summer activities for special education students

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Resources for Children With Special Needs
Summer Activity Ideas for Children with...

Summer Activity Ideas for Children with Special Needs

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

When you have children, summer is usually a time dedicated to relaxing, perhaps family vacation, and a more laid back schedule overall. Even before summer rolls around, many parents are on the hunt for activity ideas such as summer camp to keep their children active both physically and mentally.

If you have a child with special needs, keeping their unique challenges in mind helps you sort through the seemingly endless list of fun, summer opportunities. Games for special needs children that include tactile and sensory activities can be not only calming and soothing, but also help with fine motor skills.

Below are few summer activities for special needs students that will keep them active, engaged and happy these next few months.

Let the Summer Fun Begin!

Finger-painting – Put on a few old shirts and don’t be afraid to get messy. Finger-painting is a fun way to keep children engaged and is great for strengthening the muscles in their hands and arms as well as improving fine motor skills.

Chalk art – Whether it’s on a blackboard or on a cool sidewalk, have your child scribble and scrabble to their heart’s content. You can also draw pictures, practice spelling words, or learn new shapes. Sidewalk chalk is usually large and chunky, making it the perfect compliment to your writing program for dyslexic students and other special needs.

Sensory bins – Grab a few small boxes and create a summer sensory station with different themes. Create an underwater setting with smooth, blue beads for the ocean, green felt for sea kelp, and small, marine animal toys. You can also ‘take’ a trip to the beach and use sand, small shovels and a variety of sand molds. This activity is ideal not only for children with special needs, but also toddlers and preschoolers.

Indoor camping – If summers are rainy in your neck of the woods, your child need not miss out on the fun of camping. Whether you use an actual tent or throw a big blanket over some chairs, creating a fun and cozy indoor camp will be an enjoyable experience for any child – with or without special needs. Be sure to bring in some favorite toys and snacks. S’mores anyone?

6-Week Summer Learning Guides

Don’t miss out on the 6-week summer learning guides for K-8 when you become a member! Each guide includes a weekly list of all the lessons your child needs to complete to keep their skills sharp this summer.

Water play – Most children love just about any activity that entails getting wet. Whether you head to a nearby water park, turn on the sprinklers in your yard, or blow up a small inflatable pool, your child will have a blast keeping cool when the temperature spikes. Your child will develop their gross motor skills thanks to all the physical activity.

Summer camp – Perhaps your child will benefit from attending a camp devoted to students with special needs. This can benefit your child in a number of ways by maintaining a daily routine, expanding their social skills, keeping them physically active, and more . Unlike traditional summer camps, these usually enlist specially trained staff to help students feel more at ease.

Arts and crafts – Use household items to create works of art. Pasta in different shapes like bow-tie and macaroni are great for gluing onto construction paper. Use safety scissors to cut from magazines and create a summer collage.

Hide and go seek – In addition to being tons of fun, playing hide and seek with your child will teach them how to remain calm when looking for you. The game is also great for your child’s physical development and for learning how to count.

Shapes in the clouds – Grab a blanket and a grassy area to lay down in and look for shapes in the clouds. Ask your child to use their imagination and creativity when searching, and then describe what they are seeing.

Stars and constellations in the sky – When you homeschool a child on the spectrum , one of the best ways to reduce sensory overload while reinforcing your space studies is identifying celestial objects in the night sky away from bright city lights. Look for the moon and Venus, as well as constellations such as Orion and the Big Dipper.

Make up the story ending – Read all but the last page of a storybook and ask your children to suggest an ending. Another option is to have them draw the ending. This will give them an opportunity to use their imagination and creativity, known strengths for many students with dyslexia .

Water balloon target – Draw a target on the ground and mark each circle with a point value. Then fill up some water balloons and try to aim for the circle with the most points. This fun game will help your child with improve their math skills by adding up scores, and help develop their fine motor skills.

Color match buckets – Grab a few buckets and balls of varying colors, and have your child pick a ball to throw into the corresponding bucket. Invite siblings and friends to play for added fun and assign a particular color to each child. Whoever fills their bucket first wins the game. This can be a great opportunity to teach your child about the importance of good sportsmanship and build social skills.

Petting zoo – Many animals can have a therapeutic effect on both children and adults. Find a local farm or petting zoo and enjoy a few hours of cuddle time with all sorts of cute critters.

Plant a seed or tree – For another fun and educational activity that will make the most of the summer sunshine, plant a seed or tree in your backyard. Students can use a ruler to monitor how much it grows every week, and in the process also learn about math and science.

Every child with special needs has their unique likes, dislikes, and fears. Making any necessary accommodations to any of these activities can help ensure a fun, stress-free time for everyone involved.

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Summer Activity Ideas for Children with Special Needs

Janelle thomas msn, rn.

Summer means it’s time to play and explore. Every child deserves to experience the excitement this season brings. As nurses, we have the privilege and responsibility to ensure that children with special needs have every opportunity to enjoy summer to its fullest. This blog post will share ten creative and accessible summer activities for children with disabilities. These activities promote fun and engagement and cater to various needs, ensuring safety and inclusivity. Let’s make this summer unforgettable for every child in our care!

1. Accessible Beach Days

All can enjoy sun, sand, and surf with the proper preparations.

Use beach wheelchairs: Many beachfronts offer specially designed wheelchairs that can navigate sand.
Create shaded areas: Ensure shaded spots are available to protect sensitive skin and provide a cool resting place.

2. Sensory Garden Exploration

Gardens offer a feast for the senses and a great learning environment.

Touch-friendly plants: Include plants with different textures, such as lamb’s ears, which are safe and pleasant to touch.
Soundscapes: Incorporate gentle sound elements, like wind chimes or a minor water feature.

3. Adaptive Sports

Engage in sports modified to meet various abilities and needs.

Wheelchair basketball: A fun and active way for children in wheelchairs to participate in team sports.
Boccia: A paralympic sport similar to bowling that can be played seated and is great for children with limited mobility.

4. Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can provide physical and emotional benefits.

Builds core strength: Riding can help improve balance and core strength in a fun setting.
Enhances emotional connection: The bond with the horse can be therapeutic for many children.

5. Crafting Days

Create a day with arts and crafts activities that stimulate creativity and motor skills.

Accessible art supplies: Use adaptive tools like easy-grip brushes and large paper for painting.
Variety of materials: Provide materials with different textures and colors to help stimulate sensory skills.

6. Interactive Storytelling Sessions

Stories can transport children to another world while enhancing their listening and cognitive skills.

Use picture books: Colorful pictures help hold attention and stimulate visual perception.
Incorporate sign language: For children with hearing impairments, include sign language in your storytelling.

7. Water Play

Safe, supervised water play can be refreshing and exciting.

Splash pads: Many communities have accessible splash pads that are safe and fun for children with various mobility levels.
Controlled environments: Ensure all water play is in shallow, controlled environments with constant supervision.

8. Music and Movement Classes

Music stimulates the brain, and movement helps with physical coordination.

Inclusive sessions: Ensure music classes cater to all children, including those with auditory sensitivities.
Use of instruments: Provide instruments that are easy to hold and play, allowing each child to participate actively.

9. Nature Walks on Accessible Trails

Explore nature on paths that are wheelchair-friendly and safe for all.

Guided tours: Offer guided nature tours that focus on sensory experiences, such as smelling flowers or feeling tree bark.
Educational aspect: Incorporate educational components about wildlife and plants along the trail.

10. Picnics with Purpose

Organize picnics that cater to dietary needs and provide social interaction.

Special diets: Provide options that consider allergies and specific dietary requirements.
Games and activities: Include games that enhance cognitive and physical skills, such as puzzles and gentle toss games.

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Summer Activity Ideas for Children with Special Needs

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Planning Summer Learning Activities for Special Needs Students

As the school year comes to a close, it’s essential to continue providing opportunities for learning and growth during the summer months, especially for special needs students. Planning summer learning activities tailored to their unique needs can help prevent learning loss, foster skill development, and keep them engaged and motivated. Here are some effective strategies for planning summer learning activities for special needs students:

Set Clear Goals: Begin by identifying the specific learning goals and objectives for each student. Consider their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to guide your planning process. Focus on areas of academic, social, emotional, and functional skill development that are important for each student’s overall growth and success.
Incorporate Multi-Sensory Learning: Special needs students often benefit from multi-sensory learning experiences that engage different senses simultaneously. Incorporate hands-on activities, visual aids, auditory cues, and movement-based tasks to make learning more accessible and meaningful for students with diverse learning styles and abilities.
Provide Individualized Support: Recognize that each student has unique strengths, challenges, and learning preferences. Tailor your teaching strategies, materials, and support systems to meet the individual needs of each student. Offer personalized instruction, small group activities, and one-on-one support as needed to ensure that all students can actively participate and succeed.
Utilize Technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for supporting learning and skill development for special needs students. Explore educational apps, interactive websites, assistive technology devices, and communication tools that are accessible and engaging for students with diverse needs. Incorporate technology into your summer learning activities to enhance learning outcomes and promote independence.
Promote Functional Skills: Summer is an excellent time to focus on building practical, real-world skills that are essential for daily living and independence. Plan activities that target skills such as self-care, communication, socialization, time management, and problem-solving. Create opportunities for students to practice these skills in meaningful contexts, such as cooking, shopping, gardening, or community outings.
Offer Choice and Variety: Keep students motivated and engaged by offering a variety of learning activities and opportunities for choice and autonomy. Allow students to select topics of interest, choose preferred activities, and participate in decision-making processes whenever possible. Incorporate games, art projects, outdoor exploration, and experiential learning activities to make summer learning enjoyable and exciting.
Foster Collaboration and Peer Interaction: Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and peer interaction among special needs students. Plan group activities, cooperative projects, and social opportunities that promote communication, cooperation, and positive relationships with peers. Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued, accepted, and empowered to learn from and with each other.

By implementing these strategies, educators, parents, and caregivers can create a summer learning program that meets the unique needs of special needs students and promotes continued growth, development, and success. With careful planning, creativity, and dedication, summer can be a time of meaningful learning, exploration, and achievement for all students, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

Author: megan

Special Needs for SPECIAL KIDS

Low prep summer activities for special education.

May 13, 2019
For parents

Summer break is almost here for many teachers. It is a time to reflect on the past year. Celebrate what went well. Tweak what did not. Rest up and get ready to hit the ground running in August (or September.) But, before that can happen, we need to get through these last few weeks, which can seem like the longest of the entire school year .

In a special education setting, we often do not have the luxury of just kicking back and coasting those last few days or weeks. Our kiddos need that consistent routine they have come to depend on day in and day out. So, that means we need to keep teaching just like we have all year long. But, that does not mean we cannot focus on something fun!!

At the end of every year, I liked to spend the last 2 weeks or so focusing on the season of summer. We come at it from a science standpoint. What does summer feel like? What kinds of foods, plants, and things grow in the summertime? How does summer differ in different parts of the world? Lots of science-related topics we can cover with this season.

