Creative Strategies

Creativity Cookbook
Creative Activities for Peer
Specialists and Others
Using Arts, Humor and Alternative Healing
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Creativity Cookbook
Using Arts, Humor and Alternative Healing
For Peer Specialists
Creativity Cookbook is a guide of simple activities that involve creativity to
be used primarily by peer providers (peer/recovery support/ specialists) who
are employed in inpatient facilities, state-run institutions and/or peer-run
programs.
Peers are often creative and artistically inclined. Many have used their
imaginations and creativity as their primary tool to get them through
difficult times or to aid in their recovery process. This guide adds a
dimension to what peer specialists can do; to expand the definition of their
roles, to add new activities to what they have been trained to do, asserting
that almost any activity can incorporate creativity whether in recovery
groups, or working with individuals one on one.
Consider the possibility of adding songs to groups; asking people to share
their talents; conducting a game that adds fun; wearing a silly hat as an ice
breaker, having a joke of the day on hand; encouraging people to write poems
or aspirations, It may involve acquiring books written by consumers for the
library or creating a corner for reading or listening to music. You may have a
“music listening”group; asking people to describe what they heard or liked;
you might get people up; dancing, interpreting sounds with movement.The
possibilities are endless.
We call these activities recipes because you can save them, put them in a
file box and continually add your own assortment of creative ideas. They are
not meant to be treatment or to parallel what Recreation or Occupational
Therapists do. These are very simple: most require little preparation and
few ingredients or materials. Some have a few steps to follow with items
that are easily acquired or inexpensive to purchase. We list some that are
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celebratory projects, ones that can involve other people in planning on a
bigger scale.
Just as a cookbook is sectioned in different categories of food this guide is
categorized according to the type of artistic venue. You will find sections
for music, writing, reading and humor. Other categories involve the visual
arts focused on drawing and painting. We list games and songs; ones that we
think will be of interest to people being served in institutional settings, most
which would pass the test for safety but some still not appropriate for
persons who experience self-abusive behaviors. (You may need to check with
staff to make sure a particular activity is suitable for all participants)
The guide is for download from your computers. It can be printed out but
for now our goal is not to publish it so that we can enable anyone to use it as
a virtual learning experience. You will also note that it is in black and white
so that you do not have to use color printers adding to your expense.
This list is by no means exhaustive. We invite you to contribute your own
creative recipes, activities that are your favorites and more importantly,
those that persons in your care have enjoyed and would themselves,
recommend. We would like to add to this cookbook and invite you to send
your own succesful creative recipes to us for further inclusion in this guide
and for distribution. Please include your name and the facility or program
where you are employed. Send us your comments as well.
Send to: Gayle Bluebird
1106 NE 9th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601 or email: [email protected]
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READING
James Eret
Poet/Writer, James Eret, lives in San Diego, California and is a member of
the Creative Arts Consortium. the San Diego poetry scene.
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Reading
Books and Magazines
For many people reading is a window to the world and to the world of
others who have experienced psychiatry and who share similar
experiences. Yet, if you look at the bookshelves in most hospital settings
you will probably find few books or even magazines that are relevant or
of interest to many consumers. Here are some things you can do:
1. Tour your facility to find the types of books and magazines that are
available on the units and in the hospital library. Determine if the
books are recent enough to be of interest or whether they are
outdated. Often you will find old Readers Digest Condensed books.
Check to see if there are any books written by psychiatric survivors,
as it is rare that these books have been made available in the
libraries of psychiatric settings.
2. While conducting recovery groups or in individual conversations,
ask participants what types of books, newspapers and magazines
they like to read and make a list of them.
3. Become familiar with books written by psychiatric survivors. There
are lists of these books on a variety of websites including the
technical assistance centers. Also at the end of this guide is a list of
recommended books.
4. After completing your inventory write a report of your findings and
make a list of books that have been requested.
