Planning your first introductory session is so exciting and there is so much that can be done. Below are some ideas, steps and useful links to help and inspire you:

Step One:

Review pages 10 - 11 of the activity handbook

Step Two:

Decide on your location and activity then advertise the event COME AND JOIN US POSTER

Step Three:

Make sure you collect, print or have ordered all materials needed for the introductory activity.

Step Four:

As shown in the handbook - Follow the instructions to make the activity an event. Always start with the tablecloth and a cuppa! Conversations will start to flow - use the activity handbook to guide you.

The Tablecloth

It may be that your first few meetings are just about the tablecloth, unfolding, spreading out and then exploring images. A cup of tea or coffee always help people relax. That may be enough; just talking together about what comes up for people. Soon, people will respond to the sight of the tablecloth, it will become a cue or signpost, creating expectation and a positive mood. Some people may take responsibility for the unfolding and folding away at the end of the time together.

One of our Artlink artists Christine Hilditch drew and painted the images.

IDEAS AND USEFUL LINKS
Ideas:

Sensory: gather aromatic flowers and plants
Music - Playlist of garden themed music
Discussion - Use Tablecloth
Make participants individual folders for future work
Plant a bulb - see handbook
Discuss goals that would like to be achieved from the Creating Conversations project
Name the group or project
Have gardening magazines at hand for ideas if needed
Read poetry or ask the group to make up a poem around today's activity. Each participant can make up a sentence and them the next person can add on to it. This tends to be a fun and interactive approach.
Discuss and share opinions on topics and activities
Celebrate - a job well done