© Piros Orr
In our experience through ClowNexus, people with dementia and autistic children can both enjoy art because it engages their senses, lets them express themselves without words, gives them a sense of structure and freedom, and helps them remember and share emotions. Art is a way for us all to connect and communicate.
Intention: Propose familiar activities that foster unity.
The clowns embody various animals, encouraging participants to use their bodies and join in the role-play.
This activity trains children to recognise the animals represented, promotes physical activity, and facilitates emotional expression in a fun and appropriate manner.
Intention: Connect and play using familiar props, imbuing them with new meaning and purpose. This activity allows children to be passive observers or active participants.
Explore the sensation of wind using songs, sounds, and props that simulate wind (e.g., fans, fabric, ventilators). Engage in activities like flying in the wind (using leaves, fabric, feathers), imitating the wind (with gymnastic ribbons), and transform it into a participatory performance.
Two potential settings: 1. Children sitting in a semicircle, awaiting the activity to commence. 2. Invading their space during an ongoing activity to capture their attention. The goal is to engage them in the activity offered.
Intention: minimise the fear of strangers, improve the children’s social skills, improve their rule-following skills
The clowns seamlessly integrate into the daily classroom routines with a gentle and sensitive presence, always open and playful.
While they actively participate in the regular activities, they still carry out their clownish behaviour, often dialled down to about 30% to avoid disrupting the class.
Nevertheless, their genuine openness and playful spirit shine through. They engage in the same exercises and lessons as the children, even receive the same rewards.
This touch of playfulness often works wonders. It can rekindle the interest of a child who may have been struggling to focus, or inspire a child who typically isolates themselves to join in during teamwork exercises.
The clowns act as catalysts to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere within the classroom, fostering connection and participation among the children.
Intention: Delineate space, draw attention
The clowns use a colourful rug to make a special area. It creates safe boundaries for play to happen.
Using a rug to mark out a special space works like magic. It seems to naturally attract the kids, and they gather on it without any need for persuasion.
Intention: Connection, communication, finding a common game
Set the stage for a delightful game of imagination with a child.
You begin by miming the presence of a car in the room, complete with the revving of an imaginary engine and the gentle hum of wheels in motion.
With playful enthusiasm, you extend an invitation to the child to join in the fun. If the child eagerly accepts, the room transforms into a bustling roadway, and together, you embark on the common game of a make-believe car ride.
Take your time and savour the moment. There’s no need to rush; let the magic of imagination unfold at its own pace.
Make your gestures and mimes crystal clear, ensuring the child can easily grasp the concept of the car in the room. Keep the atmosphere playful to keep the game light-hearted and amusing..