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You are now ready to take some action:
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Ask your supervisor to find out whether new books assist you in
recommending that books be purchased for the patient library
and for areas on the units where people often the appropriate
administrator to purchase books for the library and patient units
based on ones people have requested or that you know would be
helpful to a wide audience.
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Recommend that staff bring in used magazines that would be of
interest to consumers.
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Read excerpts from narratives or books written by consumers in
recovery groups that you facilitate so that they might want to
read the books themselves.
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Find out how to use your local library so your clients can borrow
books. Perhaps they have a Book Mobile that could come to the
facility.
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Most important of all, take time to enjoy reading biographies and
other books written by persons with mental illness for your
enjoyment and your own personal recovery.
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LISTENING TO MUSIC
“Strings 1969” by Patricia Obletz, Madison, WI
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Listening to Music
CDs, Radios and Walkmans
1. Determine the facility policy regarding music listening devices. In
some facilities people are allowed to have their own as long as
safety is not an issue. In some facilities, people can sign them out
and in others only Walkmans without batteries can be used.
2. Determine whether there are CDs available for people to use, sign
out and return. If so, is there an assortment ranging from classical
to Pop to hip-hop, from big band to new age, etc? It is important
to take into consideration different age groups and whether there
are any CDs in different languages and/or are appropriate for
persons with different cultural and ethnic diversities.
3. Be creative in finding ways to add to the collections, including,
going to yard sales, websites, asking for donations from other staff
and peers, and swap meets.
4. Consider having a “listening” group for music. Ask people to talk
about what they liked about the music, or didn’t like. They may
share something they know about the musician.
5. Consider having a guest come to perform music, preferably a
consumer in the community who has written songs on recovery.
6. Consider suggesting staff training focused on the healing power of
music.
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Music Activities
Enjoy the Dance
Jerome Lawrence, Atlanta, GA
Peer Specialist of the Georgia Mental Health Network
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Music Activities
Games and Exercises
(These can be done in your recovery groups or special groups that
you facilitate)
1. Lead an exercise on drawing to music. Choose music that is
vibrant and lends itself to creativity. Determine the policy
regarding the use of crayons and magic markers and find a way to
work within the guidelines.
2. Have people express themselves through movement and dance
while listening to music.
3. Musical Chairs is always popular! All you need is chairs, music and
players; we all know how to set it up. Consider having small prizes
at the end for the winner(s).
4. Sing-a-longs can be fun. Ask for a favorite song or print out
common melodies such as “This Land is Your Land”, “What the
World Needs Now”, “Kumbaya” and other familiar songs.
5. Take a simple song like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”, have the
group write new “fun” words and have them sing it.
6. Whenever possible, end groups by asking if someone has a talent
and would like to share a song. Almost always there is someone
who is eager to perform. This is also inspiring to other members
who are in the group, including staff.
7. Write your own lyrics to a familiar tune. Here is one sung to the
tune of My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music written by
Shanti Vani in Gainesville, Florida.
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Labels
1. Labels on glasses, labels on shoes.
Labels on cars, labels on food.
Labels on movie stars up on a screen.
Why must we label human beings?
2. Democrat, Republican, political jive.
“Show me your label, I’ll show you mine.”
Think you are different? Inside we’re the same.
Labeling people’s a dangerous game.
Chorus: No more labels! No more labels!
Now we know we’re free!
If you want to use a label or two,
Just call us you and me!
3. Black, white yellow, brown. Color me free.
Inside we’re red, no labels to see.
They can resist the way we feel.
Can’t put labels on what is real.
4. You were created to become you.
No need to label who is who.
We all are equal. We have the same grace.
Come on in, join the human race.
Chorus: No more labels! No more labels!
Now we know we’re free!
If you want to use a label or two,
Just call us you and me!
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SINGING
The Entertainer Series 3
Sharon Wise, Washington, D.C.
Sharon is currently working with Youth Groups in Washington D.C. in an “Arts
for Recovery” program.
