Conversation Cards – resource for engagement
Shadowbox Press does it again. First their picture books that engage and comfort and now their oversized deck of 52 Conversation Cards.
As soon as the box arrived, I opened the Conversation Cards for Adults and began asking my husband questions.
After couples have been together for (many) years, we stop listening. Did I just admit this? These cards add a fresh dimension to our conversation–a refreshing way to listen closely. Imagine, even after 34 years! I felt like we were on a date, again; exploring and learning fresh details about one another.
Shadowbox Press created these with the idea of encouraging reminiscing and storytelling.
If you’ve ever experienced those uncomfortably long quiet times
when you feel like conversing, instead of sitting together, in silence;
these Conversation Cards are the answer.
There are nine questions in the back of each card—some closed-ended and others open-ended, facilitating discussion.
As a long-time member of High Desert Toastmasters club, I brought these cards along for our holiday party. We have a one- to two-minute exercise called Table Topics and these Conversation Cards worked nicely as we learned more about one another and our members’ family and friends.
Truly FUN!
Children can use the questions on the backside of these cards to learn more about Grandma and Grandpa. Adults can take time to learn more about their parents.
Most importantly, anyone who can converse will benefit from these cards.
I referred to these cards while visiting a residential care home, where two new ladies were residing. I neglected to bring the cards but remembered some of the questions. As we hit that quiet moment, I talked about the cards, and began asking some questions. We learned a bit about one another among smiles and laughter. I promised to bring them next time… but my Toastmasters Club wants them, too!
Whether you’re an Activity Director or Social Worker in an adult day care center, assisted living community, or even in a nursing home, I recommend having a set of these Conversation Cards on hand for simple ways to engage those who live with dementia such as Alzheimer’s.
Also, if you are the VP of Education of one of the 16,600 14,650 Toastmaster’s Clubs worldwide [TCV Update 5/24/2022: Number of members and URL updated] needing to freshen your Table Topics session, invest in a set of these for about $30.
Shadowbox Press’s set of Conversation Cards is a simple yet slightly structured way to engage the people in your life through reminiscing and storytelling without those uncomfortable silent moments.
Just found your group. I have a question. Although I was a Social Worker and my last paid enployment was for a County Atlzheimer Ass. Back in 2001,soI has just enough imfo to be dangerous I feel. Now as I find myself being a 24/7 caregiver for my husband who has cancer, heart disease and dementia, I want to know how anyone feels about telling the spouse/patient who has no clue anyyhing is the matter except with his cancer and heart that he has dementia? All the drs who treat him accept that he has dementia, but they think it is better for all if he isn’t told. Therefore he has no diagnosis officially In his records. Therefore I have not told his children or family who live thousands of miles away and only converse with him occasionally by phone and for short periods of time verbally he can be with it and do the say hi to grandpa thing. These are his children not mine. They live thousands of miles away. He hasn’tvseen them in years. They call occasionally and he can be with it and verbal so I am fairly sure they don’t know. If you were me would you tell them? Hecsays there is nothing wrong with his memory, refuses to see a neurologist, so I feel okay with not being guven any meds. If you were me how would you handle this?
Judith, thanks for writing. My initial reactions are–as a SW, you are in a better position to know, despite feeling you know enough to be dangerous.
Thank YOU for reaching out.
Not knowing your husband and his preferences for information, it’s hard to answer.
However, all of us have the right to know what’s happening in our lives re: our health.
When you ask, what I would do in your position… I can’t really answer that fairly. I’d have to know you and your family a while to even venture an opinion.
Each family’s dynamics are different.
I recommend that you click to read and then follow Caregiver TIP #2, this might be a great start to finding your answer based on how others are handling their own situations.
These cards were tons of fun at the High Desert Toastmasters Christmas party.
Thank you for sharing them Brenda!