As we head into August, it’s not too late to squeeze in some more summer fun with your kids! These activities are appropriate for children in elementary school through high school.
1. Cook Together
Involve your child in meal planning and cooking! Have your child pick a recipe, make a list of ingredients, and follow the recipe to make the food. Before cooking, review the recipe together to work on identifying times when your child may need to ask you questions or ask for help while cooking. Talk through problems that occur and ways to solve the problem calmly.
2. Play a New Game
Have your child teach you or siblings how to play a new game! First find a game around the house, look up a new card game, or buy a new game. Then have your child read the instructions and then verbally explain how to play. Support your child with rephrasing any directions that appear confusing to the audience. Work on using strategies to explain, such as drawing pictures or writing the directions out.
3. Take a Field Trip
Have your child plan a “field trip!” Start by helping him/her research an idea, make a plan (including transportation and a timed schedule), and communicate it to your family. Next, help your child lead the field trip by referencing the schedule and communicating the next part of the plan as you go! The following ideas are field trip-ready: taking a walk in a specific area, having a picnic, going on a scavenger hunt, visiting the zoo, trying out a new ice cream shop, etc.
4. Make a Craft
Have your child plan a craft for the family to make! Help him/her research a craft idea, make a list of materials, read the directions, and verbally explain how to complete the craft. Throughout the activity, talk through any problems that occur and come up with ways together to solve the problem calmly.
5. Learn a New Skill
Help your child determine a skill he/she wants to learn! Assist your child (as needed) with researching the skill, deciding if any new materials or adult help are needed, thinking of a timeline for learning the skill, and learning it safely. New skills could include the following: washing a car, learning to sew or crochet, building a birdhouse, fixing a broken object, riding a bike, doing a cartwheel, running a mile, writing in cursive, making jewelry, planting a garden, learning origami, etc.
By Megan Daly, M.A., CCC-SLP