Paper Quilt of Practice" – Reflective Ending Activity

Story Making using images

 Enhancing Observation and Narrative Skills: Creative Activities for Social Care Students

Developing the ability to observe, interpret, and construct narratives is a crucial skill in social care. These skills are essential for recognising signs of distress, understanding different perspectives, and fostering empathy in practice. The following activities aim to build observation skills, teamwork, critical thinking, and imaginative storytelling, all vital in professional social care settings.

Activity 1: Story Making Using Images

Image pack: Laminated images from a wide variety of sources. Add images that may be of interest to the group you are working with.

Objectives:

  • Develop keen observational skills.

  • Strengthen creative and critical thinking.

  • Enhance storytelling and narrative construction.

  • Foster teamwork and collaboration.

  • Improve ability to notice subtle details relevant to child protection and well-being.

  • Encourage empathy and perspective-taking.

Instructions:

  1. Group Formation: Divide students into small groups, ensuring each group receives one photo.

  2. Observation Phase:

    • Without interpreting or assigning meaning, list every visible element in the image (e.g., objects, people, colours, setting).

  3. Imaginative Exploration:

    • Identify and name the characters.

    • Consider their thoughts and emotions.

    • Discuss their relationships and personalities.

    • Define the central ‘issue’ or challenge in the image.

    • Develop a resolution to the issue through storytelling.

  4. Story Creation:

    • As a group, construct a narrative using the observations and character development.

    • Ensure the story includes a beginning, middle, and resolution.

  5. Presentation & Reflection:

    • Each group presents their story.

    • Discuss how different interpretations emerged from the same image.

    • Reflect on how similar observational skills apply in social care settings, particularly in recognizing signs of concern in real-life scenarios.

Adaptation for Social Care Context

This activity mirrors the real-world practice of assessing situations and interpreting behaviours in social care. 

For inspiration, explore the New York Times column: What’s Going On in This Picture?  

Activity 2: Shadows and Deeper Shadows Card Deck

See link here



Objectives:

  • Improve observational and analytical skills.

  • Develop the ability to interpret social cues and underlying issues.

  • Strengthen skills in identifying safeguarding concerns.

  • Enhance critical thinking and decision-making.

  • Encourage speculation and hypothesis-building in professional practice.

Suitable for:
  • Counsellors
  • Therapeutic settings
  • Social workers
  • Health services
  • Child and Family services
  • Schools

Instructions:

  1. Preparation:

    • Provide students with a deck of ‘Shadows and Deeper Shadows’ cards, each featuring an image with ambiguous or layered meaning.

  2. Observation & Listing:

    • Students individually list everything they can see in the image.

    • No assumptions or interpretations at this stage—only observable details.

  3. Speculative Analysis:

    • What might be happening beyond the visible scene?

    • What could the characters be feeling or experiencing?

    • Are there any underlying issues or concerns?

    • What social care considerations might arise from this situation?

  4. Discussion & Reflection:

    • In small groups, students share their insights and compare interpretations.

    • Discuss how assumptions may influence perception.

    • Relate the exercise to real-life social care scenarios, such as recognizing non-verbal cues in child protection or mental health assessment.

Real-World Application

This activity enhances students' ability to observe and analyze situations with depth, a skill critical in social care. By engaging in speculative analysis, students refine their ability to read between the lines and recognize hidden concerns, a crucial competency in safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals.

Conclusion

Both activities encourage social care students to sharpen their observational and interpretative skills, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. By practicing creative storytelling and critical analysis, students gain the tools needed to assess and address real-world situations in professional practice. These exercises not only cultivate creativity but also reinforce the essential skills required to support and safeguard individuals effectively.