Weekly Wellness in Adaptive Art: Week 2 – 10/16/2025
1. This Week’s Focus
We began class with “Making Popcorn FUNterval,” an activity contributed by our Occupational Therapist. Then, I led the group through a short body scan meditation, followed by continuing work on our Polygon Sea Turtle painting projects.
2. Two-Word Check-In
Students, for the most part, felt “okay” and “a little tired” at the start of class. After the FUNterval and meditation, students said they felt “great.”
3. Mindfulness Activity Summary
FUNtervals are “high intensity” interval-type activities that consist of whole-body movements. Each activity takes students through a storyline composed of 20 seconds of quick, enthusiastic movement followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 intervals.
We followed the “Making Popcorn” video, where we “popped like popcorn,” threw popcorn on the shelf behind us, and ran to school to sell it. It was fun, and every student participated at their level. Students in wheelchairs used their arms, students with limited mobility marched in place instead of running, and students with extra energy fully expressed each exercise. It was so much fun! You can find more information and videos online by searching “FUNtervals.”
For the Body Scan Meditation, I invited students to get REALLY comfortable in their seats—experimenting with sitting up straight and tall with feet firmly on the floor, resting their heads on the table, or putting their feet up on a chair. We brought our attention to our heart center and allowed a feeling and imagery of relaxation to follow our attention from the tops of our heads, faces, jaws, necks, shoulders, arms, wrists, and fingers—back to the heart center—then hips, legs, ankles, feet, and toes.
I kept it to around 7 minutes because I want to start small with meditation and build our endurance over time. Although it takes the average person about 12 minutes to truly relax, I didn’t want to begin with a long meditation and risk turning students off from the practice.
4. Student Highlights
Reflecting on our experience, I asked students to check back in with how they felt. One student said, “I feel proud,” as he tapped his chest with his fingers. Several students agreed that they felt proud of themselves after the activity. I repeated, "I feel proud" while tapping my chest and invited students to try it and see how that feels.
5. Reflections & Observations
I noticed that the entire atmosphere of the room shifted, and we all felt better. I have a hunch that we will build a strong sense of community with this group of students and adults. It’s only October, and if we continue Wellness Thursdays all year, I expect we’ll cultivate a positive and respectful classroom climate.
The adults circulated the classroom while students painted their sea turtles. I felt amazing the whole morning, and I’m curious to hear students and staff share their experiences when I see them tomorrow for Fun Friday.
6. Looking Ahead
Next week, I’d love to take the students to the Wellness Room if it’s available. I plan to introduce some Qigong exercises and do standing or seated meditation. I’ll leave space for our OT to bring another FUNterval activity to integrate into the plan.
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