Danielle Garces

LEI 4724

Activity: Colors of the Wind

Source: Center of the Disabled, 2004, Jessica Dillon

Equipment Needed: Scarves and/ or ribbons on sticks, background music (classical) and your creativity!

Activity Description:

1. To begin, have the participants form in to a circle. About 1-8 people per group. (Standing or
sitting)
2. Begin this activity by having the group wave/move their scarves or ribbons all around their
bodies, such as over-head, behind or in front of the body, to the side, and (bending) to the floor,
as a warm-up. (2 min.)
3. Ask the group to think about what happens during the spring time. Mention the weather
(sunshine, rain, wind), and growth (plants/flowers). Suggest that you would like to try to express
these changes through movement with your scarf or ribbon sticks. (2 min.)
4. Start with sunshine as you direct each person to wave their scarves in an arch overhead, side to
side. Repeat.
5. Transition to wind, waving your scarf wildly in big, gusting movements all over and around your
body. Repeat.
6. Add rain by starting up high and 'sprinkling' your way to the floor. Repeat. Try light and heavy
rain.
7. Finish with plants 'sprouting' up out of the ground. Try little ones (short)like grass or clover, and
then really tall ones, like sun flowers, that seem to 'jump' into the air as they grow.
8. For more fun, after going through these in practice, sequence the movements into one flowing
movement (performing each only once and then moving directly to the next), or ask the group
to lead you through the moves without speaking (prompting).
9. At the end of the group, be sure to ask the group what other things they think about when
remembering spring. Put those thoughts into motion and have the group mirror each
individual's contribution.

Leadership Considerations:

1. This activity is to be oriented around participants who need assistance in their gross
motor skills. Children and or adults who have developmental delays would
participate in this activity to increase their body awareness as well as identify self-
expressions. Developmental delays need to be in an environment that is focused on
one solemn activity and that is at a steady pace so everyone can participate while
learning.
2. This activity can also be used for people who have arthritis. This will help them
engage in movement and be able to enjoy their therapy while working on joint
rotation. This activity provides assistance on movement and creativity, all while
interacting socially with others.