Innovative Activity #3

Activity: Homemade Butter

Target Participant Group: children to elderly

Therapeutic Potential of Activity: group cooperation, sensory stimulation, taking turns, encourage reminiscing, motor skill, strength

Other Groups that may benefit: elderly, kids with Autism, individuals with motor skill deficits

Groups not Appropriate for activity: individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, individuals with mood/ severe behavioral disorders, individuals with diet restrictions

Activity Description: This activity is simple and fun for a group! There are a few basic steps:

1. Pour cream into jar/container
2. Cover jar/container tightly with lid.
3.  Have group members take turns shaking the jar/container. Shake until cream turns into solid butter.
4. Remove butter from container and spread onto crackers.

* If this activity is being used with elderly, it may be fun to discuss/reminisce while the process of shaking the cream is taking place.

Resources Needed: 1 carton heavy cream, 1 jar/container with lid, salt, knife, plate, crackers/bread

Best Leadership Style for Activity: This activity works great for a group. One facilitator should be sufficient for the activity.  The facilitator should assist with helping individuals when necessary and ensuring that all individuals participate cooperatively.

Activity Source: My mom used this activity with residents at a nursing home for an occupational therapy activity. I also remember making butter in grade school as an activity.

Activity Resources: There are a few different methods that you may use for this activity. Some online resources may be found below.

http://www.webexhibits.org/butter/doityourself.html
http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/butter.html