Materials
Setup
Group Size: Small group or individual.
Time: 30 minutes
Space: Medium
Helpful Hints
After Mastering this activity, calling out “ready” will phase out
1. Circle up the group.
Orient the participants to each other, and then read the Activity Challenge Box to the group.
Activity Challenge: Participants will increase physical activity level by “playing.”
2. Open with a brief discussion of “non-productive play” versus “productive play.” Many people feel that their recreation (play) must be “productive” (such as gardening, quilting, canning, etc.) and have never experienced play just to have fun. Give examples of non-productive play.
3. When the group is ready to begin the activity, share the following storyline.
Your group has been asked to come to Dullsville, a small town north of Plainville, where all the children and adults have lost interest in playing.They have become bored with playing, and some of the adults even think they are too old to play. Only you can help them see the spirit of play!
4. Depending on the size of the group, arrange the participants in a circle, a semi-circle or a line.
5. Demonstrate with a volunteer how to toss (with an arch) and how to catch the tube. Remind the participants to stay relaxed and to keep their arms bent with their hands ready. Also, remind participants to keep their eyes on the tube at all times. Practice a few tosses and catches with your volunteer.
6. The therapist or activity professional should stand in the center and catch a lateral toss from the participant. The therapist or activity professional will then toss it back to the participant.
7. This continues with all participants, and as skill level increases, participants will tap the floor after their catch to develop a rhythm.
8. If your group is still struggling, or if you feel your group would benefit from an additional challenge, present a variation provided below.
9. After the activity, move to the “Activity Discussion and Processing” section.
Here are the available Teambuilding Training Options.
1. Two-handed catch.
If the participants or an individual is having difficulty catching with one hand, have them try using both hands.
2. Move closer or further away.
Make the activity easier or more difficult by increasing or decreasing the length of the toss.
3. Increase the Challenge.
Have the participants catch and release the tube with one hand while catching the next toss with the other hand. Time the group and have them “beat” their own record.
4. Have the participants stand.
This works well in a line because the “center” person can “walk the line,” moving as close or as far away for individual participants.
5. Add music.
Upbeat music can be added to create rhythm or can be used as a warm-down after the activity
6. Line up the participants
This activity works well in a line because the therapist or activity professional can walk up and down the line, moving as close or as far away from individual participants.
7. Time the group.
See if the group can improve their time passing the tube up and back down the line.
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:
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:“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” – Charles Schaefer
