Yanely Martinez

LEI 4724
Activity File 1
Activity Title 2: I Love Everybody That.
Source:
Dixon, Charles C. "Social Activities for Small Groups." Therapeutic Recreation
Directory. Web. 9 Sept. 2015. <http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txsmsoc.htm>.
Dattilo, J. (2012). Learn About People, Inclusion, and Disability. In Inclusive
Leisure Services (Third ed., pp. 385-485). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.
Equipment: Chairs
Description of Activity:
In this activity the participants are asked to place chairs in a circle. Everyone is
asked to sit in a circle with one less chair and a volunteer in the middle. The volunteer
begins by saying I love everybody with black shoes on. If you have black shoes on,
you get up and switch seats including the volunteer. You cannot go to the chair next to
you; it must be away from your initial seat. The participants initial goal is to not get stuck
In the middle of the circle. The silly idea of calling out random objects that people are
wearing or display physically is a way to find humor in life situations and learn to laugh
and have a great time. The therapist at the end of the game can start a discussion on
asking some participants that were volunteers why they chose the items that they did
during the game. The discussion stimulates people to communicate and increase selfesteem.
Leadership considerations:
This activity works best in small groups of people. The maximum of people to
participate would be 15, over that it would become too overwhelming. It is
recommended that this activity be performed in an area with enough space to run
around. Indoor or outdoor is fine, there is not preference between the two environments.
The therapist serves as an initiator in the beginning of the game to guide the
participants into the flow of the activity. Preferably, the therapist can be the volunteer in
the middle of the circle and then break off from the activity once she/he feels that the
participants have gotten the hang of the activity. After, the therapist just steps out of the
circle and places herself/himself in the side as a supervisor. They make sure that the
game runs smoothly and that if any conflict is developed that they resolve it. Topics of
discussion are chosen depending the participants interests and needs.
Adaptations:
*Participants with Arthritis:
Not everyone has the same pain when they have arthritis. It is important to talk
with participants and maintain open communications with them. When you have open
lines with participants it increases the likelihood that they will feel comfortable
discussing their mobility limitations. This activity involves a lot of moving around quickly
(like running) although exercise is great to ease pain and avoid disability, it is important

to keep it slower pace because the goal in arthritis is increase mobility not strength.
Instead of running around and avoid being in the center of the circle people walk and
instead of the last one will be the volunteer, from a hat of names I choose someone to
be the volunteer. It would not pressure the people hurry, but will be moving around
getting that mobility that they need.
*Participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Most commonly seen with this population is a problem with social interactions. To
avoid any attacks or fears among these individuals, the groups would be kept small
around 8 maximum. This would allow for comfort and help increase social interaction
with one another. Autism Spectrum Disorder participants also have restrictions in verbal
or are just nonverbal. To help with communication, images can be provided such as a
picture a of girl brown hair. This means that anyone with brown hair needs to move
around and find a new spot before there are no more left and have to go to the middle.