I also like to weave a summer theme into my math lessons. We can do patterns that involve summer things.

We can also practice a lot of counting and 1:1 correspondence with summer items.

We can weave summer into our literacy block. Writing prompts are the perfect adaptable activity to go with any subject, and summer is no exception.

Getting outside

Of course, you know I love scavenger hunts. (You can read all about 5 Different ways to Do a Scavenger Hunt by clicking HERE .) If I can’t get the kids out for some reason, then I can easily find a book or movie with a summer theme, and do the scavenger hunt right in the comfort of our classroom.

Social Story (download for FREE)

Finally, I always find ways to spend time on social skills and addressing any anxiety students may have with upcoming changes. Summer can actually be a pretty stressful time for kids. Their schedule is often very unpredictable day to day. In addition, the summer can mark the end of their time with a particular teacher, classroom, or even school. So, I have a social story I always use. (You can grab it for FREE below).

Complete Unit on Summer

If you are looking for some no-prep, print and go activities perfect for the end of the year, check out my unit on Summer. You can click HERE or watch the video below. Let me help you end the year with some activities that will keep your students engaged and help you keep your sanity during these last crazy days!!

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Free Worksheet Wednesday

5 Extended School Year (ESY) Special Ed Activities

fullspedahead
May 22, 2023
Curriculum , Functional Life Skills

As the school year comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about extended school year (ESY) activities for your special education students. ESY is a program designed to help students with disabilities maintain the skills they have learned during the school year and to prevent regression over the summer. ESY can be a fun and engaging way for students to continue learning while enjoying the summer months.

Here are some life skills resources available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store that can be used for ESY determination activities.

Independent Work Tasks Boxes

This resource includes 200+ tasks that cover various aspects of independent living such as cleaning, cooking, and personal hygiene. The tasks are designed to be completed independently by students and can be used as part of an ESY program to reinforce skills and promote independence.

The Independent Tasks for Vocational Skills bundle is a comprehensive set of resources designed to help special education teachers and paraprofessionals support students in developing the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. The bundle includes task cards, worksheets, and adapted books on a variety of vocational topics, including job skills, workplace safety, and career exploration.

Fine Motor Printable Bingo Marker Dauber Coloring Pages

These coloring pages are a fun way for students to work on their fine motor skills over the summer. They are also great for improving hand-eye coordination and can be used as a reward or break activity during Summer ESY sessions.

This Fine Motor Printable Bingo Marker, Dauber, and Coloring Pages Bundle is a great addition to any special education classroom or home setting. The bundle includes a variety of fun and engaging coloring pages and activities that target fine motor skills, such as using bingo markers and daubers to create colorful artwork.

These activities are perfect for students who may struggle with fine motor control or need additional practice with hand-eye coordination. They also provide a fun and relaxing way for students to work on their fine motor skills, which can be a key factor in improving their overall academic performance.

The bundle is available for purchase on Teachers Pay Teachers and can be easily downloaded and printed for immediate use.

Telling Time Unit Lessons on a Clock Task Cards for Special Education Bundle

This bundle includes 144 task cards and several worksheets to help students learn how to tell time. The cards can be used in a variety of ways, such as matching, sorting, or sequencing. They are perfect for ESY goals because they can be used to reinforce time-telling skills and prevent regression over the summer.

The Telling Time Unit: Lessons on a Clock + Task Cards for Special Education Bundle is an excellent resource for special education teachers who are looking to teach their students how to tell time. The bundle includes a variety of engaging activities, including lessons on how to read an analog clock, time matching activities, and task cards with real-life scenarios that require students to apply their time-telling skills.

This bundle is designed to help students with special needs develop their time-telling skills while also strengthening their ability to problem-solve and think critically. Teachers can use this bundle to create engaging lessons that are tailored to the individual needs of their students.

Ultimate Reading and Math Task Cards for Special Education Task Boxes Bundle

This bundle includes over 300 task cards covering reading and math skills such as addition, subtraction, telling time, and sight words. The task cards are perfect for ESY because they can be used in a variety of settings, such as one-on-one instruction, small group instruction, or independent work centers.

They can also be used for reinforcement or assessment of skills.The task cards are perfect for ESY Special Education because they can be used in a variety of ways, such as independent work stations or small group instruction, to reinforce skills and prevent regression over the summer.

The task cards are designed to be used in task boxes, making them ideal for independent work stations and promoting independence in students. Each task card includes clear, visual instructions and is accompanied by a response sheet for easy data collection.

Want to learn more about task cards? Click this link .

Morning Calendar Skills Unit Lessons Task Cards for Special Education Bundle

This bundle includes task cards and worksheets to help students develop calendar skills such as identifying days of the week and months of the year. The task cards are perfect for ESY because they can be used to reinforce skills and prevent regression over the summer.

Some examples of fun ESY activities include outdoor sports and games, field trips, art and music activities, and social events. By incorporating a variety of activities, you can help ensure that your students have a well-rounded and enjoyable ESY experience.

In conclusion, these life skills resources available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store are just a few examples of the many resources available to help make ESY a success. By using a variety of activities and resources, you can help ensure that your students have a fun and productive summer.

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Summer “Homework” Activities

Happy Friday! Today was my last day of year 6 and I am SO excited to start summer break! Hopefully you are finishing up your school year strong! 🙂

The Unique Learning FREE summer program! If you haven’t heard about this yet, it’s your lucky day! We use Unique all year long, so my students are familiar with it. If you want to check it out for next school year, head on over to their website and download the free summer curriculum. I sent home books with comprehension, math pages, and even a fun Olympic pretzel rings recipe for parents to cook with their kids!

I also sent home extra writing pages from Melissa from Autism Adventures TpT shop! Any pages we didn’t get to over the school year got sent home. My students always loved doing these in the morning, so I know they will love showing their parents what they can do this summer!!

I also sent home some of these themed worksheets from Superheroes in SPED ESY unit ! I know my kids will love doing firework and beach themed work over summer break!

In my TpT shop, I have some great ESY summer materials that can be used in an ESY program – or sent home for the summer! These include file folders , counting adapted books , math worksheets , and language arts worksheets !

I also included some fun Basic Skills Summer Activities from Teaching Special Thinkers and PCI Reading Level One flashcards for students that are working on PCI to learn how to read!

Do you send home summer work for your students? What kinds of work do you send?

Happy summer!!

Read more about: Classroom Ideas , Seasonal

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5 Quick & Easy Activities For ESY In Early Childhood Special Education

Are you trying to figure out what to use for ESY materials in your early childhood special education classroom this summer? Materials that don’t take a lot of prep time, and can be used with multiple students on your caseload? Well, I’ve got 5 quick and easy summer school special education activities for you! These can be used at the early childhood level or early elementary level, depending on your student’s needs. I will definitely be using all of these in my classroom for the summer session!

teacher and child sitting at a table together and working on simple activities for esy in special education

1. Simple Ring Cards For ESY In Special Education

Anytime you put a resource on a ring, it makes it easy to access. Rings also make it simple to store, and quick to flip through for a variety of skills. If you are like me, you love materials that make teaching easier! This preschool ESY ring card set is for speech therapy and special education. I know that many times, during the summer session, there are different support staff in the classroom. They aren’t always familiar with your students. This resource can help with that because each section has written instructions! There are a couple of options for summer school special education ring cards. One is the Summer Skills Ring Cards , and another is the Summer Themed Two Step Directions Ring Cards .

2. All In One Binder For ESY For Special Education

Another way to have everything at your fingertips to make your ESY session for your special education classroom easier is to make a comprehensive binder. This resource was originally created to print and send home to parents during distance learning last summer. If you are teaching in person this summer, it is the perfect all in one packet to print and place in a binder!

brightly colored worksheets showing examples of activities for ESY in special education

3. Activities With Communication Boards For Summer School Special Education

So many times, the materials that I purchase are at a level that is too high for my students. This is especially true for my non-speaking students. For me, it is important to give those students an opportunity to express themselves with pictures. It’s a bonus when I can find pictures and sentence strips that match the activity because it creates less work for me. Who doesn’t want less work?! The following summer school special education activities have visual communication boards included: Summer Verbs , Summer Emotions , Sandcastle Prepositions , and Summer Vocabulary .

Example of a communication board with a variety of small pictures of prepositions on it. Flashcards with a crab and a sandcastle show the crab in different positions.

4. Matching Activities For Summer School Special Education

I don’t know about you, but at the early childhood level, I can never get enough of simple matching activities. The ability to match is a building block for everything when it comes to language and cognitive development. It’s also really helpful when children learn to generalize the matching activities. This might be learning to match using file folder activities, as well as matching an object to a picture, and matching pictures to books. If you are looking for a variety of summer-themed ESY activities to use in your special education environment, check out this activity . It’s one of my favorites!

brightly colored matching activities including putting kids in a pool, matching colorful bees to the hive, and matching ice cream cones

5. Digital Options For ESY In Summer School

Over the past year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all become savvier with using digital options for teaching. For some of us, it was an easier transition than it was for others. Haha! Boom Cards™ is one digital option that will continue to be relevant during summer school in the area of special education. They provide a low prep, quick, and easy to use resource that is ready to go for teachers. Boom Cards™ are also perfect to send home to families in order to have that carryover of skills into the home setting. The following Boom Card™ decks are for the early childhood level for ESY in special education: Summer Verbs , Summer Errorless Drag & Drop Scenes , Summer Vocabulary , and Summer Colors .

two hands holding an electronic tablet with a boom card summer activity on it.

Breeze Into ESY In Your Special Education Classroom

These are just a few of the ways you can breeze into your ESY session in your special education classroom this summer. Summer school can be a little more relaxed, which is so nice! I hope I’ve provided you with a few ideas that can help you reduce prep this summer. I also want to increase the time you are able to relax each day after you are finished teaching. I’d love to see some of these resources in action in your classroom! Tag me on Instagram if you use any of these ESY activities in your therapy sessions or special education classroom!

Another fun activity that can be done anytime during the school year is the DIY prepositions box. Learn how to make yours by clicking here .

Don’t forget to grab this free language framework today ! If you download The Ultimate Guide For Targeting Language Skills In Young Children With Autism you will receive: a framework outlining typical developmental milestones in the area of language development. The framework focuses on the following skills: mean length of utterance (MLU), vocabulary, verbs, prepositions, following directions, pronouns, and WH questions. This framework will help you quickly identify the steps to take when making goals for speech therapy, and to know what to target next, and so much more! Click here for The Ultimate Guide For Targeting Language Skills In Young Children With Autism.

teacher and student looking toward each other and working on speech therapy

I’m excited to bring you more blog posts now that I’ve learned how to write them using my new WordPress site! If I can learn how to do this, you can too! Click here to see how .

