The summer is great for relaxing and enjoying time with loved ones and friends. Summer may be difficult for parents of kids with special needs, even when the weather is on their side. Parents have a lot of free time to fill when school is out, hopefully with some enjoyable activities.
Fortunately, there are several summertime things you can do with your kids that will undoubtedly go down in history. The best part? You can do most of these activities in your home for free.
Here are a few entertaining things to do with a special needs child this summer.
If your youngster loves the outdoors and camping, but the weather prevents you from going outside, think about camping indoors instead!
This can be as simple or as complex as you wish; for example, you might set up an outside tent in your basement or roast marshmallows over an inside fireplace. Other simple strategies to make this as enjoyable as possible include:
There can be some activities your child prefers above others based on their special needs. Younger children may enjoy games that include fishing or gathering bugs, but older children may not.
An excellent method to pass the time is to keep your child’s hands and mind occupied while allowing them to express their creativity via art. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
When your kids have finished creating their masterpieces, think about holding an art exhibit including what they have made. The kids can give them names, light them up, and display them to the rest of the family by hanging them up down a hall or all over the walls. It gives kids a chance to showcase their talent.
An outside garden is a great summertime activity if you have the space. Choose regional foods, herbs, and flowers that are in bloom in your area at this time of year, then work with your child to plant a tiny garden.
This is a great way to include your child and introduce them to the marvels of new life. It can be exciting to start a garden and watch the seeds grow and develop over time. Plus, your young one will learn about the importance of patience, responsibility, and gentleness. All in all, gardening is a great way to spend time outdoors and encourage your child to learn new skills.
Look for nearby outdoor petting zoos or a nearby farm to visit if your special needs youngster is interested in animals. Another excellent technique to reduce stress and anxiety is petting, feeding, conversing with, and caring for animals.
If your youngster appreciates your pets, think about doing something fun with them. There are many possibilities for your special needs child to become more connected with the animals in their life, such as taking a dog for a walk or cleaning out a fish tank. Encourage your child to play with their pet, and teach them the importance of taking care of them. This will be a great opportunity for your child to bond with their pet while also learning some important life skills.
What is a sensory bin? Typically, it is a plastic tub, box, or other container packed with various chosen items and materials.
You will only need a few boxes for each, and you can give them a distinctive theme. Sand, shells, sand molds, and other materials can be used to create a beach theme, or you can create an underwater theme with fish and crab toys, blue beads (or other texturally appealing materials) for the ocean, and sand.
Nothing is off-limits. When making sensory bins for your child, take into account their specific hobbies and use those to your advantage. This is your chance to get creative!
If your youngster thrives on routine, consider incorporating daily walks into your schedule. This will help to keep the days structured and ordered, which may be crucial given that kids may tend to lose their regular habits throughout the summer. Additionally, it encourages your child and you to get some exercise by going on a walk in the neighborhood or to a local park. Create outdoor games, play at the playground, or set up a playdate with some of your child’s friends. There are many great ways to incorporate exercise into your child’s daily routine.
A 2013 study published by the National Institutes of Health discovered that “social behaviors increase in children with autism in the company of animals compared to toys.” Since live things like animals can promote good social contact, the summer may be the ideal time to purchase a season pass to your neighborhood zoo. Plus, going to the zoo can be a fun experience for those who have never gone before. Just be aware of any sensory sensitivities your child has if you are considering going out into a crowded public space. Certain zoos allow members to enter before normal public hours, so this might be a good opportunity to introduce your child to the location without large crowds.
Broadway musicals are becoming available to audiences with special needs, and this includes sensory-friendly performances. TDF is a terrific resource for these production calendars. Many of today’s best productions, like Wicked, Aladdin, Frozen, and My Fair Lady, provide autism-friendly performances by making minor tweaks to mute startling lights and sounds.
Get a book you know your kid would like, some coloring supplies, and let them paint outside in the sunshine. Find something enjoyable for them to do to pass the time, and as always, trust your gut and give the games and activities your child enjoys the most. They will love it even more if you spend the time with them.
Identifying stars and constellations in the night sky away from harsh city lights is one of the best ways to lessen sensory overload while enhancing your space studies when homeschooling a child with special needs. Look for constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and Venus. This is an especially great activity if your child is interested in astronomy!
Read a novel to your children, leaving out the last page, and ask them to create a resolution. Another choice is to have them illustrate the conclusion. They will have the chance to exercise their creativity and imagination, two traits that many dyslexic children are known to possess.
On the ground, draw a target and assign a point value to each circle. Next, stow some full water balloons, and aim towards the circle with the most points. By adding up scores, this entertaining game will assist your youngster in strengthening their fine motor abilities while also helping them with math.
We hope this short guide has given you some ideas for fun summertime activities for special needs individuals. If you have questions or want to learn more about On Angel’s Wings, feel free to contact us and let’s start this journey together!