Innovative Activity #2

Activity: Mosaics

Target Participant Group: middle-aged children to elderly

Therapeutic Potential of Activity: fine motor skills/ coordination, social interaction skills, cognitive skills(colors/shapes), promotes creativity, sensory stimulation, enhances attention span

Other Groups who may benefit: at-risk youth, children with Autism, elderly, individuals with MS/MD, individuals with SCI

Groups not Appropriate: individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, corrections

Activity Description: Mosaics are fun and fairly easy to make. They are an open-ended activity because you are able to complete a mosaic on many different surfaces. For example, you could do a group mosaic on a table top or you may do mosaics on pots/vases.  To begin the activity, you will first need to have a design in mind or pick a mosaic pattern.  There are many mosaic pattern websites online.  Next, you will need to lay out the tiles you have and pick out shapes/colors.  There are a few different ways to make mosaics. One of the "direct" methods is to purchase adhesive which allows you to glue the tesseraes (tiles) to the surface.  Once the tiles have dried and are adhered to the surface, you will then need to cover them with grout.  You can buy powdered grout and mix it and then spread it over the tiles with a rubber spatula. This activity may be time consuming and messy; however, it is a great group project and is very open-ended.

Resources Needed:                                                                                                                       Base ( pot, coaster, vase, tabletop, or anything with a flat/hard  surface)
Tessrae (tiles/pieces)
Adhesive (mosaic glue)
Grout
Newspaper, gloves, sponges
bucket, stir-stick (for grout)

Best Leadership Style:  Depending on the population, it may work best to have one to two facilitators for this activity.  If the group is small, one facilitator should work for the activity. However, it may be best to have two in order for one individual to help with preparing the materials.

Activity source: I have completed a few mosaics with groups such as girl scouts.  We made mosaic coasters for our Moms for Mother's Day. They turned out great and were pretty easy to do.  I have also made mosaic stepping stones with the kids I babysit for.

Activity Resources: There are many online website about "how-to's" for mosaics and also pattern websites. ( one of each below)

www.mosaic-tile-guide.com
http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=familycrafts&cdn=parenting&tm=4&gps=37_8_1093_491&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//stainedglasspatterns.org/thumbnails.php%3Falbum%3D10