It’s been a busy winter so far and we haven’t had time to write. We had lots and lots of visitors over the Christmas season. Many kind people came into share their musical talents and entertain. The residents look forward to the music and enjoy familiar songs. Thank you so much. Family came through in groups large and small with treats and gifts. We are lucky that way here.
Our newest favourite activity is Seniorsize which we have enlivened with a small ball. The residents are pleased and surprised at how well they can toss and throw the ball. I am too. It didn’t take long for all of them to rediscover their love and skill with a ball. Many of them have fond memories as girls and boys at school playing baseball. There wasn’t much else to do after all.
It’s just a small inflatable ball. Tossing back and forth across the circle of 15 or 17 people takes skill and concentration. We get lots of laughs when someone does an outstanding save or does a powerful toss reminiscent of a volleyball serve. Or funnier still is a comical fumble. We clap for the successful catches and cheer each other on. When catching a ball, even a wheelchair bound resident springs into action and uses muscles they forgot about and reflexes too. It’s all about hand eye coordination.We have our own GoPEI.
Once I saw the progress the group made with the ball, I thought there may be other skills that could be developed. I think residents believe me now when I say they can learn new skills. So after the group exercise class I incorporate a rhythm session. We stared by clapping out the syllables of their names and have now progressed to short rhythmic patterns slapping out the pattern on their laps.
We clap to mississippihotdog and downwiggleupwiggle and geeIwantamotorcycle and pizzaandpopcorn. The easiest it mississippehotdog. When these four are internalized through practise they will be able to switch back and forth and tap out a rhymic phrase of interest. And then we will ask if we can buy a few drums and we will set up a rythmn band.
Activites Director
