November 2015: Our Parent/Child Sibshop of 2015

We love inviting parents to join us at our Sibshop! We get to show off how we have spent the year, introduce families to some of our favorite Sibshop games, and get to know one another a whole lot better. This month's Sibshop was great fun!

This trickle-in activity had our group coloring large pieces of a mystery puzzle they would have to put together as a group.

 It took a little work, but our Sibshoppers and their parents worked together to create and put together our Unique puzzle.

 It was fun to learn unique things about each of our Sibshpopper's families. What a great fun group of parents and kids.

 Our Sibshoppers LOVE playing some "Pushpin Soccer" so we figured we better let the parents in on the action!

 We quickly learned that our grown ups had a great height advantage so when we play kids versus parents, the parents could only use their hands and their elbows!

 Tina led us in a bibliotherapy activity that provides families an opportunity to share their feelings in regards to a story about a family with special needs. 

 The kids really wanted their parents to play "Color Guard!" What fun we had trying to outsmart, outrun and outmaneuver one another to get our eggs past the Color Guard and into the basket.

After lunch, we watched a video produced by some Sibshoppers from CA, and then as a group responded to the things we heard in the video.  It was a great opportunity to talk with a parent about your experience as a sibling.

Our final fun little game was 'Telestrations".  The parents and Sibshoppers laughed as they inadvertently created some pretty silly and humorous stories and illustrations together.  Little did they know how their "stories" would end.  What fun!

Thanks for coming out and celebrating Sibshops and each of our awesome families with us. 

Looking forward to Sibshops 2016!

October 2015

Welcome October!

Since our camera was out of sorts, I was unable to take as many pictures of this fun Sibshop as I would have liked.  You'll have to get creative and use your imagination!  

 Our Sibshoppers really seem to enjoy the M&M game. It is a classic discussion game that rewards them with tiny bits of chocolate covered in candy. Who wouldn't like it?  They have the opportunity to share what it is like to have a sibling with special needs while munching on a tasty treat.

 This guy is becoming our resident Sibshop artist. He is awesomely talented and is busy here creating a banner you can see first hand in November at our Parent/Child Sibshop. Make sure to join us.

 A little "Hip Waddle" had the kids working in pairs to travel a predetermined distance without dropping a balloon. These types of games always turn out a little more challenging than we all anticipate!

This is one happy Sibshopper! She is energetic and happy and a great addition to our Sibshop every month.

We also took the time to create some self and sibling portraits, play a tricky hand slapping game, construct some scary monsters and share some things that might "scare" us and try out a new Sibshop game called "Boo!"

See you next month! 

Fall Happenings!

Dear Friends of Sibshops,

Fall is upon us! We will be having a traditional Sibshop in October on the 10th.  We hope to see many of your kids there.

We will be doing a Parent/Child Sibshop on November 14th.  We ask that that a parent or other close family adult attend the Sibshop with their child. We want to show off the program to you! There will be respite available for your children with special needs and we do have some room for a few typically developing sibs as well.  Students from BYU Special Education WANT to care for your children. You'll be doing them a favor by bringing your kids to respite. The cost is just $5 per Sibshopper like always, no cost for parents or for respite.

Thanks!

September 2015

September's Trickle In Activity was to create a  Paper Plate Portrait of our siblings with specials needs.

 They were able to show us their paper plates later in the day during a game of "Mocassins." Each Sibshopper introduced their sibling to us via their portrait and then took a turn telling us what it might be like to walk in their sibs shoes. Most of our Sibshoppers believe their sibs are happy with themselves and are doing a pretty good job facing their personal challenges. They also seem to believe their sibs truly adore them!

 Lunch was followed by a quick game of "Knots." 

 We watched a video made by another Sibshop group in Frisco, CA.  You can find it here. 

We then took the opportunity to share some of our own experiences as sibs.

See you in October!

August 2015

Man oh man, where did the time go?!  This is our last summer Sibshop of 2015 before the school season starts up again. We can't believe school is right around the corner.

Paper Bag Kite Making was our Trickle In Activity for this warm summer day. Loads of stickers and tissue paper streamers adorned these fun homemade kites.

"Tag! You're it!" 

We played a fun, active game of Tunnel Tag outside on the green grass. It got the blood pumping and the juices flowing!

'Four Corners" is a classic cat and mouse type game that our Sibshoppers are happy to play anytime and anywhere. All is takes is a handful of people and literally four corners!

"Feelings On A Rope" provides an opportunity for the kids to get to know one another a little better and for them to share some of their feelings in regards to being a sibling. We get to know how they feel about pepperoni AND how they feel about going to school with their sib, or being asked to babysit their sib, or sharing with their sib. One thing we always seem to hear is that even though siblings with special needs present challenges, they are well loved!

"BINGO!" Human Bingo has the kids working with one another to find someone who meets the qualifications to fill in a spot on their bingo board. They may be looking or someone who can wiggle their ears, someone who has been to Seven Peaks or someone who knows the name of their sibling's special needs.

Bye, Bye Summer! We'll catch you next time.

July 2015

Summer was in full swing for our July Sibshop!

 

We made some fun Summer Lanterns that hopefully your kiddos brought home to share with your families. Enjoy a nice night out on the patio with your homemade lantern.

 

 "Mousetrap" is a fun version of tag that gets everybody up and moving whether they are a mouse scurrying for cover or part of the trap that works hard to capture its prey.
 

"My Very Special Dream" helps our Sibshoppers reflect on the hopes and wishes they have for themselves as well as for their sibling with special needs.

 

The Sibshoppers love a game of "Islands". This version of musical chairs uses disappearing paper plates and requires constant movement!



 "Color Guard" isn't as easy as it looks!  Especially when volunteer Sean is acting as Guard. You've gotta be quick and stealthy if you wanna get your egg into the basket.

We wrapped up our July summer event with some bibliotherapy and popsicles.  Your kids used up a lot of energy so we rewarded them with a sweet treat and sweet spot to sit and listen to some books about children with special needs.

See you in August for our last summer Hurrah!