Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a training programme provided by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (YMCA); it aims to serve the SEN students with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Specific Learning Disability (SLD), or Hearing Impairment (HI) by providing the Balloon Twisting Training and other trainings (provided by YMCA). After the completion of the trainings, including (a) the Concentration Training (provided by Occupational Therapist), (b) Balloon Twisting Training and (c) Balloon Exhibition, the participants’ fine motor ability, executive function, attention, emotional management, motivation of learning, self-confidence are expected to be enhanced.
Balloon twisting is the shaping of special modelling balloons into almost any given shape, often a balloon animal. People who create balloon animals and other twisted balloon sculptures are called Twisters, Balloon Benders or Balloon Artists. Twisters often perform in the restaurants, at birthday parties, the fairs and at public and private events or functions. By learning Balloon twisting, not only does it provide entertainment and happiness to people, but also trains up the children, especially those with SEN‘s motor skill and attention while motivating them to work, hence stimulating their processing unit/function and can gradually build up their self-confidence.
The training programme implemented by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong includes three training items: 1) the Concentration Training (provided by Occupational Therapist); 2) Balloon Twisting Training; and c) Balloon Exhibition, the participants are expected to enhance their attention, emotional management, motivation of learning, self-confidence.
| Training item and content | Outcome Target |
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1) Concentration Training (20 classes / 8 participants per class / 4 sessions per class / 2 hours per session) |
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2) Balloon Twisting Training (20 classes / 8 participants per class / 7 sessions per class / 1.5 hours per session) |
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3) Balloon Exhibition (20 classes / 8 participants per class / 1 session per class / 2 hours per session) |
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- To evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the Balloon Twisting Training Programme
- To provide recommendations for service improvement.
80 primary school students with specific Special Educational Needs (SEN) i.e. Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Specific Learning Disability (SLD), or Hearing Impairment (HI)
A series of cognitive and fine motor tests are administered to measure the participants’ executive function and fine motor proficiency.
- Cognitive task administered on tablets
- Fine motor proficiency test (precision and integration)
- Hand grip and finger grip strength tests using a hydraulic hand dynamometer