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Songs that Build Recovery
By Carol Coussons de Reyes, Consumer Affairs Director, Nebraska, and
Dr. David Furst 2009
Facilitator shares a story of a song they sing or think about often and
asks: What songs do you think about or sing often? Where did they come
from? Are there songs that have stayed with you for years?
Facilitator States:
The songs we sing can reflect feelings, emotions, memories, hopes,
dreams, and fears. Most Americans feel a sense of hope when they hear
or sing the lyrics of the John Lennon sing “Let It Be” or “Give Peace a
Chance”.
Facilitator shares a story of a song that gives them a feeling of hope and
asks: What makes a song hopeful? What songs give you hope?
Facilitator States:
Some people think that they can’t sing. Though there are singers that
when they sing they are really just talking with a rhythm, like in rap or
certain meditative phrases.
If a person doesn’t have an idea about how they want to do these, they
often just sing along with another person or a recording. Most people
have anxiety about being off key or singing a different note than others.
Facilitator: Lead group in singing this song to any melody or rhythm you
choose or the group chooses.
Facilitator states : I have some words here that we are going to sing
together. Who wants to find a note and rhythm for the words? (If no one,
facilitator offer to do this.)
We are uniting to give hope to others.
We are uniting to give hope to others.
We are uniting in hope.
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We believe in each other.
We share hope. We are strong. We are unique.
We of many voices are singing in union together.
After this exercise, invite others to recommend familiar songs to sing
together or to teach the group a song that is fairly simple to learn. Does
anyone have a song that we all know that we could sing together?
CREATING A MUSIC ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALTH: MOVING BEYOND
ENTERTAINMENT
By Derek Higgins 2009
Facilitator States:
The power of music/sound/silence can be instrumental in an ongoing
recovery process. Music is indeed the universal language that we are all
drawn to for a number of reasons. Music enriches our daily lives and can
be directly related to significant memories and events as well. Everything
from moments shared with significant others to unique experiences that
we will never forget.
Music and sound can have both a positive and negative effect on me.
Learning to know the effects of our audio environment can be a powerful
tool for wellness for people recovering from mental illness.
I. Hearing and listening
Start the group with a discussion on how people think and feel about
music and sound in general.
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Do you notice what sounds are happening around you at any
given time?
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Are you the type of person that has to have something going in
the background all of the time?
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Do you like to listen to a lot of music?
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How do you feel listening to your favorite songs?
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Do you enjoy silence or do you have difficulty when it is quiet?
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What associations do you make related to certain songs, types
of music, sounds, silence?
I want you to take a few moments to listen to their current
environment and then describe what they heard. Focus on how your
body feels in the current environment and to become aware of what
part the sounds play in what you feel. Are you hearing sounds that
trigger you to feel stress?
If you listen actively does it interrupt some other thought processes
going on?
Do certain sounds draw your attention more than others?
If you live with others, how could you encourage them to try a
different sound environment with you or support you in your choices?
III Listening and the moment:
If possible end with a listening session where samples of different
types of music are played. Have the group discuss their reactions
focusing on the idea of what sounds beneficial to them.
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Collage
“Committed” a collage by Denise Fletcher
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Collaging Our Recovery Life Line/Circle
Mark A. Davis
The purpose of this exercise is to tell your life story using cutouts from
magazines, newspapers, pictures, keepsakes, movie tickets, invitations
and other lifetime collections.
1. Start with paper of any kind, blank paper, poster board,
construction paper, box or spare wooden slab – anything you can
use to tape, glue or decorate with.
2. Select from paste, scotch tape or whatever you can use to “glue
your life together”
Start collecting memorabilia you might normally throw away.
3. Have magazines available of different types, fashion, the
sensational “movie star” types, old, new, pictorials, sports, travel,
etc. Most thrift stores have stacks of old magazines. Having older
magazines available may be helpful for someone “older” to recreate their history.