Other Recommendations:

Also, check out these preschool standards used by Relate To Educate in order to guide her instruction. She also has a free resource library!

I really love these 6 tips to nurture the social-emotional development of preschoolers written by Preschool SOS. Be sure to check it out!

This blog post explains what purposeful play in preschool and kindergarten is . The Cream City Teacher gives an easy to understand explanation and some awesome ideas about purposeful play that you can implement!

How to Plan the Best Summer Schedule for Special Needs Kids

A girl sitting in bed doing school work on a laptop with headphones on which is part of her summer schedule.

As Summer is fast approaching, common questions educators receive from parents are:

What is the best Summer schedule for kids?
Should my child do school work over summer break?
Will my special needs child fall more behind if he takes a break for the Summer?

The school year is packed with activities and seems to fly by, but that “busyness” is also full of routines and schedules.

While we don’t always realize it, that schedule provides much-needed consistency for children and even parents, even if jam-packed!

The Problem With Having No Summer Schedule

As Summer begins so does…

Sleeping in
Staying up late
Loads of free time
Irregular trips and excursions

Unfortunately, this often creates disorder in homes, especially for younger children with special needs.

Let me start by saying this is one of those “all about balance” situations. Yes, a short break is essential and can be very good for allowing your child to regroup, decompress, and destress.

On the flip side, maintaining some structure with your child’s Summer schedule can help your child feel less anxious and overwhelmed. And expecting your child to do some school work during the Summer is equally significant.

Summer Break = Summer Regression

Too much of a break requires a lot of catch-up in the Fall.

This is both in terms of academics and merely adjusting to expectations and the habit of completing work again.

This may sound less than helpful so far, but let me assure you that the tips below can help you find this balance.

The goal is to ensure that your child gets a break. But also to not have the “Summer Slide.” You want your child to maintain all he has learned from the previous school year when he starts back up in the Fall.

Easy Tips To Creating A Summer Schedule

#1 make the summer schedule with your child .

Yes, you read that correctly…enlist your child’s help in making the schedule. This can be a fun activity you do together.

First, brainstorm the “have to do’s” and the “want to do’s” and create a list for each. List everything such as:

Scheduled camps/activities
Therapy sessions
Playing with friends
Feeding the family pets
Family Mealtimes

Next, organize it together by day. List approximate times and maybe even add a block for “surprise activity” or “free time.”

You can make this Summer schedule as specific or as general as possible. Everyone just needs to know what is on the list for each day. And it is important to have a guideline for consistency.

It’s probably a good idea to put a weekly planning session into the schedule. For example, set aside an hour on Sundays for a family planning session.

#2 Designate Break Time vs. School Work Time

The next thing you want to do is determine what school work and breaks will look like over the Summer. And try planning “ brain breaks ” into your day.

This can be as simple as:

An hour of school work per day Monday-Friday
One week of “vacation” per month

Or it can be as detailed as a daily schedule with some “off” days thrown in. You have to decide what works best for you and your child. Make sure you do include whole days off.

Days off are necessary to ensure that your children “feel” the break. Keep in mind that this will look different for children of different ages and those with different strengths and needs.

#3 Set Expectations

After you determine what the work/break times schedule will look like, setting expectations is the next most significant piece to finding balance. This will ensure as minimal push-back from your child as possible.

Once you have the schedule defined, talk to your child about it. Again, it is important to have a conversation with your child regardless of age.

If you share upfront what the expectations are, it will help everyone. The less uncertainty, the better.

#4 Make it Visual

Next up is deciding on the best way to make sure everyone knows the schedule. A visual schedule helps younger children or children with reading difficulties understand through images. Here are a variety of visual schedules to give you ideas of what they can look like.

Ideas for Visual Schedules

Whiteboard or chalkboard
Weekly grid on a poster board and use post-it notes
Cheap calendar (you can let your child pick it out at the store)
Print out something online to hang on the fridge (your child can check it off after it’s complete)

A visual schedule will help everyone stick to the plan and serve as a friendly reminder.

Whatever works for your family, the importance is that everyone has easy access to it. (Hint: Keeping it in a high traffic area of your home increases the likelihood everyone will use it!)

#5 Review the Schedule Daily

Sure, it’s great to make the schedule! But, perhaps, the most challenging part…is using it!!

Refer to the schedule each day.

It might be helpful to make this a part of the morning routine. For example, while making breakfast, everyone reviews the activities for that day together.

This will be extremely helpful in getting chores or less preferred activities complete with minimal fuss. In addition, this will remind the kids what they need to complete that day.

You can also refer to the schedule as part of the bedtime routine so kids know what is on the agenda for the next day.

#6 Keep the “Work time” Fun

Keep in mind that work can still be fun! In fact, it’s Summer so it SHOULD be fun!

What types of school work should we do over Summer break?

You don’t have to teach new concepts. Instead, think about what skills your child learned over the past school year. Then, what can you do to review those concepts?

Think of fun ways to use those skills, such as:

Board games
Reading to their stuffed animals
Science experiments
Cooking (lots of math and reading go with cooking)

If you need your children to work independently, provide them with an

educational game to play or read to each other. You can even have them “teach” each other if that works with their strengths, needs, and skillsets.

Of course, throwing in some worksheet activities or activities that mirror school work is more than okay.

Just keep in mind that it’s okay if the work doesn’t look like typical school work over Summer break. The point is, any work they do is better than none at all!

Fun Rewards

Another way to keep things fun is to work in rewards and “bonus” days off.

You could reward for many reasons, such as…

When x amount of work is completed
All work completed by a specific day
Getting work completed without being reminded

Rewards could be a day off or choosing a fun activity together. Any way to motivate your child in the Summer is a good one! Here are some ideas for free or low-cost rewards .

#7 Adjust Your Summer Schedule As Needed

Don’t be afraid to add events, change things, or even develop a different way of displaying the schedule. You need to find the best way that works for your family.

What works in June may not in July – and that’s okay!

The most crucial part is having a functional Summer schedule for your family. Of course, you do not want to add and change things daily as that will not necessarily help provide consistency and routines.

Although, flexibility is also a great lesson to teach kids. So, if last-minute schedule changes need to happen, use that as an opportunity to help your child through the changes.

#8 End of Summer Shift

The final piece to keep in mind is that you will want to adjust the balance of school work as Summer draws to a close. As the start of the school year moves closer, you will want to add more structured work time to get your child adjusted to the school year quicker.

I am certainly not suggesting that your child works for 5 hours per day. But in the 2-3 weeks leading up to the new school year, you’ll want to add more work that looks like schoolwork.

You may also want to increase the expectations a bit. For example, if you only require your child to do one hour per day for three days per week, increase it to five days with 20 minutes of independent reading each night.

Additional Resources for Creating a Summer Schedule

Hopefully, by trying these simple tricks, you will have a fun and learning-filled Summer. And you’ll also avoid the stress (for kids and parents!) that comes with a lack of routine.

As a bonus…. once the start of the school year comes around again, you will have much less work to do in adjusting to a schedule because you’ll have followed one all summer long.

We look forward to hearing how these tips worked for you and others you’ve tried! Share them in the comments below.

Here are some additional resources:

How to Help Your Kids Follow a Schedule
Fun Tricks To Learning Math In The Summer
Outdoor Summer Educational Game Ideas
Ultimate Guide to ESY – Extended School Year For Special Education

Do you have a child that needs more one on one assistance?

We offer one-on-one special education tutoring that can be done from anywhere the student is! Why? Because our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

Get started with a free consultation today!

A girl wearing pjs sitting in bed doing school work on a laptop with headphones on which is part of her summer schedule.

Diana Chase, M.S.

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10 Fun Summer Activities For Kids With Special Needs

Summer Is Upon Us

The summer season is an exciting time to spend with family, friends and have some fun. But, even with the weather on our side, summer can be a challenging time for parents of children with special needs, such as cerebral palsy . School lets out for the summer, and this can result in parents having a lot of time to fill with entertaining events.

Fortunately, there are a number of summer activities you can do with your child that are sure to make it into the memory book. The best part is that most of these activities are free and can take place right in the comfort of your own backyard.

Here are 10 fun activities to do this summer with a child who has special needs:

1. Pack a Picnic

Gather up your child’s favorite snacks, juice boxes and toys and head off to a nearby park for a picnic. Bringing along a colorful picnic blanket can make for the perfect backdrop for an adorable impromptu photo-shoot.

2. Visit a Local Farm or Petting Zoo

What better way to teach your child about animals than showing them in real life? Use a farm or petting zoo as an opportunity to teach your son or daughter all the animals and the sounds they make. Chances are, the whole family will be singing “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” all the way home.

3. Get Messy With Fingerpaint

Fingerpainting is a great summertime activity for children with cerebral palsy, as it allows them to strengthen the muscles in their hands, fingers and arms . Mobility limitations of this kind are common among children with CP. By allowing your child to improve their flexibility using a fun medium like paint, you’ll have one happy camper at the end of the day (and probably some new artwork for the fridge).

4. Go Sidewalk Chalk Crazy

Writing on the sidewalk with chalk is a great activity to get the whole family outside. Try outlining each other in chalk and then drawing in silly details like sunglasses, hats or balloons. Your child will get some practice with their handwriting while having fun in the sun.

5. Tie Dye Like It’s the 70’s

Tie dying is a cost-efficient and entertaining activity for both parents and children alike. Bust out those old white tee shirts and bed sheets and go color crazy. Have your child combine all of their favorite colors onto a fabric and guide them through the tie dye process. Watch as their eyes light up upon seeing the final product.

6. Pick Flowers For Friends or Family

Picking flowers can seem like a mundane activity on the surface, but it’s sure to brighten up any child’s day. Bring along a basket to collect the best flowers you can find and enjoy your day outdoors. Once you’re done, create some homemade name tags with paper and glue and hand them out to friends and family.

7. Transform Your Backyard Into A Water Park

Who says you have to drive to an amusement park to stay cool in the summer? Turn your backyard into a water park by simply using a gardening hose, a kiddie pool, large tarps, squirt guns or even buckets of water. Get creative with what you hold the water in and maybe even grab some bubbles to add to the fun. Then, jump in!

8. Pitch A Tent

Teaching your child how to pitch a tent can be a fun challenge that also doubles as a learning experience. Pick the best spot in your yard (or living room) and begin setting up your tent. If you don’t happen to have a camping tent on hand, feel free to make one out of chairs and pillows. Then, cook up some s’mores and tell stories under the stars.

9. Create A Handmade Nature Book

Take your child on a walk through the outdoors and hunt for interesting fossils, leaves, branches, shells or flowers. Once you have collected what you need for your book, head home and begin pressing the items onto the pages of the book to flatten them. After pressing, simply paste your nature items down using glue or tape and show off your findings to the whole family.

10. Stage A Play

Putting on a play is a great way to encourage your child to face any hesitations they may have regarding talking in front of others or showing off their talents. Pick your child’s favorite nursery rhyme and ask them which character they’d like to play. Create fun costumes and props from what you can find around the house. Then – it’s showtime!

Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness

Have legal questions?

Our legal experts are here to answer any questions.

Speak with a live advocate about cerebral palsy .

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Special Education children with Significant Disabilities

June 9, 2020

Special education: 9 summer tips for children with significant disabilities.

Every child is unique in the way they communicate and learn. If you’re a caretaker or parent, you know this to be true! Working with a child who requires intense intervention is a challenging but rewarding field of work, especially when it’s a part of your daily life. If you’re struggling to know how to best care for your child who requires special education through the chaos of summer, we’re here for you. Each child is different, as is each caretaker, and not every routine and technique will work for your situation. But caring for students with exceptionalities always works better when supported by a community of friends and experts.

Here is advice from five experts with specializations in intense intervention and a combined 65+ years in education for making this summer with your child a positive experience for you and them!

Build a Routine

School is extremely structured with schedules and routines all day long. Then we come home for the summer and many children lose that familiar regimen. Routines provide structure and predictability, which are vital for all of our children, but especially those with significant disabilities. Having an orderly, yet flexible, schedule for the day will help your child become more independent. The predictability of knowing what comes next gives children a sense of calm and allows them to feel in control.

If I know that we always get dressed after breakfast, I feel confident and comfortable getting my clothes and trying to do it on my own.

Provide your child with choices occasionally within this routine to increase his or her ownership over the day. Your routine can be as basic or detailed as your family needs it to be. The important thing is that everyone knows what’s coming next so that there are limited surprises.

Practice Imitation

Imitation is a great way to have fun and encourage reciprocal interactions. Imitating actions can be verbal or non-verbal. When your child is engaged in an activity, like playing with blocks, imitate what he or she is doing with them. If your child is stacking them, create your own stack and stack one on top when your child does. If your child is clacking the blocks together, do the same thing right after your child does it. Do not expect a response. If your child responds and does the action again, repeat the action with your blocks. This can be done with any toy. If your child is engaged in a gross motor or large motor activity, imitate the action. For instance, jump when your child jumps. Or if your child makes a sound, imitate the sound.

Model Expressive Language

Encourage language through speaking, signing, or pictures. Choose an activity, like playing with blocks. As you stack the block on top, say “on top” and do not expect your child to say the word or words. When the blocks fall, you can say “fall down”, “oh no”, or “they fell down”. You can make a tower, and afterward, take your child’s hand and say “One, two, three, go!” and knock them down together. Another idea is to blow bubbles and as you pop one, say “pop”. You can encourage communication by blowing the bubbles. Before doing so, say, “I blow bubbles.” Continue to comment as they pop.

Get Your Child Involved

Remember, everyone can do some part of every task and activity. Get creative and get your child involved in whatever the rest of the family is doing. Even the smallest moments of participation will give your child a sense of accomplishment and belonging. If everyone else is playing a game of Chess, get them involved, even if all they can do is hold one of the pawns and watch. Consider giving your child chores, or steps within chores. He or she may not be able to unload the dishwasher on their own, but they can open the lower cupboards so you can put the dishes away.

Having tasks to do and feeling a part of what is going on will help your child feel important and loved!

Try Something New

New and fun experiences pop up during the summer months all the time. These might include gardening, attending a pool party, or taking a walk at a local park. However, new activities that are fun or enjoyable for neurotypical children can be negative experiences for our children with disabilities. Many times these new summer activities include the use of tools (shovel, garden gloves, etc.) or social norms (taking turns on a slide, walking on the right side of the trail) that are new to our children with disabilities. One way to assist our children in participating in any new activity is to provide a visual schedule. These can include pictures for our nonreaders or words for our readers. Providing a visual schedule of the new activity reduces anxiety, allowing the child to feel more comfortable because he or she can see what is expected. The visual schedule of the new activity can include details like who is going to participate, what tools will be used, how long the activity will last, and what social norms are expected. You can also implement a reinforcer or an activity to follow the new summer experience.

Connect Daily Living Activities with Education

Many daily living activities can be connected to academic skills, such as cooking, sorting laundry, cleaning and organizing a room. Caregivers might want to consider reinforcing a child’s abilities in these areas as some of these tasks may also help develop academic skills.

Don’t Expect Perfection

Struggling to accomplish a task is expected and a part of the learning process. Take the opportunity to observe how your student progresses through tasks. It’s okay to struggle in order to achieve long-term goals! Encourage all progress, no matter how small.

Don’t Compare your “Insides” with Everyone Else’s “Outsides”

As you head into summer, there will be lots of perfect looking vacations and summer activities posted by your friends on social media. This may make you feel alone or frustrated with the work and patience it takes to do a simple summer activity when it appears so effortless for others. Keep in mind, we will never know the real story behind any perfect picture and it is a waste of time to compare what is happening in your home to what you see others portray themselves to be on social media! Your celebrations and activities may not look so picture-perfect, but they can be just as fulfilling when the focus is on small accomplishments and realistic expectations.

Practice Self-Care and Coping

Be patient with yourself! Adjust your daily activities and shift your own expectations to be realistic and focus on what can be accomplished for that day. Give yourself small breaks. Attempt to control self-defeating statements and replace them with more helpful thoughts. Reach out for support from friends, family members, or professionals. You don’t have to do this alone!

Want to learn more about teaching children with special needs? Grace College’s community of Special Education students and teachers has got you covered. Our Special Education Major is taught through a biblical perspective and prepares and equips you for the field of teaching students with disabilities. If you are looking for the best colleges for teaching students with significant disabilities, you should know we offer an online Intense Intervention Licensure program .

Caring for children with special needs is a journey in and of itself, but definitely not one you will have to do alone!

Get to Know The Experts Behind the Advice

Dr. tara rinehart.

Dr. Rinehart currently serves as the Director of Special Services in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, located on the west side of Indianapolis, IN. Prior to her time in Wayne Township, Dr. Rinehart worked for the Indiana Department of Education. During this time, she assisted school districts to develop processes that would ensure they met compliance requirements. In addition, Dr. Rinehart has also worked as a building principal and a special education teacher. Her time in these roles has provided her with invaluable expertise as a transformational leader in education. Dr. Rinehart is the course instructor for Policy & Practices in Intense Interventions at Grace.

Professor Lindsey Lortie

Lindsey Lortie is currently the Director of Programming at Blue Jacket, Inc., where she leads a pre-employment soft skills training program designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to Blue Jacket, she worked in public education for 13 years, first as a special education teacher at the elementary level and then as a special education program supervisor. Her areas of focus are intense interventions, behavior management, and data collection. She has a Master of Arts in Special Education, a Certificate of Autism, & a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She and her husband have three fun-loving, adventurous children and live in the country with their big dog, Moose, and all of their chickens! Professor Lortie is the course instructor for Assessment, Instruction & Intervention Supports for Significant Disabilities at Grace .

Dr. Kathleen Mentz

Dr. Kathy Mentz is currently the District Dean of Preschool Special Education for Elkhart Community Schools in Elkhart, IN. She has been with Elkhart Community Schools since 2005, first as a Speech Language Pathologist and the director of Preschool Assisting Children’s Education (PACE) since 2013. She oversees Developmental Classrooms and therapy services for special education preschool students from ages 3-5. She has a Master’s of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Purdue University and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Ball State University. Her passion is preschool and preparing children to be ready for school and life. Dr. Mentz is the course instructor for Seminar in Intense Intervention: Communication, Behavior, & Health.

Dr. Cheryl Bremer

Dr. Cheryl Bremer is the Dean of the School of Education and Program Director for the Intense Intervention Graduate Program at Grace College. Dr. Bremer has spent the last 12 years at Grace College building the special education program in the School of Education. One of the highlights of her job is being the faculty advisor to the Grace College Council for Exceptional Children. This student-led organization focuses on professional development, campus awareness, and community outreach and is the largest student chapter in the state of Indiana. Dr. Bremer has a B.S. in Music Education with a minor in special education from Grace College. She received her M.S. in Special Education from Indiana University and her Ed.D. in Special Education from Regent University. She has taught special education at the elementary and middle school levels and also owned and operated a Kindersmusik Studio in Indiana for 10 years. Dr. Bremer lives in Winona Lake, IN with her husband, Chris, and her 3 high school and college-age children.

Professor Jennifer Phillips

Professor Phillips has spent the last 16 years in public education. She was a teacher for students with significant disabilities in intense special education classroom settings for 15 years. Jennifer is currently the Director of Special Services at Wawasee Community School Corporation. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education from Manchester University, a master’s in education from Indiana Wesleyan and has recently completed her Special Education Director’s License from the University of Indianapolis. She and her husband recently built a house in North Webster where they live with their three children; Wyatt and Lincoln who are 8 and Radley who is 5. They enjoy traveling in their camper in their spare time as they are trying to visit all the states in the continental US. Unfortunately, the coronavirus has paused their efforts, but they look forward to getting back on the road next summer! Professor Phillips is also the course instructor for Collaboration & Transition Across the Lifespan at Grace.

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9 Tips on Special Education in Summer Learning Programs

The unique learning needs of special education students require tailored support. During extended breaks like summer, special education students face additional hurdles, so providing that customized support takes extra effort and planning. Summer break and its absence of structured learning can impact their educational progress. It’s crucial to address learning challenges by planning in advance. School and district administrators can help prevent learning gaps by designing an effective summer learning program tailored to the needs of these students. This article aims to provide school district leaders like you with essential steps and strategies for effectively supporting special education students in summer learning settings. Providing comprehensive learning opportunities for students with special needs, including during the summer break, fosters continued growth and development and ensures that students receive the support necessary for thriving academically and socially. As you work to support special education students through summer learning programs, first ensure that you understand the wide-ranging types of special education and each type’s specific learning requirements. Special education encompasses a diverse spectrum of needs, from cognitive disabilities to emotional and behavioral disorders. Each student’s needs demand a nuanced approach, so assessing individual learning requirements and creating personalized learning plans is a process that forms the cornerstone of any special education program. Learning plans must accommodate each student's strengths and weaknesses, with the customization of each learning plan leading to more productive, meaningful summer learning experiences. District decision-makers like you must work to incorporate specialized instructional strategies and assistive technologies whenever possible, as the right technological tools can make a huge difference for your special education students. An inclusive school environment further enriches the learning experience, helping enhance social skills and build self-esteem. Craft a district-wide summer learning curriculum that caters to the distinctive needs of each student and supports special education while adhering to state standards. Clear learning objectives and measurable goals are indispensable for tracking progress. We’ve summed things up in these nine practical steps for designing and implementing an effective, inclusive, impactful summer learning program:

1. Focus on collaborative planning with special education staff. Work together to align objectives, strategies, and resources to ensure a program tailored to each student's needs.

