Page 25 - Storytelling - Storylistening

VII. Reminiscing Ideas for Recovering Golden Memories
Activity #4: What’s That Thing?*
1. Each circle participant brings to the circle an item representing something noteworthy from his past.
2. With eyes closed, they put their items on the floor in the center of the circle so no one knows to whom it belongs. (If some circle participants are unable to place items on the floor, everyone may place their items on a tray that is then passed around the circle by the facilitator.
3. With eyes open, each participant selects an item that does not belong to him.
4. Everyone studies the items he has selected for a few minutes, then one person volunteers to tell what significance he believes the item selected holds.
5. Then the owner claims the item and explains its true significance.
6. The process is repeated around the circle.
(*Adapted from “Bring-a-Thing” and “Fortune-Telling” described in I Remember When: Activity Ideas to Help People Reminisce, by Howard I. Thorsheim, PhD, and Bruce B. Roberts, PhD.)
p.21 ©Action Pact, Inc.2005-2006 Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks