7 Tips For A Super Summer
1. Identify possible challenges for your child - sensory aversions (sand, lights, loud noises, or sounds) - and plan ahead for them. Teach alternative behaviors/plan for alternative activities, Shape tolerance, Make visuals, Bring reinforcers, Maintain a routine.
2. Continue their education. Look at school books and the topics they have learned this year and incorporate that into events/activities.
3. Set realistic goals and be specific. Set guidelines for the goals and plan out actions to achieve them.
4. Determine a schedule, and stick to it. A visual schedule can help your child know what is coming next and provide predictability for them.
5. Be sure to track progress. Keeping a record of activities throughout the summer will allow you to view the progress your child has made, and see the areas that may need more focus. Share these with your child's teacher at the beginning of the next school year.
6. Teaching tips. Give instructions that you can follow through on. Maintain behavioral expectations that have been in place all year. Any instructional time that helps maintain your child's ability to follow directions and continue the routine will help.
7. Prepare your child for outings. Practice activities at home, Create visuals and prepare your child for changes, Use reinforcers, Use first/then language (First walk in, then sit), Praise accomplishments, Take small steps.
Ideas for activities to try: movies (some theaters offer sensory friends showtimes), bowling, children's museum, YMCA camps.
Remember: have fun, be patient, and perfection isn't necessary!
1. Identify possible challenges for your child - sensory aversions (sand, lights, loud noises, or sounds) - and plan ahead for them. Teach alternative behaviors/plan for alternative activities, Shape tolerance, Make visuals, Bring reinforcers, Maintain a routine.
2. Continue their education. Look at school books and the topics they have learned this year and incorporate that into events/activities.
3. Set realistic goals and be specific. Set guidelines for the goals and plan out actions to achieve them.
4. Determine a schedule, and stick to it. A visual schedule can help your child know what is coming next and provide predictability for them.
5. Be sure to track progress. Keeping a record of activities throughout the summer will allow you to view the progress your child has made, and see the areas that may need more focus. Share these with your child's teacher at the beginning of the next school year.
6. Teaching tips. Give instructions that you can follow through on. Maintain behavioral expectations that have been in place all year. Any instructional time that helps maintain your child's ability to follow directions and continue the routine will help.
7. Prepare your child for outings. Practice activities at home, Create visuals and prepare your child for changes, Use reinforcers, Use first/then language (First walk in, then sit), Praise accomplishments, Take small steps.
Ideas for activities to try: movies (some theaters offer sensory friends showtimes), bowling, children's museum, YMCA camps.
Remember: have fun, be patient, and perfection isn't necessary!