Fun on the Go

I found this idea (on Pinterest, of course) and put something similar together for miss Chloe. She LOVES playing with the magnet letters. It's great fine motor play, great special education, an easy way for other kids to want to come and play with Chloe (which she loves, of course), and I LOVE how easy and mobile it is! Sometimes simple ideas are the most genius. :)

 

It Snowed!

Here are a few ideas to do with your family when it snows, and a catchy song too!
(Images linked).



Indoor Ideas:

Outdoor Ideas:

Halloween Activities

Have a Halloween party coming up? We had one last night, but still have more to go, so I gathered a few activity ideas and thought I'd share them! (Images linked to sources)

diy Pinata

Witch Ring Toss

Witch Pitch

Halloween Twister

Pop! Goes the Pumpkin!

Pin the Bow on Mr. Skeleton

Boo Bowling =]

Pumpkin Felt Board

Thumbprint Craft Ideas

Scavenger Hunt

Bingo (free printables)

Hope you have fun, no matter what you do! Happy Halloween!!!

DIY Activities/Games

Finger Friends from Fave Crafts

Sponge Towers (like Jenga but cheaper and quieter) from Toddler Approved

Milk Jug Ball Catcher from Lakeshore Learning

Adapted Puzzles from Tots -N- Tech

Sensory matching game from Dandee

Indoor Scavenger Hunt printable cards from Kristine Mckay Designs

Emotional Animals charade game from Swetter than Sweets

Marshmallow Popper idea from Come Together Kids

Color Scavenger Hunt from Crafts ~N~ Things for Children

Another great card holder idea from Domestic, But Not Martha

I simply adore this adapted action figure idea from Tots -n- Tech

Try This Tuesday: Bowling!

Our local homeschooling group meets once a month for bowling. This activity has turned out to be perfect for Clayton! (We're kicking ourselves for not trying it before!) There's definitely no rule that says bowling is only for those who can stand up, and the little stand they use for smaller children is perfect for someone in a chair. So perfect, in fact, that Clayton won his last game against typically developing children!!

Try This Tuesday: Reading Aloud

You may have tangible wealth untold:

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be--

I had a mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillilan, "The Reading Mother"

The Read-Aloud Handbook

by Jim Trelease

Not long after I began homeschooling Clayton, I was directed to this book by some other homeschooling moms. I have always read to Clayton, and I've always known that this was an important part of any child's development. But after reading Mr. Trelease's book, I'm even more convinced. And while the book generally addresses the benefits of reading aloud to a typical developing child, I believe the special needs child could benefit even more from a strong diet of great books. Books have become especially important in our home since Clayton is often limited in certain play by his physical disabilities. There's no fine or gross motor skill needed to listen to Mom read a story!

In Gladys Hunt's book, Honey for a Child's Heart, the same idea is conveyed--reading to your child develops and improves their language skills and awakens their imaginations. "A good book is a gateway into a wider world of wonder, beauty, delight, and adventure."

I will admit that the idea of reading more than just a short story/picture book to Clayton seemed a little crazy to me at first. His attention span is that of a gnat, and that's being generous! But as Mr. Trelease reminds us, children have been listening since day one of their life. Their listening skills are their most developed language skill before they are actual readers. As parents, we can capitalize on this and develop this skill even more while broadening their horizons in many other ways as well!

And the results: Clayton loves it!!!! We read from short novels each night before bed, and it's quickly become an essential part of his bedtime routine. (Not to mention a special quiet time that's just between him and me). Now, the great thing about both Mr. Trelease's book and Ms. Hunt's book is the treasury of books they include in the back! They have both created a great resource for parents who are on the look out for read-alouds that fit their child's age and listening level. I started with the most basic short novels and these were some of Clayton's favorites: any of the Flat Stanley books, Chocolate Fever, and his favorites among favorites, the Magic Treehouse Books. He loves to hear about Jack and Annie! And thank goodness there seems to be a never ending supply of Jack and Annie books!

I encourage you to head to your local library or bookstore to pick up a copy of Mr. Trelease's and/or Ms. Hunt's book. Both are great guides for parents who are just beginning or continuing a reading aloud tradition with their children.

Beat Boredom By Bringing the Beach to You!

Today's post is brought to you by our latest member of the kidz krew, so first up let me introduce you to Heidi, Junior's mom!....


I am a single parent to Junior who is eleven and has been part of my little family since he was two. He had Meningitis as an infant which caused bleeding on his brain and left him with various disabilities and health issues. Chronic lung disease, severe asthma, seizures and kyphosis are a few of the things he deals with. Junior faces many challenges but is determined to make the most of each day, he loves life and always finds a reason to smile. He brings so much joy to my life and has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Life is very busy but during those rare moments of down time I enjoy reading, sewing, scrap-booking, any sports, and of course hanging out with my little guy. (You can read more about Heidi and Junior at their blog: Junior's Amazing Journey).


As you can see, Heidi is awesome, and we are so happy to have her! Now, onto her fun activity idea!....


Since Junior can't visit the beach, the beach came to visit him! The day was made complete with a lawn chair, umbrella, and salt water for his feet....

We did beach artwork, and Junior thought it was cool to put real sand on his picture!....


No trip to the beach would be complete without playing in the sand, and of course building a sand castle, in this case it looked more like a sand cottage. (we used moon sand)....



A tie-dye fish mobile (find out how to do this here)....


Junior loved having his feet in sand....


And making footprints too!....


Junior also made a paper bag whale. Junior thought his whale needed to smile....



Here are a couple other beach ideas that would be perfect for an indoor beach part!....


Beachball treats by Not Just a Mommy!....


Sharks on the Beach Treat by Her Cup Overfloweth....