October 31, 2018

Items of Interests – Love Line

Summary

The item of interest that I chose is a theraputic technique to communicate feelings and improve self-esteem. It is called “Love Line.” The purpose of this activity is for students to reflect on positive qualities of the other people in their social work group and to pass along their thoughts to the individuals in group. This activity can help build courage and of course, self-esteem! This activity requires for students to write on a note card (or any type of paper- we can be creative and write it on heart-shaped cut outs, etc.!) Students then write a small message to their peers and insert it in the envelope (or jar, again, lets all be creative) of the designated student. The picture below is an example however, it can be adjusted using envelops as mentioned in the book, jars, decorated tissue boxes, etc.! The paper can also be on a regular sheet of paper, note cards, different designed cut-outs.

I believe that this is a great idea to use for students who are in 3^rd or 4^th grade all the way to high school students. This is a great activity for students who have low self-esteem or who have difficulties communicating their feelings. It can help show them that they are beautiful in their own unique way and can help show them the different positive ways other people see them. I can also see this activity fit into an artistic theraputic activity because This activity fits into the School Social Work Model because it is evidence based; increasing self-esteem can help the student build confidence and lead to a brighter future. I really hope to use this activity with my 5^th grade group soon!  

Activity can be found on pages 78-79*

Images

Mandalas

While struggling to get a student comfortable in my office, I recalled how in our first meeting together she shared her love of art with me. I recalled how last year in my placement when I was working with an individual, we used Mandalas. While working with my student this year, we both looked at our art while talking and as a result, she began to open up. She did not have to make that eye contract while talking with me, and I believe that really helped her feel more comfortable in sessions. We no longer need to use the art as a place to get comfortable, but it was amazing to see how quickly she chanced when she was able to do something she loved that was also a soothing activity.

Research suggests that Mandalas reduce anxiety, so while working with an extremely anxious student, this is a good activity especially when starting to get to know each other. This activity fits into the School Social Work Model because this activity is evidence based, and I am using it to provide mental health services. It was evident when leaving that session, my student was less anxious about meeting with me, and as a result, we have had extremely effective sessions. I highly recommend doing Mandalas or any type of art therapy with your students when you can sense some anxiety, it is a simple activity that may help your student relax, and it is fun!