4. Use materials that represent or symbolize the high or low lights
of your life from childhood to the present or your past life to
future. Start at the end, middle or wherever you want to tell your
story. Just start cutting, organizing and arranging for pasting…
5. Include images relating to place of birth, family, peers, friends,
families of choice and resulting dynamics. When did mental
illness, addiction, physical illness, trauma or life dramas unfold?
What is your personal understanding and experience related to
culture, roots, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity
or expression, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, height,
weight, religion, marital status or any other factor? Include home,
school, job, health, loss, suicide, grief, crisis, crime, travel, hobby
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and significant events – including people, places and things – that
have influenced on your personal journey of recovery.
6. What did you forget or what have you done to help your recovery
from past or present… pleasures, hurts, fears, dreams, failures
and successes. Go ahead - discover recovery and do it your
way…
7. After creating your collage, you may want to show and tell your
story to others; you may want to write a narrative or poem to add
to it, (or your collage actually might be a poem you created with
words).
8. Frame it, create a border and post it on bulletin boards, put your
collage on your favorite belongings, your suitcase, purse,
notebook or journal.
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Variables: Collaging can be done with any age group, can be done simply as an
exercise in itself, or can be done on many different topics: Collage on your favorite
things, create a garden with flowers, collage your favorite quiet spot, design or
decorate a room, or just have people cut out and paste. This exercise lends itself also
to any mental health environment; it is safe for inpatient settings, community settings
and in peer run alternatives.
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WRITING
COVER FROM DAVID KIME’S ZINE: “TRANSCENDENT VISIONS”
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Writing
Journaling and Recovery Stories
1. Introduce Journaling
Journals can be purchased at a Dollar Store for $1.00 each.
They can be given with other items in a welcome or Comfort Kit
when people are newly admitted. Encourage people to write in
their journals in Recovery Groups and how it can be an important
tool in their personal healing. Peer Specialists would be able to
explain to staff and clinicians why people’s journals should be kept
private. People should be told that keeping a journal can be as
simple as putting on paper what they did that day; it does not have
to be a long narrative. There should be no judgment on how one
keeps a journal. Journals can be drawing or poetry also.
2. Writing Recovery Stories
Share recovery stories that have already been written in a group
setting or make available written stories to people who are
interested in receiving them.
Encourage people to write their own recovery stories.
Provide information about where stories can be submitted for
publication.
Hold a recovery story contest at the hospital with a prize and
promise of having their story published in the facility newsletter.
3. Poetry
Many people in hospital facilities write poetry but often this talent
is not recognized or encouraged to be shared. WRAP plans may be
a place where poets will include poetry as an interest or hobby or
they may share it on their Personal Safety Plan, though it may not
be listed as a Comfort strategy.
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Always end a Recovery group with an invitation for someone in the
group to perform. Find out if there is anyone in the room who
writes poetry and would like to recite a poem (or story). Often, you
will find someone who has written poetry or RAP (which is currently
popular) and is eager to share. Sometimes people will say that
they have not memorized their poems but you can ask them to
write one for a group in the future.
Encourage poets to write; make sure they there is a place for them
to be quiet; this could be the “Comfort Room”(if one available) or a
Comfort Corner that is created in a living room or day room.
Sometimes the use of pens and pencils is an issue. There are pens
that can be ordered that are safe for people to use who self-injure.
(I will list this at the end).
Make sure there are some poetry books available for people to
read; especially books that are inspirational, easy to read and
written by well-known authors such as Maya Angelou. Consider
cultural factors when choosing books written by poets and other
writers.
4. Writing Exercises
Word Visuals
Cut words or phrases out of a magazine and put them in a bowl.