Plan and design inclusive summer progra ms in advance —collaborative planning with special education staff helps ensure the success of summer learning programs.
Work with educators to support students of every ability by creating an inclusive curriculum and addressing logistical considerations such as scheduling, facilities, and resources. Make sure educators are developing individualized support plans in close alignment with IEPs.
Set clear goals and objectives in conjunction with staff and educators , and employ effective strategies for tracking progress and making necessary adjustments.
Formulate proactive strategies and contingency plans as a crucial step in addressing challenges. These plans should anticipate potential issues, such as staff shortages, communication barriers, or unforeseen disruptions.
Navigate legal and compliance considerations in advance to ensure a summer learning program aligns with special education laws and regulations. Addressing potential legal issues and meticulously documenting and reporting progress and outcomes helps maintain compliance and transparency.
Secure adequate funding and resources to support the sustainability of special education summer programs. Identifying diverse funding sources, maximizing resource utilization, and exploring strategies for obtaining additional grants and financial support can bolster the summer learning program's stability and effectiveness.

2. Develop a diverse, inclusive curriculum to implement across schools and districts. Help educators integrate a variety of targeted teaching methods, resources, and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Create a district-wide inclusive environment for summer learning programs. This is a crucial step to provide support for all students, including special education students.
Foster an atmosphere of diversity and inclusivity to encourage interaction between special education students and their peers. This will enhance social skills and self-esteem, allowing for the exchange of ideas to enrich the learning experience. Creating a culture of diversity and inclusion enables constant refocusing on the individual and their personalized learning path. Special education students encompass a diverse group, with each student bringing their own unique needs to the school environment.
Craft a customized curriculum to addresses the unique needs of special education students. Encourage your educators to tailor content and teaching methods to provide the right balance of challenge and support while aligning with state standards.
Provide a sense of security and guidance by establishing routines and clear objectives. Ask your educators to consider designing a daily schedule that outlines specific activities and their intended learning outcomes. This structure not only helps students feel more comfortable but also promotes accountability and a sense of achievement.

3. Design scheduling, facilities, and resources for summer programs with accessibility and individualized requirements in mind.

Recognize and understand the spectrum of abilities within the special education community. Some students may require mobility aids, while others may need sensory-friendly spaces. Understanding these variations is essential for creating a comprehensive plan that can address and support these needs.
Accommodate diverse needs with a flexible schedule. When possible, school and district administrators can help by offering a variety of time slots and optional activities to help special education students engage in activities appropriate to their comfort and energy levels.
Allow special education students additional time for transitions between activities. Allocating extra time throughout the schedule can reduce stress and allow for smoother transitions. Short, frequent breaks can often help special education students recharge and stay engaged. Ask educators to be mindful of scheduling these moments, giving them the option to relax or participate in calming activities.
Ensure that all facilities across the district are wheelchair accessible and equipped with ramps, elevators, and wide doorways. Create accessible paths to and from activities to promote independence.
Designate sensory-friendly areas throughout schools, with quiet spaces and sensory-friendly tools available, to help students regulate their sensory experiences.
Implement visual supports at every location, from schedules and lists to maps and labels, to aid in navigation and comprehension. These supports can reduce anxiety and enhance independence.
Ensure that all staff and educators are equipped to provide support while respecting the autonomy of special education students. Adequate training for all staff is essential.
Offer specialized sessions or provide additional staff support to maintain an optimal student-to-staff ratio. Smaller class sizes create a more conducive learning environment for special education students and offer numerous advantages during summer learning. Reducing the student-to-teacher ratio creates an environment conducive to delivering the individualized attention and support that these students often need.

4. Train and equip summer program staff with specialized skills and knowledge to cater to the unique needs of special education students.

Build a supportive learning environment across schools and districts by training and equipping summer program staff with the specialized skills and knowledge essential for creating a positive learning experience and an inclusive culture.
Provide educators with all the necessary resources, training, support, and accommodations to meet diverse learning requirements to build successful summer learning programs.
Establish effective communication and collaboration between educators, families, and support staff to ensure the success of these programs.
Prioritize the careful selection and thorough training of qualified teachers and aides. Their familiarity with specialized teaching practices should be comprehensive, enabling them to effectively address the needs of special education students.
Recognize that the summer season represents an ideal occasion to invest in educators, enabling them to grow both personally and professionally. Professional development for special education summer programs is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, but rather considers the specialized needs of each educator and ensures that educators receive targeted training to meet diverse learning requirements.
Ensure that educators are well-versed in strategies for accommodating diverse learning styles and needs. Consider a multi-faceted approach to professional development, which may encompass workshops, online courses, and mentorship opportunities tailored to the needs of educators working in special education summer programs. Training sessions should address the use of assistive technology, strategies for behavioral management, and ways to create accessible curriculum materials.
Encourage your educators to seek ongoing support throughout the year, ensuring their continuous growth and adaptation to the evolving needs of special education students.
Consider employing special education teachers, paraprofessionals, or related service providers who can offer targeted support, whether it's in academics, communication, or adaptive skills.

5. Provide necessary resources and accommodations to meet diverse learning requirements, such as assistive technologies, accessible materials, and adaptive facilities.

Incorporate a variety of sensory-rich and interactive activities within the curriculum to effectively promote cognitive development and enhance students' social skills.
Utilize innovative teaching methodologies and technology-based tools to further facilitate personalized and engaging learning experiences, catering to the diverse learning styles and preferences of special education students.
Use assistive technologies and similar tools to bridge learning gaps by providing tailored support through devices like text-to-speech software, artificial intelligence, speech recognition tools, screen readers, and augmentative communication systems. Ensure that your educators have the right tools to empower students with various learning challenges, promote inclusivity and independence, and allow special education students to access, comprehend, and contribute to the curriculum.
Ensure the provision of accessible materials, which encompasses providing textbooks, online resources, and learning materials in formats that accommodate different learning styles. Braille materials, large print texts, and captioned videos are examples of accessible resources that ensure all students can engage with the curriculum at their own pace and according to their unique abilities.
Create adaptive facilities for a holistic approach to inclusion. These facilities may include wheelchair ramps, sensory rooms, or adjustable seating arrangements. Such adaptations ensure that the physical environment is not a barrier to learning. Special education students should have the same ease of access to classrooms and other educational spaces as their peers, promoting inclusivity while enhancing their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
Leverage technology-based tools, a powerful ally in ensuring that your educators provide an engaging personalized learning experience. Educational software, learning management systems, and online platforms offer the flexibility to tailor content to individual needs. Adaptive learning systems adjust to match a student's skill level, promoting skill development that’s ideal for each student, ultimately contributing to a more elevated, successful school district.

6. Ensure that your educators utilize each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as a roadmap for tailoring support to each student's unique needs, promoting progress and success by identifying specific learning objectives, accommodations, and related services.

Design a successful summer learning program for special education students by taking a multifaceted approach. Integrate IEPs with engaging, purposeful activities.
Take steps to ensure your educators are empowered to design and implement a personalized curriculum for every student in the summer learning program. A curriculum aligned carefully with each student's IEP allows educators to focus on making meaningful progress during the summer months.
Start off summer learning with a thorough review of each special education student's IEP for effective goal setting. This alignment with their specific learning objectives, accommodations, and related services is essential to guarantee that special education students receive the targeted support they need to thrive during the summer break.

7. Have educators set clear goals and objectives, to help track and measure student progress effectively. Review reports on these goals and objectives periodically, and correct course as needed.

Build a personalized curriculum that addresses specific learning objectives and goals outlined in each student's IEP to foster a supportive, motivating learning atmosphere conducive to progress.
Enable a tailored approach to allow educators to target key areas of growth and address any academic or behavioral challenges, thereby facilitating crucial improvements over the summer.
Utilize goals to provide a framework for tracking and evaluating student progress. Ask educators to outline precise learning outcomes, so they can gauge the effectiveness of their teaching methods and students' comprehension of the material. This systematic approach ensures that educators identify areas requiring improvement promptly.
Ensure that students are progressing as intended by asking your educators to conduct a regular review of these goals and objectives. This review process allows educators to adapt their teaching strategies based on student performance. By identifying areas where students may be falling behind, educators can intervene and make necessary adjustments. Ongoing assessment contributes to the refinement of educational strategies and the achievement of learning objectives.
Use clear goals, periodic reviews, and personalized learning plans to greatly enhance the potential for significant progress over the summer and throughout the academic year. Students are empowered to make substantial academic and personal strides, ensuring that their educational journey is a continuous path of growth.

8. Promote a supportive culture of social-emotional development.

Build and maintain an environment that encourages open communication and mutual respect.
Encourage a positive learning environment by prioritizing motivational strategies and positive reinforcement. Ask educators to celebrate achievements, no matter how small, with their special education students to boost students' self-confidence and motivation.
Provide counseling and mental health support as needed.
Offer educators plenty of opportunities for collaborative group activities and individualized instruction, enabling them to foster a sense of inclusivity and encouraging students to develop essential interpersonal skills, thereby creating a nurturing learning environment. Special education students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and support.
Address the emotional and behavioral needs of special education students within the summer learning framework. Implement structured routines, incorporate mindfulness practices, and provide easy access to behavioral support services to promote emotional well-being and facilitate a sense of security and stability for students.
Provide special education students with support for managing their behavior and addressing their social-emotional needs. Educators should be prepared with a range of therapeutic strategies for promoting a positive learning environment and offering mental health assistance whenever necessary as an integral part of the summer program.

9. Ensure effective communication and collaboration between educators, families, and support staff. This atmosphere of collaboration ensures a holistic support system for students.

Establish clear communication channels among educators, support staff, and families to ensure progress for special education students during summer programs.
Ensure that educators complete regular updates and collaborative discussions regarding students' performance, achievements, and areas for improvement to enable educators to make informed, timely adjustments to the curriculum, cultivating a proactive, responsive learning environment.
Involve parents and guardians in the planning and implementation of summer learning programs to enhance their commitment to the process and can build a strong support network, helping to ensure consistent learning experiences at school and at home.
Organize workshops and training sessions to equip parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children's learning at home effectively.

An effective summer learning program for special education students depends on meticulous planning, multi-faceted preparation, and a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Prioritizing a nurturing, inclusive district-wide learning environment that focuses on the holistic development of each student helps educators support special education students throughout the summer break. By providing tools and education to address the unique needs of special education students, district administrators like you can pave the path to success and make a profound, lasting impact.

Discover resources and tools to support special education students in summer learning programs. Find out more.

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51 Boredom-Busting Summer Activities for Kids

Fun in (and out of) the sun.

Summer activities for kids feature image

Summer days can be long and fun-filled from wake-up to bedtime, or they can be, well, just long. Here are 51 summer activities for kids that will keep them entertained and engaged outside, inside, and at the park.

Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Summer days are all about being outside. This summer, kids can work through the design process, get their energy out, or just enjoy being outside long into the night.

