Childcare Case

Demor'a C. Baxter

02/05/13

COUN 7334A

Processing Journal #4

        In class this week we completed the group activity that Katie  planned for our first “group” experience. The purpose of the activity was to open up the group and begin to start building our group relationship. I was looking forward to the experience ever since Katie told us the week prior. I must say that I'm glad that we did not complete the activity on the day that it was scheduled because  many of the students went to hear Soledad O' Brian speak for the MLK Day Celebration. The experience would not have been the same if everyone was not  present in class to participate. I hope that Ashley is feeling better and that when she returns she is able to get the total experience.

        I really enjoyed class this week.  The activities Katie planned were great. I know we were talking about our personal experiences with group but I think that the best way to learn somethings is to actually experience it. So, even though many of us have had classes together we don't  know each other personally. The activity really allowed me to see how a well planned activity could set the tone for the group.  We could not complete one of the activities because the video Katie desired to use would not work. The other activity we had to get into a circle, introduce ourselves and  any identities that we held not all inclusive but the major identities.

        The next activity we had to draw our hand and then paper clip it to our back and each group member had to write a positive adjective or phrase describing the person in the hand, on the paper on their back. We had a approximately about 15 minutes. The activity got everyone up out of their seats moving around, we had to work  as a team in order to get to everyone. After we finished we sat down and we were allowed about 5 minutes to review our “hand” and we had the opportunity to choose one word/ or phrase  that surprised us. The discussion was really emotional for some of the group members.

        The group activity/ experience made me feel more comfortable with my group members which makes it easier to open up. It made me feel like my group members really care about me.  I think that the activity revealed that there is a certain level of concern and understanding in the group. I also saw that even though we are different we all need support and who better to support you than someone that can relate to your experiences. Other counseling students. I learned from this experience that we all learn from each other and we need each member and their input.