30 Day Art Journal Challenge

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Put Your Guard Up: SHIELD

Chalk Therapy

 

CHALK THERAPY
Okay so, this is not really a theory or technique. However, I gave it a name because I find that children working with chalk can be therapeutic in various ways.  First of all its an art activity which opens many doors in a therapeutic environment.  But secondly, there is something finalizing about using chalk.  I ask my clients to draw emotions, play made up games, or draw the things we speak about and when that chalk runs out (which as you may very well know happens quickly) it's almost as though they are able to set their problems and emotions free.  It's almost like closure.  To see everything drawn onto the ground slowly as it disappears in your hand.  It's almost magical.  (That may be over dramatic) however, if you have a kid or client who is very animated, creative, or Dramatic......Try it out. 

Here's a few topics to try:
Emotions: Simple! give the child a scenario ( something they have experienced or a made up one) and have them draw the emotion face.  or switch it up.  Give them an emotion and have them draw a time they have felt this way.  If you want to add a little flavor to this intervention you can ask that they draw or write a positive alternative to a negative behavior.                                                     
 (you may have to provide them with a few options at first to get them started.)

Visualization Game: (ADHD, ANXIETY,DEPRESSION)  I have my kiddos visualize a series of instructions that I give them and they must carry out my instructions.  This helps them learn to visualize anything from a what the teacher is teaching, what they are studying, or building the confidence to face a negative situation.   
     Example: " Draw for me, please, a red circle, blue triangle, 3 yellow hearts, 2 purple squares, and your name in each color."  I give the instuctions slowly and allow the child to get a good mental picture of what they are to do in their mind.  Sometimes I ask them to repeat what I am saying in their head or practice drawing the figures with their fingers in the air.  
    This activity also work well with physically active kids too.  For children who love to move around or fidget I have them complete an "obstacle coarse"  Example:  " I want you to run around the bench 3 times,  do the money bars, do 5 jumping jacks, and then walk 25 steps counting out loud."  I start off with simple prompts and increase the level of difficulty as the child is able to master the visualization.
 {warning: make sure you are aware of any allergies or phsycial health conditions the child may have.  let's try to avoid allergic reactions or asthma attacks :)}

GAMES!!! 

TIC TAC TOE, HANGMAN, ETC.... for kids with low self esteem or negative social behaviors playing games like this are fun because first of all they are huge with the chalk but also because they help the child practice appropriate behaviors. 

---If the child is not a good team player, sore loser, etc you are provided with the opportunity to model appropriate behaviors. 
---If the child has low self esteem issues, I tend to play the the games with them, purposely lose a few times, and positively affirm myself for my effort. " Aw man! I lost again. That is very disappointing BUT, I tried my best and that is all I can do.  Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose, but it is just a game and I am only playing for fun." 
Obvisouly I spread each statement out throughout each game so it is not overkill, but you get the idea!

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CARDS

 Emotional Intelligence Cards.  

I got this idea from something I saw on pinterest and tweaked it a bit to fit with my own therapeutic interventions.  They are very kid adn parent friendly and need little explanation.  They are easy to make and customizable.

 

4 BASIC  FEELINGS CARDS  help kids identify basic emotions.  Each basic emotion can be experienced a varying degrees of intensity.  (Example: Happy= Excited, glad,or content.  Mad= Furious, Grouchy, Upset.)  The ability to identify other emotions besides your basic emotions helps children to truly communicate what they are experiencing.  Communication is always key!!
The ANGER RULES card can be used as a rule of thumb for the child to be reminded of the proper way to behave when they become angry.  This card has postive statements to as remindeders to not engage in physical outburst or negative responses.
RESPECT card is simple.  It provides a lis of respectful behaviors.  This card can be used as a positve alternative to the behaviors listed on the anger card as well as a general rule of thumb. SHOW RESPECT TO EVERYONE :)
ACTIVE LISTENING card  I always talk to my clients about listening with their Whole Body!   I got the idea from a cute Sesame Street video I found online.  It's rather cute honestly.  In the video cookie monster learns to listen with his whole body.   He must remind himself that  to listen with one's whole body means Eyes are Watching, Ears are Listening, Mouth is Quiet and Body is Still & Calm!

VOICE LEVEL card reminds children that if they wish to be heard and to communicate their wants and needs they must attempt to remain as calm as can be.  The first step is to be mindful of their tone.  If a child is speaking calmly they can be heard, which is their ultimate goal!  However, if they scream or cry uncontrollably they will not be understood, therefore, their needs cannot be met.


These can be used at home and in any therapeutic environment.  They are fun to look at and can travel easily for quick reminders in social settings.  I will be adding more to the deck soon.  But for now this is a good start.

     Love It Up!

Ayla V. Expose, LMSW