• Tables (see Preparation)
• Newspaper, plastic tablecloths, or other means of covering the tables
• Writing paper (at least two sheets per couple)
• Pens or pencils
• A variety of simple art supplies (such as polymer clay, crayons, construction paper, markers, scissors, die-cut symbols, and pipe cleaners)
• Newsprint sheet with prepared questions (see Preparation)
• Easel
• Clock, watch, or timer

• Arrange the room - or arrange for a room - so that participants can work on their art projects at tables. Cover the tables with newspapers or plastic tablecloths.
• Place writing paper, pens or pencils, and an assortment of art supplies on each table.
• Write the following questions on a sheet of newsprint:
• How have changes in the family or changes in technology affected your play?
• Are you more or less playful now than you were in the beginning stages of your relationship?
• What is the most playful thing you have done together in the past month?
• What playful things would you like to do together in the next month?
• What playful things would you like to do together in the next year?

Share these or similar words to focus the activity:

Sometimes finding time for play is key - time to get away from the routine, relax, laugh, and be playful. Sometimes play is not something that needs time set aside - it can be a spirit we bring to our everyday activities. Sometimes it's not a matter of time at all, and finding the energy to play is a more crucial issue.

How do you play in your relationship? How would you like to increase or maintain your playfulness? We'll start by considering the role of play at the beginning of our relationships.

Invite partners to work together to write a list of the playful activities or patterns they pursued in courtship and in the beginning phases of their committed partnership.

After five minutes, suggest that they spend a few more minutes creating a list of the playful activities they enjoy together now.

After another five minutes, invite the partners to spend an additional fifteen minutes reviewing and discussing their two lists. Display the newsprint sheet you prepared in advance, and suggest that couples use these questions as the focus of their discussion:

• How have changes in the family or changes in technology affected your play?
• Are you more or less playful now than you were in the beginning stages of your relationship?
• What is the most playful thing you have done together in the past month?
• What playful things would you like to do together in the next month?
• What playful things would you like to do together in the next year?

After fifteen minutes have passed, invite couples to spend five minutes using the art materials to create a representation of a playful activity they've discussed.

After five minutes, bring the whole group back together. Encourage couples to playfully share their creations with the group.