TRACING THE PATH AUDIO HOUR
Turn our 20th-century stories into engaging [Reminiscence sessions]
hOW TO HOST AN AUDIO HOUR W/
Tracing The Path
Listening together taps long-term memories, sparks conversation, and includes residents who may have vision or mobility limits. Tracing The Path tells true, upbeat stories from the 20th century—the decades when today’s seniors came of age—so nearly every episode becomes a built-in reminiscence prompt.
New Episodes ON THE
25th of each Month
Host:
[Dan R Morris]
RUNNING THE AUDIO HOUR
- Welcome & Orient (5 min)
“Today we’re listening to a story about Paul Harvey… Does anyone remember him from the radio?” - Play Segment 1 (feel free to break them into sections at the music interludes)
– Keep volume one notch louder than normal speech.
– Watch for wandering attention; pause if needed. - Mini-Discussion (3 min)
Ask one open question from the sheet. Encourage peer-to-peer replies; repeat answers loudly for hard-of-hearing friends. - Play Segment 2
- Memory Prompt or Prop Pass (3 min)
Hand around the object; invite sensory comments (“Feel the weight of this dime…”). - Finish Episode
- Quiz Time (5 min)
Read each multiple-choice aloud; residents raise colored cards or thumbs for A/B/C. Celebrate right answers with a fun fact. - Open Share (5 min)
“What part of the story surprised you most?”
Jot quotes to post on the bulletin board later. - Thank & Close (1 min)
Mention next week’s topic; collect handouts for recycling or personal keeping.
Audio Hour Basics
What You'll Need
Playback device – a Bluetooth speaker, TV soundbar, or even a boombox with an aux cable.
Internet or downloaded MP3 of the chosen episode.
Printed handouts (optional) – discussion questions, large-print glossary, 5-question quiz.
Comfortable seating arranged in a semi-circle so residents see one another.
Before the Session:
- Episode – First Time! Choose a topic that matches your groups' interests.
- Engagement - Jot two or three natural pause points (e.g., 8:15, 15:40) where a question or memory check-in fits.
- Props? – Small era items—newspaper clipping, record sleeve, ration book—help non-verbal residents engage.
- Handouts 18-pt font, high contrast. Staple quiz & glossary together; clip to a hard-back folder.
Adaption Tips:
Short attention spans? Play half the episode, finish next session.
Low-vision residents? E-mail the transcript to family to read aloud in visits.
Bed-bound listeners? Stream on a tablet with pillow speaker, then bring a staff member to discuss one-on-one.
Cognitive impairment? Focus on music cues, props, and yes/no memories (“Did you have a radio like this?”).
After the Hour:
Tape a few photos or quotes on the activity board, post them in your social media groups.
Log the session for reminiscence or cognitive-stimulation credit.
Email feedback, ideas and suggestions to danandrachel@audienceindustries.com