Creative Help Wanted?

Question

I work in a group home for Special Needs Adults. My guys are physically between the ages of 25 and 85 but have the metality of ages ranging from 2-4 years old. I am looking for Christmas crafts I can plan with them that they will be able to do and enjoy but still be considered "age appropriate" by our adminastrative staff. Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I use to work in a group home as well! I have also worked at a school for childern of varying abilities, and in special education classroom in mainstream schools.

I have a few ideas:

Have a long term project -- one day have them take photos of each other. On a community trip, they can drop off the film to be developed and pick it up. Once the pictures are back (make sure that you got at least doubles!) they can cut them to place on ornaments. You can use just about anything! Pick your shape and type -- wood, paper mache, etc. I would probably pre-drill holes if you choose wood. They can modge-podge their picture on the orament, along with writing their name and date. If that is difficult for anyone, you can print that out for them. Depending on time and difficulty that can be a lesson as well on using the computer. Once everything is dry, they can add ribbon to use to hang the ornament. If it is difficult to put the ribbon on, you can use a needle threader, or create a larger modified version of a needle threader.

Many craft stores have bulk plastic or glass ornaments. Empty and clear ones are great to pour in paint and swirl around for a cool effect. They can also stuff them with "snow". They can tear white paper into small pieces and put them inside. Just add a ribbon and you are done! (the small 1/4" ribbon is often on sale and you can get a lot for your money!)

Christmas cards: Pictures of themselves are one idea. They can also use stamps. A simple large stamp would give a nice clean look and would be easier to manuver. You can pre-print sayings to include in the card, or have them ready for them to copy from into the cards. If you want to add a ribbon on there, that would look like. A ribbon that goes in the crease of the fold would be a simple addition but add a nice touch. They can also decorate envelopes. You can use the same idea to make thank you cards that they can give to family and friends after Christmas is over. Bulk blank cards are available at craft stores and Wal-mart.

You can add to this by having them use a decorative punch with snowflakes or any other shape that can be added to the cards (or put in the ornaments!). The snowflakes can be glued on, or just thrown into the card to fall out when opened. If varying ability levels are a big issue, then this could be something that could be delegated -- and they can work together as a group and do this as an assembly line.

December Calendars: You can use paper or felt for a base. You can preprint a calendar for an example and have them add the dates to their own. Or you can preprint the whole thing and have them decorate with stamps or stickers. A calendar can be a nice decoration in their room and help them see the days pass during the holidays.

Stockings: Depending on their skill you can have them trace the shape of a stocking onto felt. (or pre-draw or pre-cut). Then you can use a hole punch along the edges and have them lace ribbons to join the front and the back. Then they can add their name with markers, stamps -- anything!

I hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 2

I also work with people who have learning difficulties...and I can understand the difficulty you are having because the little bosses and their age appropriate rubbish always get in the way......but to answer your question as best I can here goes....

Making Christmas Cards
Christmas Tree Decorations
Christmas Table Decorations
Glass Painting empty jars to contain sweets as gifts.

All the above are crafts for any age group.none of them have to be difficult.........the simpler the better and they will feel that they have achieved something because they will be able to decorate their surroundings and send their very own cards out.


hope this helps..enjoy.

Answer 3

I work with children and our "learning leapers" (4 yr. olds)
are enjoying making foam turkeys on foam door hangers. You could do this for Christmas also by just changing the turkey to a tree. I've also gotten quite a few ideas from www.teach-nology.com Good Luck!

Answer 4

My daughter has the same job as you do. All of her people are women at the moment, so she has them involved in lg bead jewelry / keychains. She uses elastic instead of the closures. They love it and have lots of fun giving away their masterpieces.