Summer Half Term Holiday Creative Group

During half term Young Oasis ran a 3 day creative group for children who are affected by familial substance misuse, and here is what they got up to:

Day One

There were 2 therapists present and 5 children attended. The children were welcomed and began by making their own name badges out of cardboard, and then they played a name game as a fun way of getting to know a little bit about each other. After this they were asked to participate in the making of a 'group agreement' in order to keep the space safe, and they negotiated well together.

It was then time to get out the clay! The children were encouraged to pummel, pinch and throw the clay down on to the table which they really enjoyed. Each child was invited to make a hand print in their clay.

For the next activity individual boxes were given to each group member, which they decorated with felt tips, paint, feathers and glitter. They were asked to write down or make an image of someting that they didn't want to take home with them and that they could leave behind in the box.

Throughout the session there was a friendly atmosphere and the children chatted happily to each other while getting involved in all the activities!

Day Two

The children who attended on day one went straight into continuing with their projects that they had already begun. Some of their clay objects had broken and time was spent carefully putting them back together. There was also a new member who was very happy to cut cardboard for other people and was keen to help out.

The group chatted excitedly between themselves and shared good ideas. The clay hand prints were decorated using paint, tissue paper and lots of glitter. Later in the session a story was read to the children and this was followed by some games, at which point the children became very noisy and full of energy! However we ended on a calm note, after a fun game of Chinese whispers.

Day Three

It was the last session and lots of children did not want the group to end! Everyone made an image of an animal that they'd like to be and these were cut and pasted on to one large collaborative piece. This was a busy process and there was lots of discussion and sharing of thoughts and ideas.

The group painting is now proudly on display in our group room at Oasis.