An individual expresses themselves through the creative arts in
drama, dance and writing. Writing is a complicated form of
self-expression, because it takes time and commitment to compose poetry
and/or fiction stories. Poetry comes in a variety of styles where one
writes about his/her passions. This form of creative writing is
challenging for an individual, but can be fun to do.
In recreation Activity Professionals are always looking for stimulating programs for the residents in Long term care and Assisted living facilities. Poetry is a wonderful activity that can be added to the recreation calendar. This creative outlet provides the opportunity for the residents to express themselves. However how does one encourage individuals with short term memory loss and low cognitive levels to create a poem? The answer is to adapt the activity to fit the need of the resident. The Activity Professional leads a small group activity of 8-15 individuals where a group poem is completed by a group of residents.
The facilitator picks the topic for the poem which is "Dogs". The activity professional asks the residents in the group what they recall about dogs. Each individual recalls playing with a dog while another one remembers something else. One of the other resident recalls that her dog laid on a pillow on the couch.
The facilitator starts a line then asks the clients to name a rhyming word. For example, if the line ends with the word "play". The facilitator asks the group to name a few words that rhyme with word "play". The words maybe "day", "say", "pray" or "may". The facilitator then comes up with a line incorporating their rhyming word as an appropriate ending to the second line. This is done until the poem is complete. The facilitator will then question the group to provide the poem with a title.
Based on the topic "Dogs" the poem is written below:
"Dogs"
I have a dog and he is big and black
Not small or brown or white
And personality he does not lack
Whether he is playing with his ball
Or laying on his Barney Pillow
To me, his friend, he has it all
All day we is and play
My buddy and me
till sunset at end of day
Each one of the residents had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of the poem.
The residents have the opportunity to express themselves in the form of poetry. When presented in a group form, each one is able to contribute to the group project. The residents with severe cognitive abilities are able to contribute when props are use. The residents emotionally benefit from this creative outlet because it increases their self-esteem and self-worth.
In recreation Activity Professionals are always looking for stimulating programs for the residents in Long term care and Assisted living facilities. Poetry is a wonderful activity that can be added to the recreation calendar. This creative outlet provides the opportunity for the residents to express themselves. However how does one encourage individuals with short term memory loss and low cognitive levels to create a poem? The answer is to adapt the activity to fit the need of the resident. The Activity Professional leads a small group activity of 8-15 individuals where a group poem is completed by a group of residents.
The facilitator picks the topic for the poem which is "Dogs". The activity professional asks the residents in the group what they recall about dogs. Each individual recalls playing with a dog while another one remembers something else. One of the other resident recalls that her dog laid on a pillow on the couch.
The facilitator starts a line then asks the clients to name a rhyming word. For example, if the line ends with the word "play". The facilitator asks the group to name a few words that rhyme with word "play". The words maybe "day", "say", "pray" or "may". The facilitator then comes up with a line incorporating their rhyming word as an appropriate ending to the second line. This is done until the poem is complete. The facilitator will then question the group to provide the poem with a title.
Based on the topic "Dogs" the poem is written below:
"Dogs"
I have a dog and he is big and black
Not small or brown or white
And personality he does not lack
Whether he is playing with his ball
Or laying on his Barney Pillow
To me, his friend, he has it all
All day we is and play
My buddy and me
till sunset at end of day
Each one of the residents had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of the poem.
The residents have the opportunity to express themselves in the form of poetry. When presented in a group form, each one is able to contribute to the group project. The residents with severe cognitive abilities are able to contribute when props are use. The residents emotionally benefit from this creative outlet because it increases their self-esteem and self-worth.