Make a bird feeder

Photo of bird feeder made with orange half

You can go simple, with half an orange and some birdseed, or get out the hammer and nails. Either way, making a bird feeder will engage kids through the design process. Once it’s hung up, take photos of the birds you attract to learn about each one.

Try it: The Spruce Crafts

Bike Obstacle Course

Boy riding bike- summer activities for kids

With a few pool noodles, some cones, objects from around the house, and a stretch of sidewalk, you can make a bike obstacle course. Have your kids research and plan the course, then build it themselves. All the neighborhood kids will want to get in on the fun!

Try it: Two Wheeling Tots

Sidewalk Chalk Jumping Maze

Create a 5×5 grid with numbers and a star in the center (like the photo above). Make sure the starting square is clear by writing it in a different color than the rest of the numbers. Then, fill in rest of the squares with numbers 1 through 4. To play, kids start on the “start” square. From there they jump the number of squares indicated by the square they are standing on. So, if they are standing on a number 2, they jump 2 squares in any direction. The goal is to land on the center star square.

Try it: Math Geek Mama

Clothesline Art Show

First, spend a few days making art to hang on a clothesline. Then, make invitations for neighbors and friends. Finally, host a day showing off your child’s art.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Help your kids see their backyard in a new light with a scavenger hunt. Get the printable from Doing Good Together or make your own list of things they can find. Older kids will enjoy learning how to explore farther from home with a list of things they can find in your neighborhood. ADVERTISEMENT

Try it: Green Child Magazine

Sidewalk Chalk Spelling Bee

Draw a grid with 26 boxes, one for each letter of the alphabet. Then, whisper or shout a word to your child and have them hop from letter to letter to spell it. This is a great game for kids throughout elementary school—younger kids can spell their names and simple words while older kids can spell longer words.

Try it: Deceptively Educational

Make Your Own Giant Jenga Set

Large Jenga game- summer activities for kids

You’ll need 2×4 boards cut into 48 10½ inch pieces. Then, sand them smooth, decorate the pieces however you want, stack, and play.

Try it: Creative Green Living

DIY Sandbox

Image: Samantha Cleaver

Make your own sandbox with a bag of sand from the hardware store, a plastic storage bin, and toys. After your child is finished playing, close the lid to keep the sand safe.

Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe

People playing tic tac toe with frisbees- summer activities for kids

Level up a game of tic-tac-toe with a sheet, some tape, and a set of Frisbees.

Try it: Family Handyman

Hula-Hoop Hideout

String a Hula-Hoop from a tree and hang a sheet to the ground to create a space for reading or relaxing.

Try it: DIY Fun Ideas

Beanbag Toss

Decorate paper plates and toss beanbags onto each one, racking up points.

Get the printable at Mod Podge Rocks Blog .

Hula-Hoop Croquet

Cut Hula-Hoops in half for the wickets and use kickballs or soccer balls for the balls in a full-yard game of croquet.

Read the full directions at Crafting Chicks .

Outdoor Movie Night

Child watching outdoor movie- summer activities for kids

Hang up a white sheet for your projector, or bring a TV outside, and watch a movie under the stars.

Try it: Mom Advice

Download a free astronomy app at dusk and learn all about the night sky. You can also use an app to track satellites in your area including the International Space Station.

Bubble Break

Boy making large bubble with hula hoop- summer activities for kids

Bubbles are always a win. Create homemade bubble solution and use any combination of string, Hula-Hoops, and bubble wands to make bubbles.

Try it: The Nerd’s Wife

Summer Water Activities for Kids

When the sun comes out, so does the hose. Here are activities that require some water but can be done without a full pool.

Paint With Water

Fill buckets with water and take sponges and paintbrushes and “paint” the driveway or side of your house.

Try it: Six Sister Stuff

Bubbly Ball Pit

Children playing in bubble pit- summer activities for kids

Fill a baby pool with water and dish soap until you have a nice lather. Add balls or bath toys and you’re set for an afternoon of fun.

Try it: Small Potatoes

Hold a Car Wash

There are a few ways to keep cool with a car wash. Either literally wash your car with buckets and soap or get creative and make a car wash for your child’s play cars.

Try it: Mom Endeavors

Fill long block-ice containers with paint, freeze, and paint on butcher paper. It’s the perfect way to paint outside on a hot day.

Try it: My Bored Toddler

Buy it: Ice Containers on Amazon

Water Target Practice

Boy playing with water gun- summer activities for kids

Line up empty cans or plastic bottles on a flat surface. Then, use water launchers to aim and shoot the cans down.

Try it: Hands On As We Grow

Hang a piece of string from one end of the yard to the other. Then, run a cup along the string. The goal is to use water blasters to shoot the cup all the way across the string.

Try it: All for the Boys

Make Sponge Water Bombs

Create reusable water bombs using cut-up sponges. Then, play everything from hot potato to catch with the sponge bombs.

Try it: Inner Child Fun

Make a Boat

Make a boat out of paper, an empty juice box, and an empty milk carton. Then, sail the boat in a kiddie pool. Check out all the ways to create a boat at Kids Activities Blog.

Try it: Kids Activities Blog

Erupting Ice Cubes

Combine cornstarch, baking soda, water, and food coloring. Mix and put into ice cube trays. Freeze overnight. Use the chalk to draw on your sidewalk or driveway (wet the ground beforehand if you want). Once you’re done drawing, spray vinegar on the chalk drawings to see it erupt.

Spray Bottle Art

Girl spray painting- summer activities for kids

Fill spray bottles with washable paint and spray a sheet or large white poster boards. Or fill the spray bottles with water and spray over chalk art to see how it changes when wet.

Try it: KinderArt

Homemade Water Slide

Set up a tarp on a slope in your yard and run a hose over it to create a flexible water slide.

Try it: Happy Hooligans

Indoor Summer Activities for Kids

Some summer days were meant for indoor fun. Here are activities that keep kids entertained, though some require close supervision.

Family Game Night

Have kids organize and host a family game night. Older kids will enjoy organizing a menu and planning for which games to play. The whole family will enjoy stopping for a few hours of friendly competition.

DIY Kinetic Sand

Person playing with kinetic sand- summer activities for kids

Start with slime, end with kinetic sand. Mix a cup of sand into a half-cup of slime to start, then adjust, adding more sand or more slime, until you have just-right kinetic sand.

Pool Noodle Javelin

Person playing javelin with a pool noodle

When it’s too rainy to go to the pool, put pool noodles to use by decorating them and using them in games like a javelin throw. Cut one pool noodle into a circle and hang it from the ceiling. Use the other pool noodle as a javelin.

Try it: Therapy Fun Zone

Make a Homemade Bouncy Ball

You can make bouncy balls with ingredients you probably have around your house … and a little bit of patience.

The Game of Ropes

Children climbing through string- summer activities for kids

To play this game, tape a series of ribbons, strings, or ropes from wall to wall along a hallway. Then, kids have to try to pass through them without touching.

Try it: Our Little Roses

Flashlight Games

Once it’s dark, or on a particularly dark and stormy summer day, bring out the flashlights and see what fun you can have with shadow puppets, reading by flashlight, or playing flashlight tag.

Get more ideas at The Spruce .

Pool Noodle Marble Run

Cut a pool noodle in half and use a few other things you can find around the house to create a marble run.

Try it: Kid Spot

Play Floor Is Lava

Get all the pillows off the couch to create a Floor Is Lava challenge.

Marshmallow and Toothpick Buildings

House made from marshmallows and toothpicks

A pack of toothpicks and a bag of marshmallows and your kids are off and running to either work together and see what kind of structure they can make, or compete to see who can build the taller tower.

Try it: Artful Parent

Masking Tape Speedway

All you need to make a speedway is masking tape, some matchbox cars, and space to run up and down couches and around tables.

Try it: Prudent Penny Pincher

Make Fairy Houses

Use objects around your house to create a fairy garden in a small container with a little bit of dirt for the ground. Add flowers and seeds to grow a fairy garden. Or create fairy houses to put in your yard.

Try it: Living Well Mom

DIY Foam Paint

Mix up some foam paint by combining equal parts shaving cream and glue in a plastic bag. Add food coloring. Seal the bag and squish it together until all the ingredients are mixed. Use a firm material like cardboard to paint by squeezing the paint out of the bag.

Try it: Dabbles and Babbles

Bubble Wrap Run

Roll out the bubble wrap and let your kids dance, jump, walk, and run across the wrap all afternoon.

Indoor Track and Field Day

Have your child jump as high as they can and record the highest spot they can reach. You can have them simply measure how high it was or have them determine how many inches, blocks, or LEGO bricks high they jumped. Do the same thing with indoor versions of the long jump, plank hold, wheelbarrow walk, and other events.

Try it: Active for Life

Frozen Toy Dig

This activity requires some planning. Take a bunch of your child’s toys (plastic works best) and put them in empty tubs or bowls. Fill the bowls with water and freeze overnight. The next day, give your kids any tool they need—hammers, screwdrivers, spoons—to chip out the toys.

Build an Indoor Mini-Golf Course

Make an indoor golf course with anything that can direct a golf ball—blocks, pool noodles, wooden train tracks, toilet paper rolls, cardboard ramps, even the stairs can be part of the challenge.

Make Popsicles

If you have a blender, extra fruit, some juice, and Popsicle molds, you can make fresh-fruit Popsicles that will travel to the pool, park, or beach. Make this activity even better by going berry picking beforehand and using fresh berries.

Try it: Shelf Cooking

Make Your Own Play Dough

The recipe is simple:

1 cup flour
1 cup water
¼ cup salt
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. cream of tartar (optional)
Kool-Aid packet, food coloring, or other add-ins (optional)

Combine everything in a saucepan, let it cool, and knead it until it’s a dough consistency. Then, add glitter, figurines, or beads to create your child’s personalized play dough.

Try it: Fun Cheap or Free

Summer Activities for Kids Around Town

Keep these activities for when you want to get out of the house but still want to keep the kids learning and busy.

If you have two sticks, a trash bag, and some string, you can make a kite. The only other things you need are wind and space to run!

Try it: Instructables

Do a High-Tech Nature Walk

Inaturalist seek app- summer activities for kids

Get inspired to learn more about everything you see with the Seek app by iNaturalist. Point the camera at anything living to identify it and learn more about it.

Try it: Seek by iNaturalist app

Have a Picnic

Sometimes a good old-fashioned picnic is the best way to keep kids entertained. Have them plan the menu (we recommend trying frozen PB&Js ), then plan to spend the afternoon at the park as one of the fun summer activities for kids.

Nature Walk

Create a bracelet by turning tape inside out and wrapping it around your child’s wrist. Then, find a local trail or walk and see what they can collect on their wrist. When you get home, break out a magnifying glass to get a closer look.

Try it: AlphaMom

Play Classic Games

Got a bunch of kids and a wide-open space? Play classic games like Red Rover, Red Light/Green Light, and Mother May I.

