Kevin Tejeda

Facilitation Techniques

Ninja

Sources: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Porter, Heather R., ed. Recreational Therapy for Specific Diagnoses and Conditions

Equipment needed: Different Textured Gloves

Activity Description:

1) Have small groups of 3-5 stand in a circle. (Arms Reach) With their hands together
2) Then yell out Ninja and try to get in your best striking pose
3) Everyone gets a turn trying to tag someones hand in the circle ( it can go in any direction)
4) To defend, you have to try to dodge the attack by moving your hands away from your attacker. Once you
finish moving, both the attacker and defender must maintain their position until the next turn.
5) If a person is tagged they are out
6) Continue until one ninja remains

Leadership Considerations:

1) When working with children with autism it is important to bring into consideration the fact that these children
are known to have tactile issues and so being touched may not be heavily desired however by wearing
different types of gloves you can stimulate interest as well as create a barrier between the participants so
there is no direct contact being made.
2) Another step that can be taken is letting the participants know that there will be a form of physical contact
beforehand so they are not overwhelmed or upset when that time in the activity comes.

1) When working with individuals with Major depressive disorder an important consideration would be to
keep the individuals engaged and motivated by celebrating either a tag or a dodge with words such as
Good Job! or Nice one, _________!
2) The exercise that people will experience through striking and dodging can help stimulate these
individuals and in turn alleviate their symptoms.

The desired outcome for both of these populations would be to increase social skills as well as hand eye
coordination.