Joely Ramos

Activities Portfolio #4

LEI 4724

Activity Title: Colors of Music

Source: Therapeutic Recreation Directory. (n.d.). Therapeutic Recreation
Activities- Paints and Colors. Retrieved February 22, 2016, from
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/
Equipment: Paint, paint brushes, a canvas for each participant, a table and
chairs that wont absorb paint, speakers, selected music, and cups filled with
water to put the brushes in for each participant
Activity Description: Art therapy is beneficial for participants that dont
think they are good at anything because there are no standards for what is
good or not in art, it is a form of expression. This type of activity can also
help with improved use of gross motor skills since participating involves
stroking brushes or other materials onto something else. For this activity,
after letting everyone have a seat, you will turn on a dramatic piece of music.
2nd, turn off the lights in the area and over low volume music instruct the
participants to close their eyes and listen. 3 rd, stop the music when you feel
appropriate and turn the lights back on. 4 th, encourage participants to cover their
canvas with colors which reflects the mood of the music or a time that reminded
them of that type of music. You can play the music while participants are

painting or have them socialize with each other. Finally, you can allow
participants to display their work and talk about why they chose that color or
picture to paint.
Leadership Considerations: Any adult with experience working with
people with disabilities, preferably a Certified Therapeutic Recreation
Specialist (CTRS), can lead this activity. Leaders should consider the interests
of their participants. If the population that is doing the activity has not
previously shown interest to the arts, then this activity should be shifted in
another direction as to not bore the participants. Also, making sure that the
area is maintained neat is important for participants not to feel cluttered and
keep their minds focused on the activity. Depending on the age group or
population present, leaders should consider the volume and genre of the
music they chose for this activity.
Adaptions: Participants with Alzheimers disease: Alzheimer's is the
most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other
intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life (Alzheimer's
Association, 2016). According to Robertson and Long (2008), adaptations for
people with dementia can be to redesign the physical environment in which
these participants are in to reflect the personality and culture of the people.
For example, using music from the era of the majority of participants and/or
dressing the par can help them remember the good old days and

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Activities Portfolio #4

LEI 4724

encourage participation. Also, implementation of activities that include

family members would be an adaptation for this activity (Robertson & Long,
2008). Having family members participate in the activity and socialize by
telling stories of when they were younger and giving ideas of what to paint,
can benefits the participants with Alzheimers disease. Dattilo (2012)
supports this by stating some desires older adults may seek to satisfy
through leisure are to enjoy social activities with friends and family, be a part
of a community, experience achievement and self-expression, and be
recognized as an individual.
Participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): MDD involves
symptoms such as a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day,
lack of sleep or sleeping excessively, nearly every day, and feelings of guilt
and/or worthlessness (Porter, 2015). This disorder is very pervasive and
gets in the way of participants every day functioning. In order for this activity
to be effective, some adaptations should take place. In this activity, focusing
more on FINISHING rather how good something looks can give participants a
sense of accomplishment. Dattilo and McKenney (2011), let us know that
encouraging each person to provide positive and constructive feedback to
their fellow painters, and celebrating the groups accomplishment is an
effective adaptation for this activity. Having each person say three things
they like about someone elses painting allows participants to both speak
positively, and receive positive comments. Choosing uplifting music at a fast
pace may be used to express joy so staying away from slow rhythms can
redirect thoughts of sadness to times of pleasure (Sherrill, 1971). Maybe
even adapting the paint by only putting out colors that scientifically produce
good emotions can be considered.
Adaptations References
Alzheimer's Association. (2016). What is Alzheimer's? Retrieved February 22,
2016, from http://www.alz.org/
Dattilo, J. (2012). Inclusive Leisure Service (3rd e.d.). State College, PA:
Venture Publishing.
Dattilo, J., & McKenney, A. (2011). Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic
Recreation (2nd e.d.). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.
Porter, H. R., Ph.D., CTRS (Ed.). (2015). Recreational therapy for specific
diagnoses and conditions. Enumclaw, WA: Idyll Arbor.
Robertson, T., & Long, T. (2008). Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation:
Perceptions, philosophies, and practices for the 21st century.
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

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Sherrill, C. (1979). Creative arts for the severely handicapped (2nd ed.).
Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas