Ashley Font

LEI 4724 Activities Portfolio Submission #4

Facilitation Technique Category: Anger Management

Activity Title: Calm Down Sandwich
Source: Peterson, K. (2012, September 16). 50 Activities and Game Dealing with Anger.
Retrieved September 28, 2016, from
http://www.kimscounselingcorner.com/anger-management-2/50-activities-and-games-dealing-wi
th-anger
Equipment: Construction paper cut out in sandwich material, Marker, Sheet of paper
Activity Description: Coping strategies are the best way to calm ones self down and stop being
angry or frustrated. These strategies make a person feel better after getting upset. The purpose of
this activity is to focus on what makes a person feel happy or calm and realize there are strategies
that can be used to overcome and manage their anger. First, participant(s) are provided with the
cutouts of the sandwich ingredients, a piece of paper and a marker. Then the instructor will
discuss the importance of coping strategies and how it makes one feel better. Instruct the
participant(s) to utilize the piece of paper and marker to write down three situations that make
them feel angry or frustrated. It is up to the participant whether they would like to talk briefly as
to why these situations get them upset. After all, expressing their feelings could be used as a
coping mechanism as well. With the sandwich ingredients, instruct the participant to lay them
out on the table. Explain that the pieces of bread, cheese, meat, lettuce and tomato are to be used
to make their Calm Down Sandwich. Prior to writing on the ingredients, participants are to
write on the paper 6 things that make them feel happy or calm. Then on each piece of sandwich
ingredient, the participant must write down his or her own strategies to cope with whatever
inflicted their anger. After they have come up with 6 strategies, they can make their sandwich
and keep it for future reference and as a reminder there are also ways to cope with anger. Finish
the session by reviewing the importance and benefits of all the different strategies. If participants
wish to volunteer to share their Calm Down Sandwich, they may.
Leadership Consideration: CTRS functions as an instructor for this activity. The instructor
could work with a group of individuals or 1 on 1. If there is a group of 3 or more another
therapist or staff member is required for safety and adequate attention. It is recommended that
the therapist be certified as at least an Anger Management Specialist-I, but it is not required.
Prior to starting the session, the therapist must explain the activity thoroughly and enforce rules
regarding respect for group sessions. The therapist must know how to differentiate between
feelings and behaviors and create a safe emotional environment. Encouragement of identifying
and labeling feelings is highly suggested for the participant to realize what feelings causes
certain reactions. Most importantly the CTRS must model responsible anger management.
Adaptations:
Participants with Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder may cause mood swings, anxiety, anger
and general discontent. These symptoms lead an individual to experience behavioral issues, for
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Ashley Font

LEI 4724 Activities Portfolio Submission #4

example, aggression, impulsivity and or self-harm. To ensure a successful making of the Calm
Down Sandwich, there are certain adaptations that can take place. The therapist should always
remain as calm as possible and talk slowly and clearly when instructing. The instructor or staff
member should not approach or touch the person without his or her request or permission
(Gluck, S., n.d.). The individuals feelings should be acknowledged and understood. Those with
bipolar disorder may need to work on a 1:1 setting as opposed to a group. If working in groups,
breaks could be provided (Adapting Activities & Materials for Young Children with Disabilities,
n.d.). Known triggers should be recognized and avoided. Patience is key, so therefore a longer
session is required.
Participants with Sensory Learning Disability: Individuals with learning disabilities
experience anger and frustration due to the difficulties in acquiring knowledge and skills.
According to the level of the disabilities, participants could partially participate in the activity, by
reducing the numbers of strategies and/or what angers them (Adapting Activities & Materials for
Young Children with Disabilities, n.d.). Simplifying directions by taking one step at a time can
lead to a successful session. Participant should repeat directions in their own words to make sure
they understood (Adapt Your Teaching for Persons Who Have Learning Disabilities, n.d.)
Pairing up individuals with staff member for assistance is required. Accepting short answers or
verbal answers, modifies the activities for those with poor writing abilities. If the activity seems
to be too much to bear, the therapist could simply just acknowledge the participants verbal
strategies towards anger.
Adaptation Resources:
Gluck, S. (n.d.). Bipolar Anger: How To Handle Your Bipolar Relative's Anger - HealthyPlace.
Retrieved September 28, 2016, from
http://www.healthyplace.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-support/bipolar-anger-how-to-handle-your
-bipolar-relatives-anger/
Adapting Activities & Materials for Young Children with Disabilities. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Adapting Activities & Materials for Young Children with Disabilities
Adapt Your Teaching for Persons Who Have Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_SNM_03AdaptYourTeaching_LearningDisabilitie
s.pdf