Each participant takes a word from the bowl and writes a phrase
about that word or a paragraph and then shares their sentence or
vignette. Or to make this exercise easier is to have each person
choose a word from the bowl and verbalize the first thing that
comes to their mind about the word. (You can create other
variations to this exercise)
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5. Chain Reaction (Paper Link)
NAMI NJ Expressive Arts Network Activity
What you do or what you say affects others --
Teens and young adults are encouraged to write a positive
message on a paper link that is attached to a growing chain. The
chain will travel and be displayed at various locations and events
throughout NEW JERSEY- and beyond. Being a link in a chain that
communicates positive expressions of understanding and hope
shows the power that individuals have in affecting others. Over
1000 links have already been added to the chain.
Group Poem or Story:
Hold a poetry group in the round. The facilitator starts off with a
phrase and each person (starting to the left or right) adds to the
poem. (This can be done as an oral exercise or a writing exercise.)
It can also be done as Whisper Down the Alley. Each person
whispers in the next person’s ear and
6. Postcards
Have a collection of old postcards of buildings or outdoor scenes.
Have people select one and either write something or tell a story
about the postcard they chose.
Start an exercise in which the group leader starts off a story with, “I
was going to the store when all of a sudden”… Each person then
adds to the story.
7. Trash Basket Exercise
Put a trash basket in the middle of the group and ask people to
write something they want to get rid of on small pieces of paper.
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It can be something in their life or a personal characteristic. Have
them read it and then throw away in the wastebasket. (Give people
the option of throwing away the paper if they don’t feel
comfortable sharing.
8. Looking Ahead and Behind
(This exercise can be done at a time close to discharge). Give
people two pieces of paper. On one write something they look
forward to as they leave and something they want to leave behind.
(You might give them examples: freedom to get up when they
want, seeing a friend to look forward to; to leave behind having to
get up at 6AM, the food, etc.)
9. Finding Something in Your Environment
Find something in your environment -- an ordinary object, person,
thing, color, image that reminds you of something that happened
in your life. It could be something happy or it could be something
sad or scary. Take your pen and paper and write your response. Be
prepared to talk about it in the group.
10. Opposites
Give people a word and have them say an opposite; Write the
words down in sequence and read them back. Examples might be
Hello and Goodbye, Love and Hate, etc.
11. Secrets
Have people write in tiny letters a secret they are ashamed of,
maybe a secret from childhood. Have them wad it up and don’t
share unless someone volunteers. (this might be good if talking
about trauma issues)
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DRAWING AND
PAINTING
Self-Portrait
“I represent myself through an artist’s personal vision, a deep look of an artist at work.
This self-portrait is a cross between a fictional and a realistic character. Technical
perfection is almost impossible, but through gut-feeling and applicable skill, I created this
work as a close likeness of what I really look and feel like.”
Carlos Maldonado, Patton State Hospital
6-3-2009
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Pillows of Unrest
This project is adaptable for inpatient settings as well as peer-run
alternatives. The Project began in New York State at a project called
Artists for Mental Health, under the direction of Frank Marquit. This
activity may be done in small groups or is very appropriate as part of a
planned celebration, or for a competitive art exhibit. l
Materials to gather for project:
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Pillowcases. White pillowcases are best and can be obtained from
the laundry in the hospital setting or at hotels if the project is
being done at a conference. You may be able to think of other
ways to access pillowcases including thrift stores or having staff
bring in pillowcases from home if not available through the
hospital.
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Sharpie Markers of varying sizes and colors.
Cardboard to fit inside the pillowcases to provide stability. (Use old
file folders torn in half for this purpose—most hospitals will have
lots of these stacked in storage ready to throw out)
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Sheets of Newspaper or plastic cloth to be taped to the underside
of tables to protect them. If using older tables this may not be
necessary.
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Bits of fabric might be used for collaging; other materials as well,
but would discourage use of glitter or sequins because of their
messiness
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White glue.
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Scissors (may need to be small safe scissors)
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Before you begin:
Have a discussion before you begin.
Ask each participant to think of
their struggles with mental illness and how they developed coping
mechanisms or dealt with them.