Try it: Old-School Recess Games

Outdoor Photo Scavenger Hunt

Grab a camera, a clipboard, and a printable from KC Edventures and see what you can find around your neighborhood.

Try it: KC Edventures

Make Leaf Rubbings

Leaf rubbing art- summer activities for kids

Fall is known for leaves, but summer is the best time to collect leaves and use crayons and paper to do leaf rubbings. The leaves are at their healthiest now, so the rubbings will come out spectacular. After you’ve made leaf rubbings, see what other textures you can create while at the park.

Try it: First Palette

When the sun is just right, spread out paper or find a clear patch of sidewalk. Then, line up toys or other objects and trace the shadows to create shadow art.

Go on a Park Shape Hunt

Shape hunt in playground- summer activities for kids

Find a park with an interesting playground and see how many shapes you can find for one of the most fun summer activities for kids. Circle tire swings, triangles at the corner of stairs, and rectangle benches.

Try it: Buggy and Buddy

What are your favorite summer activities for kids on long summer days? Share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE on Facebook .

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Summer days can be long when kids say they're bored. Here are 51 summer activities that engage kids from sunup to sundown.

55 Fun and Easy Summer Crafts for Kids

Get those creative juices flowing! Continue Reading

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Top 3 Tips for Choosing the Right Summer Activity for Your Child with Developmental Disabilities

As staff at AbilityPath’s Family Resource Center, who are also parents of a child with developmental disabilities, we ask ourselves each summer, “What are the best activities for our kids?” Like most parents, the answer is always — summer camps! They offer a variety of options, locations, themes, and times, including day-only activities and overnight stays. I have been sending my son August to summer camps for several years now. August, who is a teenager, has autism. So, from one parent to another, I’ve collected camp ideas and tips to help you get the ball rolling.

1. Start with Your Kid’s Interests and Preferences: As parents, we each have unique insight into our children’s preferences, triggers, and strengths. Instead of jumping into an overwhelming list of potential camps, start with these introspective questions to reduce the options, helping you find a good fit for your child.

“What does my child like to do? What is he or she really interested in?” This question fits all children, including those with developmental disabilities. Kids are more likely to participate when they like the topic/theme! Sometimes, I’ve had parents stop and say, “Whoa. I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Start with your child’s preferences, such as art, space, horses, or the outdoors. If you need more insight, ask your kid!
“Is it possible for my child with developmental disabilities to attend this camp/activity?” I have an older son who attended a specific camp, and I later asked the staff if it would be an option for my younger son with developmental disabilities to attend. Honestly, many camps are open to the idea and you’d be surprised how often staff have experience/training that enables them to support your child. Don’t limit yourself to just camps that have a focus on helping children with developmental disabilities . If your child would enjoy a specific theme, like an art camp, ask.
“What kind of setting does my child prefer?” Does your child do better in large or small groups? Does he or she need one-on-one assistance? Do loud settings stress your child or not? These questions will help you determine whether or not the activities you are considering would be enjoyable and a good fit for your child. For example, look at local options, like the YMCA or parks and rec, which usually offer small-group day camps that are perfect for younger, first-time campers.

2. Filter Camp Options: Skip those camps that would stress or bore your child, as mentioned above. Only mark activities your child would benefit from and genuinely enjoy. Now, narrow your top choices by asking …

“ What is your schedule?” Call the director or organizer and ask specific questions that help you determine if the camp’s setting would support your child’s routine and related preferences, like when meals are served. A phone call can quickly help you decide if a specific camp would work or not.
“May I come visit with my child?” If you need more information about a local camp, ask if you and your child can stop by. Visiting can help with the final decision. Plus, if you have a child who is a visual processor, like my son, he/she can actually see and understand what the camp will look like and be like.

3. Make the Selection. You’ve narrowed it down to ideally one … maybe two options. Excellent! Consider these additional questions to help determine whether or not a camp is a good fit:

“May I come shadow my child the first day?” If needed, inquire about being on hand to help your child transition into the new camp environment. You can also ask if there is a possibility for your child to meet camp counselors or key staff members before camp starts.
Is it possible to get updates? What is the best and simplest way to communicate with my child or staff members during the week?
Can I talk with another family as a reference before booking?
If the camp specifically supports those with developmental disabilities, what credentials do the teachers carry?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
How does the camp staff handle conflict or bullying?
How do staff handle discipline or calming-down time when behavior is escalated or the child becomes over stimulated?
Does the camp offer a variety of foods for the picky eater or for children with dietary restrictions?

Top 12 Things to Do in the Bay Area

If you’re looking for camps or activities for your child or teen this summer, we recommend starting local.

AbilityPath Recreational Classes , afterschool and weekends, in Film Making, Art, Yoga and Cooking for youth, teens and adults with learning and developmental differences.
Camp Via West – Camp Via West offers week-long day and overnight sessions running from June 16th through August 16th. Our beautiful campus in the Cupertino foothills serves youth, neurodiverse teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. We have exceptional programming supervised by attentive, energetic, and well-trained staff who help campers stretch their imaginations, learn new skills, enjoy wonderful outdoor experiences, and help make lifetime memories!
Parks and Rec Department – Often your local parks and rec will have outdoor activities for different age groups. We have compiled the links to each parks and rec department by city in the San Mateo area. They often offer day camps for kids 6 years and older, and these classes can be small. Some even have developmental disabilities classes (just ask), and they sometimes offer the option of your child having a one-on-one aid.
Steve and Kate’s Camp – Steve and Kate’s philosophy is that kids can do anything, and they have built a camp culture around that idea.
Very Special Camps – VSP has a list of California camps (and camps all over the nation) that specifically cater to children with a large variety of developmental disabilities. From extreme action/sports camps for the blind and visually impaired to residential camping experience for at-risk youth with developmental disabilities, there is something for every individual.
Zohar Dance – IndepenDANCE invites all children, including those with autism, Down syndrome, hearing/sight impairment, and cerebral palsy, to experience the love of dance through inclusive classes.
Menlo Park Gymnastics Program – MPGP’s goal is to teach children first and gymnastics second, keeping safety the main priority. These inclusive classes are open to all children.
Lazy H Horse Ranch – Breen and Emma Hofmann encourage riders of all abilities to sign up for their equine camps. You can tour the stables and meet the horses and ponies before camp, giving your child some familiarity with the setting before diving in.
La Petite Baleen – The staff at LPB help children of all abilities to learn important life skills through aquatic instruction. They promote listening to and following directions, social interaction and teamwork, respect for oneself and others, and overcoming obstacles and facing fears. They also have four locations: Half Moon Bay, San Bruno, San Francisco, and Atherton.
The Laurel School – The Laurel School runs programs for children in grades 1-8. They have consistent scheduling with frequent breaks and supportive staff for children with moderate/mild learning differences.
B.O.K. Ranch – The ranch offers a fully inclusive summer camp inter-dependent equine based, summer camp experience. Each week campers of all ages and all abilities work cohesively and respectfully of one another.
YMCA – Your local YMCA offers many recreational opportunities; summer camps are available in Albany , Berkeley and Pleasant Hill .

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25 Summer Learning Activities for Kids

Sarah Cason
June 1, 2021
No Comments

Summertime is full of fun ! It can be full of learning too…learning that is fun! We know that parents want their children to have fun in the summer, but they also want them to keep learning. It can be so hard to balance all of the schedules, ball games, vacations, trips to the pool and still make sure children keep learning and don’t fall behind over the summer.

We have 25 fun summer learning activities that will keep your children engaged this summer and have FUN while doing it. Check them out and choose the ones that your children will LOVE!

Use the free printable checklist of these activities so that your children can track their summer progress.

Activity 1 – Scavenger Hunt

This is an all time favorite any scavenger hunt always gets children (and grown-ups) excited you can make your scavenger hunt yourself or try the summer scavenger hunt that we have created for you. consider giving children a clipboard and magnifying glass and they will feel like a detective also, encourage them to utilize the letter and sound skills they learned at school and read the directions on the scavenger hunt themselves. higher-level thinking skills can be used by encouraging them to create their own scavenger hunt for a friend, sibling, or parent. .

2 – Visit a Museum

Consider a trip to an art, science, or history museum this summer! Did you know that many local museums will have kid activities listed on their websites that include printable activities? Before taking a trip to your local museum, check out their website for ideas. If they don’t provide activities, consider making your own! Challenge your children to find three favorite things at the museum and write about or draw them when they return home. Give them a notepad and pencil to carry around the museum to take notes throughout the visit. This is a great way for them to make personal connections to what they see and experience at the museum. Another option is a virtual museum trip! Did you know that you can visit many museums from the comfort of your own home? Check out this list of 15 Virtual Museum Tours for Kids .

3 – Visit the Zoo

Many families make a trip to the zoo in the summer but consider incorporating reading and math activities into the visit. Give your children a checklist of animals to mark off as they see them. Then, have your children count the animals they see or draw their favorite animal. This is another opportunity to give them a notebook or clipboard and pencil! Children feel so grown up when they are given these supplies and a “job” to complete. Many zoos have children’s activities on their websites, so be sure to check that out as well.

However, if you aren’t able to make it to a zoo in person, there are many opportunities to explore zoo animals from home. For example, animals can be observed via the webcams at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The Indianapolis Zoo also has many animal webcams that you can watch with your children. Check your local zoo’s website for virtual activities and webcams. Then, continue your zoo fun with our Zoo Animals Activities resource that includes books, journals, and printable animal cards.

Activity 4 – Flashlight Words

Sight words can be a challenge to remember over the summer if they aren’t used. Write your child’s sight words on note cards and hang them in a tent, around the yard, or in the house. Next, give them a flashlight at dusk and have them shine the flashlight on the words, and read them to you. Make it a challenge to find ALL of the words by the time it gets dark!

5 – Visit the Library

Visit your local library, and take your library trip one step further by creating or participating in a reading challenge! Be sure to check with your local library and inquire about any summer reading programs or challenges for children. They often have programs with prizes and in-person or virtual activities for children throughout the summer. If your library doesn’t have any reading challenges, create a challenge of your own for your children to read a specific number of books, and reward them with a prize or treat when the challenge is completed! Try the Battle of the Books challenges for an additional idea.

6 – Go on a Drive

Grab some notebooks and pencils and pile into the car. Take a drive and encourage your children to take note of their surroundings and what you pass while driving. Have them write or draw about the things they see. Or, just talk about it! Driving in the car is the perfect opportunity to build vocabulary and conversation skills. Use this drive time to spark conversation about what different road signs mean, drive-by favorite places, or share stories. Consider letting your children figure out if you are going north, south, east, or west. Whatever you talk about, encourage your children to be both the speakers and the listeners , and encourage your children to both ask and answer questions in the conversation.

