Activity Research 1: Special Candy Game

Activity: The name of the activity is “Special Candy Game”.

Target participant group: Youth at risk, adults and children both with and without developmental disabilities could all benefit from this activity.

Therapeutic potential of this activity: This game is aimed to increase participant’s self-esteem and help a group get to know one another.

What other groups may benefit from this activity? Anyone who is able to fully participate in the activity can reap a benefit.

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity? This activity may not be appropriate for children under the age of five, who this could be a choking hazard for.

Activity description:

• 1.     You will need a minimum of 5 participants and ideally no more than 12.
• 2.     Participants will gather and sit in a circle
• 3.     Each participant will be given 10 small pieces of candy.
• 4.     Choose or have someone volunteer to go first.
• 5.     The participant will then state one thing interesting or fun thing about themselves.
• 6.     The rest of the group will listen and throw one of their pieces of candy to the participant if they do not have what was stated in common with them.
• 7.     Repeat steps 6 &7, rotating around the circle until everyone has about the same amount of candy.

Resources needed: You will need 10 pieces of small candy for each participant and a space big enough for your group to sit in a circle.

 Best leadership style for this activity: Democratic (participatory) leadership is best for this activity.

Where did you find this activity? I found this activity at Recreationtherapy.com and I also participated in it my freshmen year of college at Edgewood.

Where can others find more information on this activity? You can find out more about this activity at: http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txself.htm