding a large, wooded area with already created paths, facilitator will need the materials for the obstacles. This could be anything from a bunch of rope to a pull-up bar. Make sure the obstacles are appropriate for the group. Also, make sure there is a very open environment so the group will know that as they share their hearts, there will be no judgment, only grace.
http://adulted.about.com/od/icebreakers/qt/adifferentpath.htm
innovative activity 8: blindfold drum stalk

Once again, this would be best suited for people who have visual impairments, but could be used with anyone. It forces us to use and rely on our other instincts, such as hearing. Be sure to have extra people around the perimeter watching so that participants don't run into a tree or walk off a cliff. Physical benefits include getting the participants outside and moving, rather than being inhibited by their disability. It is also a good activity in which to meet new people and practice social skills.
http://www.outdoor-nature-child.com/outdoor-games-for-teens.html
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