Shake Your Moneymakers
Music has an incredible nostalgic effect on people living with dementia.
This fun activity is designed to make music interactive using the power of shaky eggs! When people start shaking, it connects them to the music and gets their blood pumping. It gives people something to concentrate on, rather than social anxieties. These two things combined can lead to dancing and generally feeling great!
The exercise also puts members of the group in the spotlight using call and response and promotes concentrated listening from the group in order to copy the lead shaker. It exercises the muscle in the brain associated with short term memory and links it to a physical action. The lead shaker for a short moment gives a performance which can be quite thrilling and a confidence boost.
As is the nature of call and response, the exercise promotes communication between members of the group. Giving everyone a shaky egg as an instrument is a leveler too, so no matter your musical skill level, you’ll be able to join in. Family members will be able to join in too.
The activity is also brilliantly suited for SEND settings.
Participants: 8
There are 8 sections for participants to lead the shaking, so a group of 8 is perfect for this exercise plus the leader. It is fine to have less than 8 people. If you have more people, some will miss out on leading the shaking, why not alternate who leads each time you listen to the track – it’s great to give everyone a turn.
Thanks so much for trying this activity, we would love to have your feedback including any ideas you have to improve it or ideas you have for a similar activity? Contact kasia@suffolkartlink.org.uk
If you’ve enjoyed this DIY activity and would like to make a donation to Suffolk Artlink please visit our CAF Donate page here https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/9780#!/DonationDetails. Every penny will help.
Shake Your Moneymaker
Activity
The Leader’s Role
Your role as a leader is to give out the shaky eggs, play the track and then have fun following the instructions which are delivered by the leader singer. You will be asked to demonstrate the shaking, and then demonstrate leading the call and response. You will then need to point to a different member of the group each time who will lead the shaking. You will bring the vibe, so if you have some dance moves, this is for sure the time to show them off! You will need to encourage the group members as much as you can by pointing, shaking, clapping etc. Whatever feels good!
You will need
Shaky eggs or other instruments that can be shaken.
Equipment to play online video so it can be heard by the group and if applicable seen by the group.
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