Research Activity Number Four

Activity: Shaving Cream Marbling

Target participant group: Child Life patients and/or siblings

Therapeutic potential of this activity: Provide participants with a fun, calming activity. Allows participants to think creatively and create a piece of art. Engages all participants as it can easily be done at bedside if participants cannot go to activity areas. Improves fine and gross motor skills.

What other groups may benefit from this activity?

I believe all groups would benefit from this activity as it provides a way for everyone to be creative in their own way.

Children with Autism and Sensory Integration Disorder may benefit greatly from this activity because many love the feeling of shaving cream.

Participants that need to improve their fine or gross motor skills may benefit from this activity.   

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity?

Groups that have trouble keeping things out of their mouth may not be appropriate for this activity as you do not want participants to eat the shaving cream or paint. A way to avoid this may be to use cool whip and food coloring instead of the shaving cream and paint.

Activity description: A fun activity that brings out the creative side of every participant. This activity can be done individually or in groups.

Facilitation/Instructions:

• 1.      Apply a small amount of shaving cream onto a cookie sheet.
• 2.      Spread shaving cream evenly by using a squeegee into about a 1 inch thick layer.
• 3.      Add 1 drop of each desired paint color on top of the shaving cream.
• 4.      Take a finger or stick and mix shaving cream and paint lightly to make desired design (you do not want the paint to be mixed too much so that it sinks to the bottom of the shaving cream).
• 5.      Take a piece of white paper or cardstock and press gently on top of the shaving cream mixture.
• 6.      Peel the paper off of the shaving cream and lay the clean side face down on a flat surface.
• 7.      Use the squeegee to remove the shaving cream on the paper so that only the paint is left on the paper. The shaving cream remains can be tossed out.
• 8.      Set the colored paper aside to dry.
• 9.      If participant would like to make another painting, just simply mix the shaving cream and paint to create a new design and repeat the process over.

 Resources needed: Shaving cream, squeegee (ruler, cardboard, or flat edge to level with), cookie sheet (pan, or paper plate), paint or food coloring, toothpick (popsicle stick or finger to mix with), and white paper or cardstock

Best leadership style for this activity: Participative leadership style

Where did you find this activity?

My brother’s girlfriend teaches Special Education and told me about this activity.

Where can others find more information on this activity?

Others can find different ideas on how to use shaving cream marbling on the following websites.  http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/marbling.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Marbled-Paper-Using-Shaving-Cream