In class on (3/22) we learned about puppets and how to incorporate them into Therapeutic Recreation. Dr. Navar came in and taught us the basics of puppetry using the kids on the block puppets. The kids on the block puppets are unique, they aren't just normal puppets. They are puppets that have different disabilities, and they are used to teach people about specific disabilities. Sometime they are used with kids because they may feel more comfortable talking to a puppet about a disability rather than talking to human face to face. We watched a video to learn the basic techniques on how to maneuver the puppet to bring it to life. The video taught us about lip synchronization, moving the puppet across stage, and posture. Making the puppet "come to life" is a challenge and not as easy as it looks, its a good workout for your arm! Its a great teaching tool but takes a lot of time and practice.
We also talked about other uses for puppets and other types of puppets. Some different uses for puppets are muscle tone, memory, social skills, self expression, medical play, and entertainment. Different kinds of puppets include hand paintings, paper bag, sock, finger, shadow, and ventrilaquists. Following this discussion we got into our groups to create our own activity using puppets. Our population was young teens with eating disorders, we thought to have them making a sock puppet in a way that would represent them, and basically having them create their own performance and writing their own script to describle struggles they delt with. This was a great class period that introduced us to an activity we all forgot about due to the increases in technology!
In class on (3/8) the final two groups presented their activities. My group went first and our topic was rock climbing and hiking and while doing research for our PowerPoint I ran across a lot of interesting equipment that is used as adaptations for hiking. Hiking itself seems like a very easy and basic activity but there are adaptations out there to get everyone involve. For example the trailrider is a very common wheelchair used to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities so they can still enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. The second group presented on hunting and fishing. Throughout their presentation they included a magnitude of equipment that has been accommodated to many populations of individuals. They also included the prices of all the equipment which I found really interesting. They also noted that there are special hunting permits to allow people with various disabilities a special time to hunt
Following the presentations we watched two videos that highlighted the past activities we learned about. It showed individuals with disabilities completing their favorite activities despite their impairment. These videos were very interesting to see just how driven and successful those individuals were to not let their disability get in their way. We were asked what a CTRS would learn from these stories. I feel that they could learn a lot, not only just how many activities are out their for people with disabilities but also learning just how much determination that these individuals put into their passion. Learning and seeing that a majority of activities have modifications that apply to different populations and to find out the clients interest and go off that. Don't settle for anything less than you are capable of.
In class on (3/1) groups started to present there short group presentations. The first group to go presented on boating and kayaking. Their presentation was very entertaining, we all sat on top of our desks pretending we were kayaking, not to mention kayaking to Pocahontas. Not only did we learn about kayaking with different populations and modifications to that but we learned different rowing techniques which could come in handy in the future! We also learned about the different kinds of boats and which type to use for each population. Very fun and entertaining presentation! The next group presented on therapeutic and recreational horseback riding. They passed out stuffed animals so we each had our own "horse" when learning and listening from the horse whisperer. Not only did we learn about different techniques to help comfort horses and care for them we learned about different adaptive equipment for populations. There are saddles that have backs, there are special cushions for the saddle, safety stirrups, different handles for holding the horse, and different lifts to get people up and onto the horse. This presentation was interesting for me because I don't have much knowledge on horses or horseback riding. The third group presented on adaptive painting and sculpting. We actually watched this very interesting video on this man who had a visual impairment and he became and amazing artist. It just comes to show that anyone can do anything they set their mind too. There are so many activities that have adaptive equipment out there to make it possible for virtually anyone to try. I also learned about all the adaptive tools involved with painting and sculpting, very interesting. The final group presented on high ropes courses, where we learned about three innovative activities. One being team beams, where two participants support each other as they cross narrow beams. Another is the high balance beam where individuals cross a high beam in the air with no hands, and finally the hour glass activity where participants cross three crisscross ropes to the finish platform.
