SESSION 4 OF 6 Kathleen Ellen

Group Title: Social Adventures

Session Title: There’s no “I” in Team (adapted from Jones, 1998)

Format:
Introduction: 10 minutes
Warm-Up: 7 minutes
Activity: 28 minutes
Discussion: 10 minutes
Summary: 5 minutes

Supplies:
One package of 75-count 3x5 index cards
10 ballpoint pens (black or blue ink)
10 pieces of 12” x 12” cardboard

Description:

1. Introduction:
This group will begin with the compliment “mailboxes” that were introduced in session
two. Each student will receive seven index cards and a pen. They will then write one compliment
for each member of the group, all on individual note cards. Once they have completed the
compliment cards for all group members, they will proceed to place all the cards into the
appropriate paper bag “mailboxes”. Once this activity is complete, the session will continue with
the “feelings question circle” that was introduced in session one. Again, the therapist will begin
by stating her name, how she is feeling that day, and why she is feeling the way she is. Then, by
making eye contact with a student, the therapist will ask “[student’s name], how are you today?”
and then follow it up with, “why are you feeling ____ today?” This student will answer the
feeling questions then proceed to ask another student the same questions. The cycle will continue
until each group participant has asked and answered both questions. Purpose: The purpose of
this introduction exercise is to encourage students to make eye contact with one another during
conversation, and facilitate peer-interaction, through students asking questions to one another.
This introduction exercise will be used at the start of each session, promoting consistency and
routines, and continually developing peer interaction and communication skills.

2. Warm-Up:
This group will begin with a game of the human knot. The group will be instructed to
stand in a small circle, with each member’s shoulders touching their neighbors’. From here the
students will reach across the circle and hold hands with a peer. It is important for the therapist to
remind the students that they should not be holding both hands with the same peer. Once all
members of the group are connected to one another, the therapist will tell the students to begin,
and work collaboratively to untangle themselves. The therapist will be supervising, offering
advice and support to any group member if it is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this warm-up
exercise is to encourage problem solving, team work, and communication amongst group
members.
SESSION 4 OF 6 Kathleen Ellen

3. Activity:
After the warm-up activity is completed, the group will be provided with another team
challenge task to complete. The therapist will explain to the group that they will need to get
every member of their group from one side of the room to the other. The rules are that they can
only use the cardboard pieces given to them to get across the room. They may not touch the floor
at all, and may only step on the cardboard. Additionally, only one person is allowed to stand on a
square at a time. Purpose: The purpose of this game is to emphasize the importance of
teamwork and collaboration in order to reach a group victory in the end. In order to accomplish
these tasks, eye contact, communication skills, and emotional regulation skills must all be
exhibited, thereby pulling forward each aspect of previous groups that the students have
participated in.

4. Discussion:
Once the students successfully get each team member across the room without breaking
the rules, the therapist will lead a group discussion that reflects on the overall session.

a. Processing:
- How did you feel when it was your turn to cross the room?
- How did you feel about overall success or failure of your team?
- How comfortable were you working as a team?
- How comfortable were you offering suggestions or advice to the group?
- How comfortable were you asking for help if you needed it?
b. Generalizing:
- How difficult was it to regulate your emotions during this game?
- What did you need to do in order for this activity to be successful?
- What was the easiest part of this activity?
c. Application:
- Why is it important to work as a team?
- Are there ever times in your life when you have to rely on others in order to be
successful at something?
- When is it important to ask for help?
- Why is it important to ask for help?

5. Summary:
Overall this session was designed to promote team building and collaboration amongst
group members. Through implementation of eye contact, communication, and emotional
regulation the team goals were reached successfully. The warm-up activity prepared the group
for teamwork and problem solving skills, which were then pulled forward into the main activity.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2008). Occupational therapy practice framework:

Domain and process (2nd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 625-683.
SESSION 4 OF 6 Kathleen Ellen

Cole, M. (2005). Group dynamics in occupational therapy (3rd ed). Thorofare, New Jersey:

Slack.

Jones, A. (1998). The wrecking ball of games and activities. Richland, WA: Rec Room

Publishing.