Ayla Avilez

LEI 4724
Activity: One up, one down
Source: A. Stanoi. (Group game: One up one down, August 3, 2010)
Equipment Needed: None
Activity Description:

1. This activity works best in a group of 5-10 and normally one other person will know how
to play.
2. Have participants sit in a circle.
3. Introduce the activity by saying that the game will go clockwise and there are only 3
things that can be said: two up, two down, and one up, one down (some people
may not understand, so repeat if necessary).
4. You start the activity and as each participant takes their turn, you will watch their hands.
If the person has both hands down, below the waist, and says two down that person is
correct. If both hands are above the waist that means it is two up and one up, one
down means one hand is up while the other is down.
5. Continue playing the activity until most people have understood the rules (it can take
time for everyone to catch on).
Leadership Considerations:
1. You will need to be able to see everyones hand positions, so if you do happen to get
more than 10, make sure there is another person that knows the rules.
2. Participants will think of mathematical patterns, after a few tries give hints like raising a
hand and saying one up, one down or depending on their arm position saying You can
say
3. When working with participants with a traumatic brain injury, you are trying to get them
to focus and increase their attention span. When they get it right, positively reward them.
These individuals can get frustrated quickly; therefore providing help at an early point in
the game can minimize that feeling and minimize the anxiety level. Try to find a quiet
place to minimize distractions and irritability. Being that this injury varies in symptoms,
verbal directions, like calling the persons name to let them know they are next may be
needed.
4. When working with participants with Autism like the participants with a TBI, use an area
that is quiet to reduce distractions and loud noises. It is important to celebrate when they
get it right, and encourage the participants to keep playing until everyone has understood
the rules. Include a couple of participants that already know the game, of similar age, in
order to stimulate social interaction with people of their age. It may be necessary to use a
picture board as an alternative communication technique.