Many of our kids are involved in Summer programs, but on the days we are home with them, there are many things we can do that will incorporate fun with an educational component. Many of these can be “played” with all of your kids, even without special needs. This list will offer fun, simple ways to add important info and routines for our children. I realize you know your child best, not all on this list may be a possibility for you but hopefully some will be and others can be a goal. There are things on this list that I am hopeful I can do with our son.
1. Teach your child what an emergency is and how to call 911
2. Go for a walk and teach your child their home address and something to identify about your home.
3. Practice crossing the street while you are walking.
4. Play hide and seek , this also will teach your child that you can not be seen and still be safe
5. Follow a recipe and cook together, use a recipe that your child will like so they enjoy the end product. Here are some ideas.
6.Plant a garden,, even a flower or just one herb. the watering and caring of it is such a great task.
7. Make a lemonade stand, have your child help with the making of sign and sit with you at the corner. Even if you are out there for only 3o minutes.
8. On a sunny day, wash your car in bathing suits.
9. Make a photo album with pictures of your family. Share stories while you put it together.
10. Play hopscotch in the driveway. Use chalk and when you are done, hose the board away.
11. Make Tye dye shorts together and when they are done, everyone wear them out to get ice cream or some other adventure.
12. On a rainy day, make an indoor fort
13. Go the library and take out a book. being in the library is a great way to practice being quiet too.
14. Do some simple Science experiments at home. Here are some ideas.
15. Teach your kids how to do a chore. Some ideas could be, sorting colors in laundry, sorting recycling or silverware .
16. Go to the supermarket and let your child pay for an item or count the change.
17. Go to a park and use the chance to take turns and see others play.
18. Share stories about your child from when they were younger.
19. Lay in the grass and look at the clouds, what do you and your child(ren) see?
20. Practice making different facial expressions with your child: happy, sad, afraid, angry, surprised. Take turns
21. Make a home video, simple and sweet is fine, no need for edits. Save it and send it to a relative.
22. Play follow the leader. Imitation is another great skill for our kids.
23. Make a picnic lunch or dinner. Your backyard is fine.