Unlock the Memories Activity and Resource Page

Below you will find activities that you can incorporate into your Unlock the Memories Interactive Trivia program session. You can choose activities that will focus on fine and gross motor coordination, strengthening, range of motion, cognition and perception.

1930's Path of Progress, 1940's and 1950's

Big Band & Jazz Era, Ireland

Did anyone play an instrument? Find some old instruments or provide kazoo's and hum to music of the past decades. (Big Bands-1940's) and visit: www.glennmillerorchestra.com/

Make a Shirley Temple--All you need is Ginger Ale or 7-Up, grenadine Syrup, Orange Juice and garnish with a maraschino cherry. (Actress, Shirley Temple-1930's)

Duke Ellington was pictured on a 22 cents stamp in 1986. Many people have hobbies like stamp collecting. Find out if any of your residents collected stamps or had any hobbies (Performer-Big Band & Jazz Era)

Make tea sandwiches with a "loaf of bread" (Cost of Living-1940's)

Word Game—Match Irish sayings with the meaning. Visit www.loc.gov./kidslc/cr-activities.html to download game (Ireland)

Sit or stand and toss a ball back and forth with your residents having them name popular movie stars, movies, musicals, etc. (improves coordination, strength and cognition)

Have fun with Yo-Yo's. (toy-1950's)

Use silly putty or play-dough to do some fine motor exercises (roll into a log, stretch, roll into a ball, flatten the putty onto the comics to see the imprint). (Toy-1940's)

Throw a New Years Eve Party. Include hats, noise makers, streamers, punch, games, food. Talk about past New Years Eve's and their favorite memories and traditions. (Big Band Leader-Guy Lombardo, Auld Lang Syne--1930's)

Print out Ireland's flag with answers and questions, visit:
www.enchantedlearning.com/europe/ireland/flagquizbw.shtml (Ireland)

Use shaving cream or whipped cream to write your name, make designs,etc. (burma shave-1950's)

Charlie Parkers nickname was "Bird". Learn more about your state bird. (Famous Musician-Big Band & Jazz Era)

Use a putter golf club and hit a golf ball into a cup lying on its side. (Sports-1950's)

Use hula hoops for different activities (place hula hoops on the floor and throw bean bags in the hoops, exercise with various size hoops and rotate arms in circles. (Toy-1950's)

How many women Jazz Singers can you name. Visit, www.waer.org/50women.html (Big Band & Jazz Era)

Sew a pillow using a kit that incorporates pre-punched holes and large needles. (Movie-1950's-Pillow Talk)

Discuss your residents favorite books. (Teen Book Series-1930's)

For an authentic Irish Potato Soup Recipe, visit:
www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/culture/recipes/cooking/tatosoup.shtm (Ireland)

Blow Bubbles (Lawrence Welk-1950's)

Design a bingo game that includes old radio shows while listening to the residents favorite radio classics. (Radio Show-1940's) Check out www.radioclassics.com

Barry Manilow made the song "Copacabana" famous. Does the song make you think of women wearing fruit hats? Cut up fruit and have your residents put them on skewers. A great fine motor activity. (Night Club-Big Band & Jazz Era)

Discuss Fashion Fads that your residents may have worn or remember. Get ideas from www.fashion-era.com

Discuss different cities that have great architecture. (Famous Architecture-1930's)

Decorate shamrock cookies with green/white frosting. Serve green milkshakes. (Ireland)

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