BATTLE of the BANDS

What activities did you participate in?

First, we busted out the Guitar Hero for a Jam Battle between groups. We competed with the song, Twist & Shout by the Beatles. Each group had to choose a Lead Singer, Guitar Soloist, and a Daring

Drummer. Whichever group got the highest score, WON!

To transition to the next activity my fellow group facilitator and myself dressed up as the spice gir

ls. We sang a parody to their hit song, "Wanna Be." It got everyone laughing and intrigued about our next activity. The activity was to branch off into groups according to their "BAND-anas" to create a parody of their own. The groups were divided by population, At-Risk Youth, Addictitons, and Geriatrics. We provided each group with a choice between three "Madlibified Songs," appropriate songs for their specific population. I worked with At-Risk Youth as a facilitator and overall, found the presentations of the songs to be HILARIOUS.

What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development?

I learned that the level of difficulty of the activities should be carefully assessed for the population you are working with. However, even as much as you plan.. a CTRS, must be adaptable

and flexible, because some difficulties cannot be planned and must be implemented "on the fly." For example, if a participant was not experienced in the activity - a therapist might adapt by putting it on an easier setting. If they didn't have the hand eye coordination required or the fine motor control to perform the task at hand the therapist could carry out a part of the task, or place the game piece better to fit the individual's needs.

What you learned about myself this week?

Being the facilitators this week, I felt a little more unprepared for this workshop than any other. Although, I

knew we had a solid idea of the sequence of events. I was unsure of how successful

the particular activities were going to be. This is because much of the success was dependent upon the participation by the participants. In the beginning, it was hard not to feel like there was more that we/I could do to make it more interactive and therapeutic. However, it was one of those times where I needed to learn to "go with the flow" and let things happen.

What you did to "strive for excellence" during that class?

To strive for excellence, I brought the costumes. I believe that this contribution helped the groups engage in the

activity as well as get into character. Originally we were having trouble deciding as a group if the costumes would be beneficial and if they were necessary. In my opinion, the fact that we dressed up and got silly, allowed the rest of the class to as well. In the prior activity of guitar hero, it was obvious that it was hard to get in front of the group and perform. We allowed the costumes to be an option for the groups and not mandatory. The groups who utilized them, seemed to really have fun with it.

You never know when you're crazy box of random

costumes/clothes will come in handy!!