Ask them to think about barriers or discrimination they might have
encountered along the road to recovery and what their hopes might be as
they recover.
Other themes might be developed around empowering words, such as
Hope, or Courage, Recovery, or Healing. Make sure people know they can
do whatever they want with their pillowcases, they do not need to follow
any particular path.
They may use art, writings, poems or bits of colored cloth on their
pillowcases to tell their story.
You might want to do a pillowcase of your own to use as an example.
Getting Started
1. Give each participant a pillowcase and a piece of cardboard to slip
inside the pillowcase to provide stability while doing their work.
2. Lay out the markers on the table allowing them to share sizes and
colors.
3. Some people might do pillowcases in pairs; that is perfectly fine.
3. For those who will do writing or poetry, the finer point Sharpies are
best.
4. Ask them to think about the previous discussion and to plan out their
pillowcase before beginning.
Post-Discussion
At the completion of the project, ask each person to stand and show their
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pillowcase design to others in the group. Some may not want to take
part in this, and that’s OK. Ask those who show theirs to talk about their
design and what is means to them. Ask them if the project helped them
and if so, how?
Comments from the audience are encouraged. Have someone record and
take notes with a person’s descriptions of meanings so that they can
accompany the pillowcase for exhibition purpose.
Talk about the possibility of displaying their work outside the facility as
well as inside. Ask for suggestions as to places they might know that
would display their pillowcases. Explain to them that public viewing is a
method to help with de-stigmatization and acceptance of the talents of
those with mental illness. Be sure to make notes as each person talks for
later inclusion in cards for each pillowcase in a display.
“I wanted my pillowcase to say that I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life in chains
and shackles of mental illness. But I found out that this was not the case. I am in remission
from my mental illness thanks to the medication, the psychiatrists, the doctors, the nurses
and the staff that we have here who care for us on a day to day basis. It’s a 24-hour around
the clock thing.”
Yinetta Hallon, Fulton State Hospital, Fulton, MO
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Other similar drawing and painting projects:
Hands Display:
Using 8 ½ by 11” paper have each person trace their hands and fingers.
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Discuss peoples’ hands; what stories do they tell? Where has
your hand been? What do the lines of your palm say to you?
Does your hand have scars on it? What are the meanings of
those scars? How do you use your hands to be creative?
(e.g., playing the piano, knitting or sewing, writing and
drawing, gardening? Or others?)
•
Now using again, magic markers, or crayons have them draw
messages on their hand. Let the hand be the messenger;
Write and draw what the hand would say.
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These drawings can be displayed as an exhibit or given to
each person to display in their room.
Tee shirts:
Find ways to collect tee shirts. Often they can be purchased at a local
department store or Dollar store at reasonable prices.
You can use some of the same themes but use tee shirts for painting or
drawing. Person may want to wear their tee shirt. Have a fashion show
with each person wearing their tee shirt, crossing the stage to display in
front of an audience.
Recovery Tree
First make a tree trunk with limbs and glue it on to a sheet of
poster board, then cut out individual green leaves large enough to
put words on them. Have people write their favorite recovery words
on individual leaves and glue them to the tree limbs. (Amy
Peloquin, Florida)
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Quilting without needle and thread
Each person gets four 8½ x11 sheets of colored paper. The sheets
are glued on a larger piece of poster board to fit. Have available
different colored lace or trim which can be glued around the
edges. Each person can decorate their quilt in their own unique
way with colored markers. (Note: this exercise may not be
appropriate on hospital units where pens are not allowed; however
this would be okay if other staff are present or if done with
recreation staff)
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HUMOR & SILLINESS
Mark Davis of Philadelphia in silly costume
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Humor can be used to change how a person feels, acts and thinks. It can
even change how their biochemistry responds. It is important to know
whether or not humor will be of value to a particular individual before
proceeding. It can sometimes do harm, depending on what the person’s
previous experiences have been and whether or not they enjoy a
particular type of humor.
