The leap from summer break back into the school routine can be hard for us all. Making the most of the last days of summer as our routine gets back to school can still be filled with summer experiences and memories that don’t involve big trips or a lot of planning.
Take advantage of the weather
While it is still light outside for many hours, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. This could be different for each child. If your teen has been sleeping in a lot, try to set up a morning activity that motivates them to get their day started especially if you live in an area that gets really hot mid-day.
Forest Bathing for Children of All Ages with Visual Impairments
One of my favorite activities in the morning is taking a walk on a trail and then forest bathing. Forest bathing, the practice of immersing oneself in nature, can be a benefit for children with visual impairments. Here is a guide to exploring forest bathing.
Attend outdoor concerts
Local parks often host live music in the late summer; sitting close to the speakers or instruments lets the student feel the vibrations of the music.
Visit a farm or petting zoo
Many farms offer sensory-friendly tours where visitors can safely pet animals and learn about farm equipment.
ECC skills practice
Expanded core curriculum skills during the last of summer can involve going to the local farmers market and buying in season fruits and veggies to prepare for the family.
Summer Recipes to Create Teachable Moments for your Child with Visual Impairments
Create learning opportunities this summer with these yummy summer recipes that promote ECC for everyday cooking.
I often refer to The Blind Kitchen for inspiration. The Blind Kitchen is a resource where adaptive tools, helpful strategies, and specialized knowledge are provided to blind and visually impaired people who want to cook safely, confidently, and independently.
TVI, Liz Eagen shared some great ideas for cooking activities, Teaching Literacy and Math Skills Through Cooking.
Prepare for the new school year
If your child is attending a new school, plan a visit when it is not an open-house night. Plan a time when the school is quiet and ask your child’s orientation and mobility instructor to meet you at the school for practice travel. This may have been done at the end of the school year, but ask for a refresher, even if you and your child just walk in the building and say hello to the summer staff.
Help them get their supplies, school bag, and bedroom set up for success. Students of all ages should be a part of the process. Whether it means picking out that new school bag, making a morning schedule chart, or taking a look at what clothing they will wear to school and where it is in their bedroom closet or dresser.
Talk about what the morning routine will look like, especially if it is changing since last year. If they are able to make their own breakfast, have practice mornings before the first day and have the kitchen set up for success and as much independence as possible.
Make sure there is a school bag area in your home. Have the location ready to go and discuss the expectations of how the jackets, shoes, laptop charger location (if needed), and backpack should be stored. Some families like to have the folders and materials pulled out of the backpack and put in a bin for review before resetting the bag for the next day. Do they need to get the lunch box out and any dirty items removed? If they are able, they should be doing this independently. Taking the time before the rush of the first days will set everyone up for much smoother busy days ahead.
Still time for fun
Even as school starts, there is still time for fun! This can mean going swimming in the evening, packing dinner and eating in the park, reading in a pop-up tent on the deck, or even just relaxing outside and playing your favorite games. Know your child and let them lead as fatigue factors into all of these ideas.
Have a great end of summer!
