This particular innovative activities class was broken up into two different group facilitation activities. The first part was Arts and Crafts and the second was Drama. The first part of arts and crafts consisted of four stations. Each station was designed to help us understand activities that could be used for visual impairments. The first I participated in was tissue paper art. I created a flower. The second portion was a messy activity involving shaving cream. In this activity we were asked to draw shapes and pictures in the cream with our fingers. Throughout the activity we had to experience this activity with and without a visual impairment, utilizing goggles and blindfolds. The third activity was making noise makers out of paper plates and macaroni and seeds. The trick was that we were blindfolded to simulate blindness. I found this to make coloring the outside very difficult. Lastly, we were blindfolded once again and asked to string fruit loops and life savors on a string to make a necklace or a bracelet. My necklace was long and delicious :) ... i call it, tomorrow's breakfast.
The second part of the class was dedicated to drama. It was geared specifically towards at risk youth. First, we sat in circle and were distributed a hat. Each hat represented a different identity. This is where I really saw our class step outside their comfort zone by truly getting into character. We created a hilarious story. I was fortunate enough to be the Pretty Pretty Princess Mai's pet unicorn from the "High Kingdom." I will never forget Rachel owning her "Peggy Sue" character and Sarah's ridiculously hideous mohawk man face. I geek out just thinking about it! The class only got better as we branched off into groups and created 3 minute skits out of random costumes. We created a story called, Darla's Dream. Which was inspired by Cinderella due to the silver shoes, obnoxious dress, pumpkin, window sweeper and pencil/wand we were given as props. I played the character of Cinderella... too bad it was a dream!
What you learned from the activities that will help your professional development?
I believe I got the most out of the drama facilitation. I found it to be therapeutic and could easily see all the benefits it has. The facilitation was geared towards youth at risk but I could see almost any population benefiting from this. It is a great icebreaker and helps put everyone on the same level because everyone looks/acts silly. In class, we discussed hospitalized patients, particularly youth or those with cancer reaping the most benefits. It is fun and allows individuals to escape their identity and be someone completely different (if only for a few minutes).
What you learned about myself this week?
Somedays it's hard to think of a block of 2:15-7:00 class as something to look forward to. That feeling immediately changes once I step foot in the class.. I always seem to forget how much fun we have in class. I learned that as much as this class is technically a time commitment, it is worth it. I found myself belly-laughing throughout almost the entire class period. I will take this reflection remember this feeling and take it to heart. I think it applies with all "time commitments" in our lives. It's all about the way we think about them. Always good to have an attitude check every once in awhile!
What you did to "strive for excellence" during that class?
To strive for excellence, I found myself being the leader of idea in our acting "Spectacular/Spectacular"activity. Our group was stumped in a direction with our mix of costumes. I was very aware that we seemed to be going in the direction of one idea of mine and I felt as if my group was looking to me to keep it flowing. I helped by digging deeper into the ideas and making sure my group was confident with our direction. I felt somewhat responsible to make sure that everyone was included and contributed a fair share to make it as fun as possible! In the end, I believe we succeeded and was satisfied with my contribution to make a solid group collaboration.
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