Creative Group Activities for Children Ages 5-8 with Behavioral Health Challenges

Running activity groups for children with behavioral health issues, such as ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, can be a rewarding but challenging task. It's important to design engaging and inclusive activities that help children improve their social skills, focus, and coping mechanisms while making positive memories. Here are several ideas for group activities tailored to this age group:

Bingo with Candy as a Reward

Classic bingo is a great activity for children of all ages, but with a twist. Use colorful bingo cards with pictures or words that are not too complicated for young children. The winner gets a small candy as a reward, which can motivate and engage the children.

Treasure Boxes with Popsicle Sticks

Create treasure boxes filled with puzzles, drawing supplies, and small toys. Give each child a popsicle stick they can use to check their progress. As they complete tasks or challenges, they can earn stickers or another small reward. This activity encourages problem-solving and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Making Homemade Ice Cream

This activity gets children excited about science and gives them a treat at the end. Explain the process of making ice cream, then let the children help mix the ingredients. It's a fun and messy activity that can cater to different learning styles.

Group Collage

Creating a group collage can be a calming and creative activity for children. Provide magazines, glue, scissors, and poster boards. Each child can contribute a picture or a word that represents their favorite hobby or trait. This activity promotes teamwork and self-expression.

Making Stress Balls

Stress balls can be a wonderful tool for children with ADHD or anxiety. Teach the children how to make their own stress balls using play-doh, balloons, and rice. They can decorate their stress balls with stickers and markers. This activity helps children manage stress and gives them a tool for self-regulation.

Making Slime

Create a fun and gooey activity by making slime. Use non-toxic ingredients and provide gloves for a safe and hygienic experience. Slime-making is a tactile activity that engages children's senses and can help them focus.

Watching an Educational Documentary

While documentaries might not seem like a fun activity, they can be educational and engaging. Choose a nature or animal documentary with clear narration that can hold the children's attention. After the video, ask discussion questions to reinforce the learning and encourage critical thinking.

Additional Activity Ideas

Consider the following additional activities:

Story Time: Read age-appropriate stories and discuss the characters and morals. Drama and Role Play: Encourage children to act out stories or scenarios, which can improve their social skills and empathy. Art Projects: Engage children in painting, drawing, or crafting projects that promote creativity and focus. Outdoor Games: If weather permits, organize outdoor games such as tag, scavenger hunts, or relay races. These games can help children burn excess energy and improve physical coordination. Music and Dance: Play music and lead children in simple dance routines. This activity is fun and can improve children's motor skills and mood.

Conclusion

Creating a positive and supportive environment is key when working with children with behavioral health challenges. By incorporating these activities, you can help children improve their social and emotional skills, manage their behavior, and enjoy a fun and rewarding experience.