The Creative Outlet Method (eBook)

Joshua Levy is Founder and Executive Director of Joshua's Stage and Joshua Levy Educational Consulting. He has taught children with autism, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional disturbances, speech impairments, and other health impairments.

Foreword, ix

Acknowledgments, xiii

Preface, xvii

Introduction, xxi

The Creative Outlet Method, 1

Sample Activities for a One-Hour Session, 23

Activities, 25

Setting Up the Welcome Circle, 26

HIPPP Rules, 28

Audience Types, 31

Ferris Wheel Round of Applause, 34

Name Game, 35

Eye Contact Clap, 37

Pass the Sound, 39

Warm-Ups, 41

Sourdough Talk Show, 46

Animals Alive: Walk, Talk, and Use Chalk, 49

Follow the Leader, 52

Magical Rocks, 55

Character Creation, 58

Hey, Hey What?!, 61

Object Transformations, 64

Comic Strip, 67

Categories, 70

Statues in the Park, 73

Juice, 76

Pizza, 83

Mashed-Up Monologues, 87

Monologues, 90

Yes, And, 93

Alien Interview, 96

Scenes for Two, 99

Imagination Circle, 102

Freeze, 105

Guests at a Party, 108

What's on TV?, 111

Fortunately, Unfortunately, 114

What's for Dinner?, 118

Create a Story, 121

My Message for You, 127

Contact Information, 129

About the Author, 131

References 133

Index, 135

"The Creative Outlet Method Book of Creativity is an amazing assortment of activities to make group participation (and skill-building!) fun and exciting for all children, including those who need structure and guidance to successfully interact with friends and peers. Step-by-step instructions, lists of needed items, and supplemental materials are included, making it super easy for families and caregivers to create successful performances at home or anywhere!"
--Kathy Brill, M.Ed., M.P.S., Co-Founder of Parent to Parent USA, disability advocate, and consultant

"Developing the creativity of children with disabilities is often overlooked when focused on other essential life skills. Joshua recognizes the benefits of living a creative life, and his book provides a comprehensive, user-friendly guide for families and professionals to nurture children's creativity while simultaneously growing their communication, social skills, positive behavior, and joy."
--Kristina R. Berzina, veteran special education teacher

"Parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers will be thrilled to add these unique, theatrical activities to their tool box for engaging with children. Joshua's method is a collaborative, fun way for kids to build skills, and utilizes a strengths-based approach. This method not only applies to special needs and neurodiverse children and adolescents, but can also be used with neurotypical and combined groups!"
--Sarah B. Silverman, PsyD, licensed psychologist

"Joshua Levy has woven aspects of explicit instruction, applied behavior analysis, and social skills training into a book that parents, teachers, and anyone who works with children with special needs can use proactively to improve interactions and positive outcomes. His experiences and passion for story-telling and theater provides a unique gestalt for learning. The activities in this book include many parts yet the totality of experiences and benefits goes beyond their individual combinations."
--Dr. John W. Maag, Larry & Sharon Roos Professor of Special Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, author of Parenting Without Punishment, a Parents' Choice Award recipient