First, you may want to tread lightly by wearing fun clothing or have
something that attracts attention and can be a conversation piece. It may
also be helpful to find out directly what someone finds humorous in
order to know what type of humor the person enjoys. For example, some
people may like to tell jokes, anecdotes and stories while others may not
like jokes at all. Some may enjoy cartoons and be more receptive to
comic strips like Blondie and Dagwood, Peanuts and Pogo or cartoons
such as the Simpsons, the Flintstones or Betty Boop.
Silliness is different than joke telling. It is a way of laughing at oneself
and making light of our human experiences. It allows us to let go of some
of our conditioning to conform and catches us off guard. When we are
silly, goofy or acting foolish, energy is released that feels good. Often
silliness has been confused with stupidity. Many of us have been taught
to repress our lighter sides.
Here are some ways to get started.
Attire
Wear something that draws attention and may be an icebreaker.
Examples may be a silly hat, a tee shirt with a smiley face or some other
cartoonish drawing or statement. You might wear a button or seal that
has a recovery statement on it. You might wear mis-matched socks and
see if anyone notices. You should always dress in a casual style that
makes you easily identifiable as a peer specialist. If you have a special
interest, for example, fishing, wear something that reflects that interest.
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Jokes
If you like to tell jokes, and not everyone does, collect them and
memorize them for times when conversation is stalled. You can go to
multiple websites, such as Comedy Central for a joke of the day. You can
find jokes on the web on various subjects, such as mental health or
psychiatry jokes, some that are appropriate for people you are working
with.
Psychiatry Jokes
You can find them on the Internet or it’s a great exercise to make them
up. Here are a few examples:
1. Once I had multiple personalities, but now we are feeling well.
2. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
3. The best thing about being schizophrenic is that I'm never
alone.
4. Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out
to get you!
The Mental Health Humor Cartoon-A-Thon
A free and fun project online: cartoon drawings by Chato Stewart of
Florida. Every day of the month Chato draws a cartoon for this site
which you can download and share. Also use to inspire peers to draw
their own cartoons. Go to: http://mentalhealthcartoons.com/
Share Funny Experiences
Ask the group members to talk about the funniest thing that ever
happened to them and have them share their funny experiences. Always
start off with your own to give them an idea.
Here’s a typical example: You are coming out of the restroom of a fancy
theater, not realizing there is a long stream of toilet paper trailing after
you.
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Blowing Bubbles
Bring bubble soap to work and find an appropriate place to blow them;
possibly outside but may be appropriate inside if you ask for permission.
(Bubbles now come in a variety of shapes and sizes and blowers that are
unusual and fun).
Funny Hats Fashion Show
Bring in funny hats or find them in your clothing closet. Have each
person try on a hat and model it. They can create a story for the type of
hat they selected.
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PET THERAPY
“BLUEBIRD AND TOOTLES”
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Pet Therapy
Encourage your facility to set up a program for pet therapy utilizing the
local Humane Society. Most of these agencies are willing to bring pets on
a specified day and time for people to experience touching and petting
animals.
Sometimes staff members have pets that have been certified as pet
therapy animals, usually dogs. These are pets that are safe to have
around children and people of all types. Pet therapy dogs are different
than companion dogs. Companion dogs are trained to accompany
persons with disabilities usually related to sight. It is important to note
that companion dogs are not to be petted when they are on duty, but pet
therapy dogs are always available for petting.
There are different guidelines established for programs like this that may
vary in states. State-run facilities may also have established policies in
place that allow for pet visitations.
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Other topics/categories may be developed as follows:
Alternative Healing
Simple Touching Activities
Comfort Rooms
Visual Art Exhibits
Photography
“Just Hanging Out”
Videos and Movies
New Ideas
Participation Guidelines: Many of the exercises may require simple rules
before starting. Also important is what to do if inappropriate words or
behaviors are expressed. Avoiding critiques is important. These are just a
few that are important.
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