Page 19 - 2019-2020 Leader Manual

Noticing New Toolkit: Tips for Making Activities

Work

Some participants will need you to adjust things so that they can also be successful. Here is a
list of things you can change to make your activity work for more participants.

Time
Reduce the amount of time on any task

Waiting time
Reduce time spent waiting. Use shorter instructions. Break the group into smaller groups to
reduce the amount of time before each participant gets a turn.

Task
Be aware of when activities require prerequisite skills such as:
Moving: Reduce the complexity of the movements, the speed, the balance needed,
accuracy of throw, etc.
Feeling: Reduce the amount of emotional engagement. Put some extra calming time in
afterward.
Relating: Reduce the size of the group, flex on how much relating needs to happen, increase
the physical distance between people
Thinking: Reduce the time needed to pay attention; increase the novelty, challenge,
interest, urgency; make examples concrete and related to the participant.

Social Risk
Reduce the likelihood of humiliation. Reduce social risk and focus on student strengths.

Group
Reduce the size by splitting participants into pairs, small groups, etc. Consider creating the
groups randomly (rather than have participants pick their groups, and leave someone out).
Teach roles in groups, so everyone has a job.

Language
Use clear, understandable language. Offer supports so participants can communicate back to
you and the group. Write down instructions, and any big or new words. For example, if a
participant is struggling with closing circle, help them by saying “My favourite part of today
was…”, and let them fill in the blank.

Leader Manual, Social Programs, Calgary Neighbourhoods page. 19