Stay Busy with Summertime Life Skills Activities
Summer vacation can pose a challenge for parents of children with special needs. Without the security of daily routines and familiar faces, children with special needs can grow anxious leaving parents with the daunting task of planning meaningful activities. Whether you view summer vacation as a chance to enhance your child’s skills through academic activities or as a time for adventure and much-needed rest, these fun ideas are sure to keep your child active the whole summer long.
Smell the Roses
With parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, and appointments, parents rarely have time to stop and smell the roses with their children; yet, sensory exploration can be especially important for children with special needs. This summer, set aside some time to help your child explore their senses. One way to satisfy the senses is to plant something. Get a small pot, seeds, and soil, then have your child plant their favorite veggie, fruit, or flower. Not only is this a fun summer lesson, but having your little one touch, smell, see, and maybe even taste, their creation can be extremely fun and rewarding!
You could also try:
- Building a sand castle at the beach
- Taking a trip to the neighborhood flower garden or nursery
- Keeping a piggy bank. Help your child to earn, save, and count money with a household chore system.
- Teaching your child to cross the street safely. Walk throughout the neighborhood and practice looking both ways.
- Use flash card images to teach your child to identify dangerous household objects. Have them practice asking for help with these things.
- Take a tour of your local police station and fire department for a fun safety lesson. This is a great way to teach your child how to spot community helpers!