From the novel, we can sense that Jess was actually very sad and depressed over Leslie's death, so from here, we got inspired to do something to help Jess overcome his problem. So basically, we will use the five senses to help Jess.
Firstly, we would be using the psychology of colours. Colours are a powerful psychological tool- it could send a positive or negative message immediately to your mind. We would be using colours like blue and orange: Blue- calms the mind down; Orange- often associated with a new dawn in attitude. The playground will not have colours like yellow and gray: Yellow-some shades of yellow associates with cowardice; Gray- some shades of gray associates with death, depression, or a lost sense of direction.
Secondly, a radio or an MP3 player will be put in the playground. Calming music, using the tactic of "White Noise Music" which includes peaceful sounds, will be played. Also, together with the sound of the nature, like the birds chirping, can help to rest their minds and a closer interaction with the nature. Last but not least, music therapy can also help the children to improve or maintain their health.
Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets—physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual—to help clients. In some examples, the client's needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist. Music therapy is used with individuals of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including: psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. It is also used to: improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other health-related activities.
Music has long been used to help people deal with their emotions. Research have shown that music and dance are critical in treating mental illness, especially melancholia and music therapy helped schizophrenic patients.
Thirdly, we are going to set up a stall near the playground, selling desserts like chocolates and ice-cream. As a common perception to many, chocolate is a mood elevator. Therefore, selling chocolates could actually help them overcome their emotions and feel better. In addition, young children love to eat desserts, so we feel that by setting up a stall selling desserts may help in cheering them up, although it may not necessarily work out well. However, we are aware that overeating unhealthy food can lead to diet-related diseases, so we will set a limit to the number of times a children can have his or her desserts per week so as to maintain a healthy weight.
Other than using our five senses, we have also included some details from the novel such as the tree house which Jess and Leslie built in Terabithia, the bridge and also hobby of Jess's (running/jogging). For the roof top of the playground, we will have it designed similar to a tree house and inside it, we will place some drawing papers and drawing materials because we believe most children love drawing, and that it can help them cope with their emotions. This will enhance their creativity and allow them to overcome their trauma gradually and eventually, build up their self-confidence.
Next, a small bridge will be built at the entrance of the playground. There must be handles and railings on both sides of the bridge to ensure the safety of the children when they cross the bridge. If there are no railings or handles, children may fall off the bridge and hurt themselves badly. Furthermore, underneath the bridge, there will be a mini pond with the calm sound of running water and fishes that can be fed by children. There is now a medically-approved class of "therapy animals."Having fishes in the pond can benefit the children. It gives the children companionship and enjoyment, as well as, build up a sense of responsibility to take care of the fishes. Thus, they can forget their troubles, have non-trivial health benefits, as research has shown, and relieve stress.
In addition, we know that Jess's hobby is running, so we will have a mini field for him to run, as well as for him to carry out some other sports. Hence, we will be placing some soccer balls for him to play with, if he gets bored with running.
Last but not least, some playgrounds have the sound transporting system(tubing-like thing), so in our playground we will also include this, but it is connected to a counselling room. The counsellors will be talking to the children, giving them advice to make them feel that there will always be someone there for them whenever they are feeling down and to improve the situation they are in. In the novel, Jess needs someone to talk to and express his thoughts. This system would benefit him greatly.
In general, we will be using the five senses and some other details from the novel like the tree house. Our playground will also cater to the needs of these emotionally traumatised children and most importantly, make them feel happy and also to give them our care and concern and allow them to return to their normal happy self. how to face reality, and be a brave boy or girl whenever they encounter problems.
Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Effects-Of-Chocolate-On-The-Emotions&id=235610
http://www.precisionintermedia.com/color.html
-Shermin Ang Jia Xi (24) 2E7
-Chin Yi Ling (3) 2e7 [:
-Cheng Ya Wen(2) 2E7((;