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The Match Game
May 27, 2014 | by
Primary Market
Health, Seniors Therapy
Character Focus
Cognitive Skills
Items Needed
1 Toobeez set, chairs (one per participant)
The Activity Time
10-15 minutes

Objectives

  • Stimulate cognitive functioning
  • Improve motor skills
  • Work cooperatively with others
  • Increase social interaction
  • Promote non-verbalcommunication skills
Activity Focus
Cognitive
The Challenge
Participants will match Toobeez tube by color through non-verbal communication.
Preparation
Time 5 minutes

Materials

  • 1 Toobeez set
  • chairs (one per participant)

Setup

  • 1. Set up chairs for each participant. Set up the chairs so pairs can face one another.
  • 2. Have all the 11” and 16” Toobeez tubes ready.
Activity Plan

Group Size: 8 – 10

Time: 10-15 minutes

Space: Small

Activity Instructions

1. Begin the group in pairs seated and facing each other. Using the 11” and 16” Toobeez tubes, provide two tubes to each participant. Each participant’s tubes should match in color to their partner (but sizes do not have to match). The participants should hold one tube in each hand behind their backs.
2. When the pairs are ready, read the following storyline:
You have been chosen to represent (your facility) in the Toobeez Match Game Competition. All you have to do is try to match the color of your Toobeez with your partner when they draw it from behind their backs!

3. Read the Activity Challenge Box to the group
Activity Challenge: Participants will match Toobeez tubes by color through non-verbal communication.

4. Remind participants that they will be using non-verbal communication to match their tube to their partner’s tube.

match game5. The therapist or activity professional will count aloud, “One, two, three!” On the count of three, the participants should bring one hand forward to see if the color tube the have brought forward matches the color their partner has brought forward.

6. Repeat this again several times. Partners should communicate with one another non-verbally to develop a rhythm for matching the Toobeez.
7. If your group is struggling, or if you feel your group would benefit from an additional challenge, present a variation provided below.

8. After the activity, move to the “Activity Discussion and Processing” section.

Here are the available Teambuilding Training Options.

Activity Variations

1. Break the pairs into teams.
Count the matches and keep score for the teams.

2. Have the teams choose a color.
Instead of working in pairs, have the whole group work together to display one color at the same time.

Safety Reminders!

Appropriate caution is important to conduct activities in a safe manner. Be sure to review these reminders prior to beginning the activity, and share reminders with the group if necessary.

  • Make sure there is room behind each chair for participants to swing their arms backward to switch hands.
Helpful Hints
    • This can also be used as a fun ice-breaker or warm-up activity

Activity Discussion and Processing

The effectiveness of the group process will often determine the outcome for the participant. These are only suggested questions to begin the discussion. Select the ones you feel will best benefit your group. Make sure to let everyone share their ideas, and remind participants that everyone’s feelings are important!
Suggested questions for Processing:

  • How did you feel when you heard the instructions?
  • Did you get into a rhythm with your partner?
  • When are there other times we communicate without talking?
  • Are there people in your life now with which you have trouble communicating?
  • Do you ever feel that you are not being heard?
  • Did you have fun?

Closing the Activity

Review the challenge of the group and summarize how the challenge was (or was not) achieved. Highlight the main contributions and resolve unfinished issues.Affirm their efforts for support and acceptance of each other’s feelings. End with the following quote:
“In soloing – as in other activities – it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.” – Amelia Earhart

The match game
About Author
Vicky Pitner, CTRS (10 Activities)
Vicky Pitner is the author of the Toobeez Senior Therapy Activity Workbook and the upcoming Toobeez Recreational Activity Workbook. Recreation Services provides therapeutic recreation consulting, program development, staff and respite training, inclusion training, and workshops.
All Activities of Vicky Pitner, CTRS

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