"Taking Joy in Yourself, Your Family
& Artistic Expression"

with

Dr. Elana Ashley

(2 1/2-Hour Workshop) [Maximum: 12 Families]

SESSION I: Introduction & Discussion [15 minutes]

In an introductory session, Dr. Ashley, parents and children discuss the meaning of self-esteem and how it affects what they say and do.

SESSION II: Sharing & Writing [45 minutes]

In the second session, all families receive a written list of four categories they are expected to work on, and make a list of answers as a family. After about ten minutes of listing responses, the presenter gets one person from each group to share their family's answers. A second person is selected to add other thoughts and phrases in further support of the answers in a given category.

SESSION III: Music & Feelings [15 minutes]

To enrich the positive feelings established in the first two sessions, the presenter sings an original song - a song whose message is taking joy in being alive, in being who you are, in sharing who you are with those you love. The lyrics to the song are handed out, and the participants join together in reading and singing the song.

15 Minute Break

SESSION IV: Family Artistic Project [one hour]

The participants take the love and good feelings they are now feeling inside and express them artistically in the making of a collage. The presenter will share some samples of family creativity. All the members of each family will make their own artistic creation. General materials will be provided by the hosting organization. However, families are encouraged to bring a variety of interesting odds and ends they might find at home for inclusion in their personal family masterpiece.

SESSION V: Conclusion [15 minutes]

Each family will show its artistic masterpiece for all participating families to see, and the original art project will be put on display at the location where the workshop is held. All art projects will be returned to the families. The presenter concludes the workshop with an uplifting, closing message.

This two-and-a-half-hour workshop is a wonderful, cooperative learning experience. As a family, members participate in fun-shared activities -- activities combining thinking, comprehension and listening skills; writing, reading and positive self-acceptance skills; musical skills; artistic skills, and the ability to recognize and take pride in one's self, one's family and their achievements, as well as take pleasure in the achievements of others.

What could be greater than having the good feelings we feel about ourselves be reinforced by family members? The basis of all positive relationships -- professional, friend or family -- is mutual respect, appreciation and support. Such an activity among family members helps to bond children and parents.

Great Imaginings, Inc.
An Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation
P. O. Box 101
Northbrook, Illinois 60065-0101
847.480.8998

© 2003 Elana Ashley, Ph.D.