Over the years many teachers, therapists, parents and individuals have shared some of their novel adaptations of the ICWIB program with me. Today I would like to share some of them with you, because they might help you integrate the program more fully into your life or classroom.
One woman who works with high risk children and their families told me that whenever she does a home visit she always carries a large roll of butcher paper. Sometimes she will tape it to the kitchen floor so young children and their caretakers can sit on the floor and scribble together. In other situations she will cover a wall from floor to ceiling with butcher paper. This makes it possible for children of multiple ages to do the Just Scribble activity or draw simultaneously. She found that this not only provides them with an opportunity to release stress and restore balance in their system it also serves as a bonding activity because everyone is able to express fully how something is affecting them.
An elementary school teacher who also works with high-risk children went into her classroom one weekend and covered all of her student’s desks with butcher paper. She then encouraged them to lay down color throughout the day as a way to help them reduce stress, focus their mind and increase comprehension. She was helping them learn how to activate and stay in their conscious mind.
The third story I would like to share is about a mom, who was going through a very difficult divorce. One day in an attempt to reduce the cloud of stress that hung over their home she covered the kitchen table with butcher paper and placed crayons in a basket on the table. She said that one simple action helped both her children and herself release bottled-up emotions, stay more present with each other which ultimately helped them all recover from a very ugly divorce.
In the beginning she said her children were very timid about expressing their feeling on paper. Though after they saw her really scribble out her anger and frustration one day after a very bad conversation with her ex-husband they too began using the ICWIB activities to release their own pain and frustration. Consequently communication improved and their home life became more joyous.
The commonality between these three situations I think is obvious—if you make paper and crayons available it is easy for both children and adults can reduce stress and activate their conscious mind. When that happens they are able to create a life that is more supportive of his or her authentic nature.
With this in mind, I invite you to explore some of the ICWIB art activities and videos for FREE because they are a wonderful way to release bottled-up emotions, and gain greater clarity so you can create a more authentic and joyous life.