Summer Vacation!

It's almost that time of the year!  The kids have been working hard all year and it's time to enjoy the weather :)  Some children have difficulty making this transition to more unscheduled activities and free time.  While there are some that come to school in the summer, these are still shorter, more laid-back days.

If your child is one that has difficulty, check out this site: Transitions from School to Home.  It gives some great ideas, especially for those with sensory processing challenges.

Summer is also a great time for play!  Here are some fun, outside ideas for the summer:

• Swim!
• Build sandcastles and dig in the sand
• Make a "sand angel" at the beach
• Draw with sidewalk chalk
• Use squirt bottles, water toys, even a turkey baster!
• Wash the car or toys with a sponge (be sure to wring it out first!)
• "Paint the house" with water and a paintbrush
• Play catch, throw a Frisbee, play freeze tag outside
• Play hopscotch and jump rope
• Blow bubbles and jump up to pop them
• Go to the playground for an hour
• Play balloon volleyball
• Obstacle courses
• Ride bikes
• Weed and help garden
• Go on a scavenger hunt 
• Go on a PHOTO scavenger hunt: older kids can take pictures of what they find rather than bring it inside (something smooth/rough/green/slimy, two rocks of different colors, a small animal, a bird, a flower, etc.)

Here are some ideas for a rainy day!

• Play dress-up
• Dance!
• Walk on pillows (it sounds funny, but it's fun, too!)
• Build a tower.  No blocks?  Stack coins, books, cups, ice cubes - anything age appropriate
• Use tweezers/tongs to pick things up
• Have a toy car wash
• Make origami animals - there are tons of instructional sites online!
• Check out this site for movement games: Indoor Gross Motor Games

Most importantly - have fun with your child!