Newspaper or Magazines (LOTS!!)
Something heavy (i.e. textbook)
Tell patients that they need to build a bridge taht will hold the heavy object. The specifications for the bridge are that it needs to be at least 6 inches tall and 10 inches long.
The rec therapist can add variations as needed, for example:
-If a person is bossy, tell him he can't talk anymore
-Give a time limit to create tension
-Tell someone she has to say "banana" in between each word she says
Talk about the experience. What went well? What was frustrating? Consider the following questions:
-How do you react to stress? Is that healthy or unhealthy?
-How do you react to success? Failure?
-How do you treat people under pressure? Is there anything you need to change?
-How can you diffuse a stressful situation?
For a large group, you can also make it into a competition. Which team can build the tallest bridge that holds the book? The most aesthetically pleasing bridge? Etc.