The Clubhouse is the Behavioral Intervention Association's (http://www.bia4autism.org) after-school program. Once a week, children between the ages of 5 and 12, who have communication and social challenges, meet and engage in fun activities to practice different social skills. The Explorers focus on skills such as staying with the group, greetings, turn taking, participating independently in activities, and brief exchanges with peers. The Adventurers focus on skills such as initiating and maintaining conversations, perspective taking, and negotiating with peers.
Moon Rock Toss: Today, we started with a moon rock toss. Crumbled up aluminum foil, formed into a ball, represented our moon rocks. Each player tossed the rocks into targets, e.g., round objects or hula hoops that represented our planets. Each player had 2
turns. We also added numbers to the planets so we could keep score. The planet that was the furthest away had the highest number since it was most challenging to hit it with the moon rocks. Of course, we also worked on cheering and turn taking.
Art Project
“Planet Printing”: Big sheets of plexi were taped to the table. We worked in small groups, The first step was to put small dabbers of paint onto the plexi sheets and then to spread the paint onto the
plexi by using a brayer. We used block printing ink. After applying the paint to the plexi, we created patterns with wooden sticks.
Then, we placed a ‘planet’ (circle cut out of poster board) onto the plexi and made an imprint. We used squeegees or wooden sticks to help with the transfer process. Before we got going with the art project, we discussed what planets we wanted to make by studying a picture of the solar system. We had to choose the
colors accordingly. It was fun working with the brayer. We were amazed how much our art work resembled the real planets.
Today, we went on a "Space Adventure." We split up into small groups and then had to complete a variety of tasks and challenges. An activity like this is a great opportunity to work on teamwork and cooperation. Interesting group dynamics can also be observed. Who is taking on a leadership role? Who compromises? Who is more a follower?
SPACE ADVENTURE
1. COME UP WITH A NAME FOR YOUR
SPACESHIP AND ASTRONAUT TEAM. WRITE IT DOWN HERE:
2. YOU LANDED ON THE MOON. EACH
ASTRONAUT NEEDS TO FIND 2 HIDDEN MOON ROCKS BUT LIKE REAL ASTRONAUTS YOU HAVE
TO WALK ON THE MOON TOGETHER AND STAY TOGETHER IN YOUR SPACE VEHICLE (HULA
HOOP). COLLECT THE MOON ROCKS IN YOUR MOON BUCKETS.
3. REAL ASTRONAUTS LOVE THEIR PLANETS.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS “WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLANET?” AND WRITE IT DOWN HERE:
4. THE ASTRONAUTS ARE BORED AND THEY
WANT TO PLAY A PLANET TOSS GAME. USE YOUR MOON ROCKS AND TRY TO HIT THE
PLANETS. WHEN YOUR GROUP GETS 30 POINTS YOU ARE READY FOR A SPECIAL ASTRONAUT
TREAT.
REMEMBER:
GOOD ASTRONAUTS STAY TOGETHER, WORK TOGETHER, HELP EACH OTHER AND ARE GREAT
TEAM PLAYERS.
Art Project
“Planet Printing”: Big sheets of plexi were taped to the table. We worked in small groups, The first step was to put small dabbers of paint onto the plexi sheets and then to spread the paint onto the
plexi by using a brayer. We used block printing ink. After applying the paint to the plexi, we created patterns with wooden sticks.
Then, we placed a ‘planet’ (circle cut out of poster board) onto the plexi and made an imprint. We used squeegees or wooden sticks to help with the transfer process. Before we got going with the art project, we discussed what planets we wanted to make by studying a picture of the solar system. We had to choose the
colors accordingly. It was fun working with the brayer. We were amazed how much our art work resembled the real planets.
