Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy

154 NATURE-BASED EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY

the activity by making a drumstick; this helps model the necessary

steps in completing the activity.

To make the drumstick

1. Begin by using sandpaper to sand the bark on the stick down
   to the wood; sand two-thirds of the stick down, so that there
   is handle with bark for gripping during drumming.


2. Begin crafting the drumstick head by taking a piece of the
   pre-cut wool or fabric, wrapping it tightly around the top part
   of the stick, and tying it off with sinew. It may resemble a
   lollipop. The facilitator may need to help the children with
   this step.


3. Take a pre-cut leather circle, wrap it tightly around the wool/
   fabric drumstick head, and tie it off tightly at the bottom
   around the stick with sinew.


4. To decorate the drumstick, the facilitator begins by drilling a
   small hole in the bottom part of the stick handle. The children
   can then use the leather string and wooden beads, stringing
   them through the hole and tying them off in a loop.


5. Once all the sticks are made, the facilitator introduces the
   children to the drums. The facilitator explains how people and
   their emotions are similar to nature; each has a rhythm. The
   drumstick beat can then be used to connect people’s emotions
   to nature, using different beats depending on unique emotions.
   Parallels can be made to the varying expressions of nature—a
   gentle breeze or a violent storm, for instance.

Processing suggestions

This activity can be metaphorical in multiple ways; therefore,

although there are at least four components of processing, options

are left to the facilitator’s purpose and expertise.