THE TTAP METHOD

THE FOURTH OF JULYBY

Francene M. SantinoSTAC Alumni

8-2010

Therapeutic Thematic Art Programming(TTAP)

• The TTAP Method incorporates new information from research on how to stimulate the brain and enhance its functioning.

• It is a nine step method that integrates and stimulates different areas of the brain through a variety of specific therapeutic activities.

• “TTAP is a structured way to stimulate the three areas of the brain while developing themes through which the therapeutic activity is implemented,” (Madori, 2007).

4th Of July Theme

• My program involves residents of a Long-Term Care Facility. Each resident has various disabilities and each individual has chosen to participate in a patriotic themed program.

• I will use the nine steps of TTAP, which include: Thought, Music, Imagery, Movement, Sculpture, Food, Poetry, Photography, and a Themed Event to implement the TTAP Method.

• This method correlates to therapeutic recreation because it enhances the residents five domains in the areas of cognition, social, physical, spiritual, and emotional.

• The residents will use their minds to improve social skills, learn to be more creative, develop physical abilities through movement, apply internal reflection, and be able to be more expressive towards others.

The Five Domains

• Social, allows the individual to participate in the program to improve communication.

• Physical, aids in the use of fine and gross motor skills.

• Spiritual, aids in interaction with others dealing with similar needs.

• Emotional, allows the individual to alleviate isolation.

• Cognitive increases the individuals independence and interaction with others.

Step 1: ThoughtsI used a graphic organizer to begin Step 1.

The participants used the graph as a visual to aid those with cognitive disabilities, thereby ensuring visual learning while perceiving abstract ideas.

I displayed a drawing of the Statue Of Liberty as an additional visual to stimulate the participants thoughts about the theme.

After looking at the displays the residents began to discuss their individual thoughts about the theme- “4th of July”. An entire poster board was filled with thoughts.

STEP 2: Music• With soothing music

playing, the residents meditated with their eyes closed.

• I did an exercise using guided imagery.

• When the exercise was completed, everyone shared their thoughts.

• This activity stimulated cognition through the reflection of noises recalled through the music. Reminiscing also occurred as the individuals shared their past experiences.

STEP 3: Imagery

• From the music exercise the residents were asked to create an image on paper of what came to mind while listening to the music.

• This activity can be helpful in improving their cognition - due to the fact that the music gave them thoughts or ideas to project onto paper.

• This exercise will also increase their emotional domain by recognizing what they like and heard in the music.

• The program will also improve self esteem as they admire the work they have created.

STEP 4: Sculpture• The Residents enjoy

action games & crafts.• For this step, I

incorporated a “Ball Catcher Game.” Each individual decorated a water container with the “4th of July Theme”. It will be used for the movement step.

• After completed, everyone was proud of their own creations.

STEP 5: Movement• With the song, “Stars &

Stripes” playing; we all got into a circle and were ready to play our Hand-Made “Ball Catcher” Game. We took turns with throwing or catching the ball.

• Movement helped the individuals to use gross motor skills and coordination.

• Movement is noted for energizing not only the muscles and nerves, but the brain as well.

STEP 6: Poem• I displayed the initial poster

from Step 1, as a reminder of the residents thoughts about the theme, “4th of July”.

• I wrote key words of their choice on a board and together they designed a poem.

• This activity allowed the individuals to elevate their self-expression to a central position in story making. It was very stimulating and enhanced everyone’s self-esteem.

STEP 7: Food

• The residents chose food to fit the theme.• No party is complete without hors d' oeuvres.

They chose Bruschetta because everyone likes tomatoes and they are red-keeping with the color scheme.

• They also chose a seven layer dip complete with corn chips. The final choice was a string-bean, onion dish-to incorporate something healthy.

• Preparation of the food allows everyone to be an active participant.

• Food can provide a continued effort to enrich life through creative programming.

• This activity will stimulate fine motor skills as well as encourage socialization.

• Taste and feeling of the foods will stimulate the sensory cortex.

• Cognition is enhanced as they discuss and remember their favorite foods.

STEP 8: Photography

• Emphasis is on using photography to remind the individual of the activities they participated in.

• The photos can promote the program and be hung in various places as a reminder of everyone’s creativity.

• The group also used the photographs to make another group project and created a collage .

• This activity allowed the individuals to reminisce while creating an art project.

• The individuals self-esteem and pride in their endeavors was appreciated in this activity.

STEP 9: Theme Event• All of the Steps throughout the

program were connected into a final “4th of July” Party.

• The posters were displayed throughout the room.

• Patriotic Music was played.• The “Ball Catcher” game was the

first event to begin the party.• The food that was prepared was

displayed for all to enjoy.• A movie the group chose by James

Cagney , “ Stars & Stripes,” ended the party.

• This activity encouraged socialization and enhanced self esteem.

CONCLUSION• Most individuals are shy and unwilling to

participate in activities. However, the more they become familiar with the activity, the easier and more enjoyable it becomes.

• As the activities increase, the interaction with the therapist and peers becomes progressively more comfortable.

• The TTAP Method will enhance each domain as the therapist focuses on a person-centered approach that will meet the needs of the individual.