A Different Visit: Activities for Caregivers and their Loved Ones with Memory Impairments by Noble Beverly & Camp Cameron & Antenucci Vincent & Joltin Adena

Author:Noble, Beverly & Camp, Cameron & Antenucci, Vincent & Joltin, Adena [Noble, Beverly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Center for Applied Research in Dementia
Published: 2012-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Judging Length

DESCRIPTION

This activity stimulates the mind and works the hands. The object is to judge length by placing strips of balsa wood in order from longest to shortest. Many occupations, such as carpentry, design, and home repair, rely on the ability to accurately measure and judge length. Let’s sharpen those skills!

HOW TO

1. This type of activity is a fan favorite because it does not require much construction. Purchase two 3-inch by 36-inch strips of balsa wood at your local craft store. Measure and cut each strip into 1-inch by 36-inch pieces. You will end up with six yardstick-sized strips.

2. Use these strips to make six pieces, each of a different length: 6-inches, 12-inches, 18-inches, 24-inches, 30-inches, and 36-inches (see photo). You will have leftovers for any adaptations.

3. Once you have all of your pieces cut, you are ready to begin. Put all of the pieces of balsa wood in front of your family member in a random order.

4. Do a demonstration for your family member. Take the longest strip of balsa wood in the group and place it first. Find the second longest piece of wood and place it below the first. Next, invite your family member to continue ordering the pieces from longest to shortest.

5. Once your family member has graded the strips in order, you can have them help you put the pieces away. You can ask them to hand you the longest strip followed by the shortest, etc.

A favorite because it does not require much construction

TIPS

• Balsa wood can be cut with scissors.

• If you do not think that grading strips of balsa wood would interest your family member, substitute these strips with something else. For example, if your loved one was a seamstress, they may be more interested in grading pieces of ribbon. You could also use craft foam or poster board— whatever is available.

• Remember, preparing materials together for an activity is a great activity in and of itself!

ADAPTATIONS

More Challenging

• Have your family member do the grading of the strips as instructed above. Once they have finished, you can mix the strips up and have your family member grade them again, but this time from shortest to longest.

• Ask your loved one to create different shapes using the strips of balsa wood, such as a square, rectangle, or trapezoid. You may need to provide them with pictures of these shapes to guide them.

• Create one or more rulers with the strips of balsa wood. Mark off inch increments on the strips and number them. Then, use the rulers to measure different objects.

• Have your loved one show a child how to do this activity.

Ask for suggestions from your loved one as you grade the strips

Less Challenging

• To reduce the level of challenge, you can create a template. Trace each strip onto one piece of 36” cardstock to demonstrate the placement of each strip.

• Reduce the number of balsa strips. Instead of using six, start with three or four.

• Eliminate the idea of grading the strips and simply enjoy manipulating the different pieces of balsa wood.

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