Activity 7 – Write the House

Write the Room is a really popular classroom activity. Of course, you can have summer fun with this activity by adapting it to Write the House this summer! The Write the Room Kindergarten resource and Write the Room First Grade resources both include math and reading activities. So, just print, cut the cards apart, hang them throughout your house and then give your child the coordinating recording sheet. Indeed, this will keep them busy, engaged, learning, and still having fun!

8 – Go to the Park

Grab a tape measure before you leave and measure objects at the park. Children love to use tools! Use the tape measure to measure items at the park and compare the lengths. What is longer, shorter, or the same? Make it a challenge! For example, if you measure a flower that is 12 inches tall, challenge your child to find something that is taller or shorter than the flower. Consider bringing a ball with you, throwing the ball, and measuring how far your child can throw it! Your child could also bring a notepad and pen for recording and organizing information. The park is a great place to get outdoors, be active, and incorporate math into our everyday surroundings.

9 – Make a Book Box

Use any shoebox or cardboard box, cut it down to the size you need, and let your children decorate it to create a book box! Your children will have more fun reading with this book box because they will take ownership of it. Be sure to make it a size that your children can carry on their own. Then, they can find a cozy spot to read outside, in a treehouse, on a blanket, in a tent, wherever they would like! Ensuring that they have a book box they can decorate and fill on their own will get them excited about summer reading time. Also, encourage them to switch out the books from time to time!

The Monthly Mini Books resource offers mini booklets that students can fold, color, and read all on their own. They are the perfect size for book boxes and there are 5 themed books for each month! It’s also a great idea to continue practicing sight words while reading, so consider using 100 Sight Word Booklets in your children’s book boxes as well. The 100 booklets each focus on a different sight word. Give your children the “I Can Read Anywhere” challenge and encourage them to try some different reading spots throughout the summer!

Activity 10 – Summer Packet

11 – Rock Painting

Rock painting has become really popular the last few summers and there are a lot of cute ideas with ladybugs, bumblebees, and all kinds of nature and art. There are many rock painting kits to choose from, or you can find your own rocks. Consider making the rock painting educational by painting the letters of the alphabet on the rocks and letting your children put them in order. Hide the letter rocks around the yard and send them on a letter scavenger hunt. Words can be painted on the rocks and then your children can put them in order to make a sentence. Want to make it math focused? Paint dots on some rocks and numbers on the others, and have children match the rocks.

12 – Family Drawing Day

Children love to draw, but everything is more fun with a buddy or two right? Have you ever tried sitting down with your whole family and drawing together? Younger children will learn from the older children and the older children will learn from teaching and guiding the younger ones. You will be amazed at all of the beautiful drawings that are produced! If you need a little guidance, try our Directed Drawing Resource. With 100 directed drawings that include various themes, there is sure to be something for everyone!

Activity 13 – Write a Book

Encourage your children to be authors! Writing a book encourages children to use higher-level thinking skills and lets them use their imagination and be creative. Let your children pick the topic, characters, and setting. Offer them a little guidance by encouraging them to have a beginning, middle, and ending to the story. Focus on their ideas and creativity first before worrying too much about grammar and punctuation. Those details can come later. First, encourage them to get their ideas on paper for the initial draft. Writing a book can seem scary to students, so encouraging them to take that first step can really boost their confidence. Finally, be sure to let them share their story with family members or friends!

14 – Take Photographs

Create a picture story of your summer adventures! Depending on the age of your children, consider giving them a camera (maybe even a disposable camera) and let them decide what to capture. However, if you would rather be the one using the camera, let them tell you what to photograph. Then, work together to create a photo album or scrapbook of your summer fun.

15 – Sink or Float

Incorporate some science into a cool water activity. Fill a water table or even a large bucket with water. Next, have your children grab some things from around the house (that can get wet), and have discussions about what will sink or float and why. Then, test each item in the water! Finally, talk about why some items float and some do not. You could even encourage your children to create their own boats that float, which is one of the activities from our STEM Challenge Stories .

Activity 16 – Go on a Picnic

Let your children create the shopping and packing list for the picnic. Creating a list helps children organize their thoughts and it’s a great skill for them to learn at an early age!

17 – Go to the Grocery Store TOGETHER

I know taking children to the grocery store can be a challenge! However, your children can learn SO much on these trips. Give them your list and let them help you cross the groceries off of the list as they are put in the cart. Consider letting them write the price next to the item and keep a running total of what they think the final amount will be! Have them help you compare the prices or ingredients of each item. Furthermore, you could have your children help you find the items on the shelf. Certainly, this trip might take a little longer than a solo trip to the grocery store, but it will be worth it!

18 – Sight Word Hopscotch

Use sidewalk chalk to make a simple hopscotch game on the concrete. Instead of filling the boxes with numbers, fill them with sight words. Then, have your children read the sight words as they hop to them.

Activity 19 – Count the Dive Sticks

Incorporate math into all of those trips to the pool! I remember when my children were young, their favorite swimming activity was for me to throw the dive sticks and they would find them and bring them back to me. When your children bring back the dive sticks, encourage them to count the sticks and see how many they find each time. Take it one step further by using a permanent marker and numbering the dive sticks. As they find them, they can line them up on the side of the pool and then figure out which number is missing! Label the dive sticks by ones, twos, fives, or tens! Choose numbers that are a challenge for your children.

20 – Seashell Numbers

Taking a trip to the beach? Collect some seashells to bring home with you. Maybe you already have a pile of seashells at home that you don’t know what to do with, or you can also purchase an assortment of seashells . Use a permanent marker to write numbers or letters on the seashells and encourage your children to mix them up and put them in order. If you have a sandbox or sand table, consider hiding the seashells in the sand for your children to find. Choose math and reading skills that are a challenge for your children. Write numbers by ones, twos, fives, or tens. Also, talk to your children about which numbers are bigger or smaller.

21 – Sand Letters

Grab some magnetic, block, or foam letters (that you don’t mind getting a little dirty) and toss them in the sandbox. Another alternative to put in the sandbox are alphabet sand molds . Then, encourage your children to find the letters, name them, and put them in order.

Activity 22 – Summer Journal

Give your children a journal at the beginning of the summer and designate 10 – 20 minutes each day as journal time. Children might be a little reluctant at the beginning of the summer, but by the end of the summer it will be a daily routine and they will be excited to have a place to put their thoughts and ideas. A journal doesn’t have to be expensive! It can be a simple notebook. Make it fun by using different pens, markers, stickers, etc. Consider letting your children select their own journal supplies and they will take ownership of their writing.

At the end of the summer, it will be fun to look back on all the summer writing and growth of your children. Consistency is key when writing. So, encourage your children to write EVERY day in his or her journal and encourage them to add more sentences each week to their journal writing.

23 – Get a Head Start on Next Year

Ask your children’s teachers for a list of the sight words for the upcoming school year. If your children have mastered all of the sight words for the current school year, then getting a jump start on next year’s words over the summer is a great idea! Use the sight words with the Editable Spelling resource. This resource lets you edit the words with ANY word list for over 60 fun and engaging sight word or spelling activities. Emoji Spelling, Word Art, Secret Code Spelling, Spelling Spirals, and Spelling Battleship are just a few of the many activities that Editable Spelling gives you.

24 – My Home Learning Packet (link freebie)

Let your children spend some time working on the free Home Learning Packet . The packet is full of various printable math and reading activities. It’s a great way for them to practice and apply everything they learned at school this year. Perfect for a rainy day and it will help them be prepared for the next school year!

Activity 25 – Plant Seeds or Plants

Plant a garden, some flowers, seeds, plants, anything really! If you don’t have the space to plant a garden in your yard, let your child plant some seeds in a pot. There are many plants and herbs that are easy for kids to grow . Not only is this a wonderful science activity, but you can easily incorporate math into your planting as well! Give your children some paper and a pencil and have them measure and record their plant each day or each week. Talk about the growth of the plant, how tall it is getting, how much taller it is from the last time it was measured, and so on. Encouraging your children to record their observations will make them feel like scientists!

Remember that learning can happen everywhere over the summer! Encouraging your children to read about things that they enjoy and write about their summer adventures, can keep them engaged and excited about learning new things. Don’t forget to use the free printable checklist of summer learning activities to track the progress this summer. Also, look for opportunities to incorporate reading, writing, and numbers into all of your fun summer learning activities.

We are wishing you a summer full of learning fun with your families!

Written By: Sarah Cason

At Education to the Core , we exist to help our teachers build a stronger classroom as they connect with our community to find trusted, state-of-the-art resources designed by teachers for teachers. We aspire to be the world’s leading & most trusted community for educational resources for teachers. We improve the lives of every teacher and learner with the most comprehensive, reliable, and inclusive educational resources.

If you enjoyed what we have to offer at ETTC, be sure to join our email list , so you won’t miss a beat.

Welcome! I’m Emily, Founder of Education to the Core. We are all about helping K-2 teachers by providing unlimited access to affordable printables for every subject area.

QuickSchools Blog

Powerfully simply school management, 15 creative icebreaker activity ideas for students to kickstart the school year.

As the school year begins, teachers face the challenge of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for their students. Icebreaker activities are a powerful way to break down barriers, spark connections, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. We’ve compiled 15 engaging icebreaker activity ideas for students to help you kickstart a successful school term.

Why Icebreakers Matter in the Classroom

1. “what’s in a name”, 2. two truths and a goal, 3. student survey, 4. the compliment circle, 5. classroom values agreement, 6. classroom quilt, 7. speed networking for students, 8. human scavenger hunt, 9. collaborative storytelling, 10. the web of connections, 11. “who am i” sticky note game, 12. mystery student, 13. classroom bingo, 14. classroom pictionary, question ideas for “sit down if…”, building a positive classroom culture with these icebreaker activity ideas.

The first days of school set the tone for the rest of the year. Icebreaker activities are more than just fun and games—they are a powerful tool to help students feel comfortable, valued, and part of a community. Teachers can ease anxieties, encourage participation, and foster meaningful connections by creating an inclusive atmosphere from day one. When students feel connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to engage in learning and contribute positively to the classroom environment.

Icebreaker Activity Ideas for Students

Encourage students to share the stories behind their names, including their meanings, family origins, or any special significance. This activity not only helps with remembering names but also provides an opportunity for students to share personal anecdotes, fostering a sense of connection and cultural appreciation within the class.

This twist on the classic “Two Truths and a Lie” game invites students to share two true facts about themselves and one personal or academic goal for the school year. Classmates then guess which statement represents the goal. This activity promotes self-disclosure and allows students to express their aspirations while finding common ground with peers.

Creative Icebreaker Activity Ideas - Student Survey

Design a brief survey that covers interests, favorite subjects, and hobbies. After gathering responses, use the information to group students for future projects or discussions based on shared interests. This can help in forming cohesive groups and tailoring lessons to student preferences.

Form a circle and have each student give a genuine compliment to the person standing next to them. This activity encourages positive interactions, boosts self-esteem, and helps create a supportive classroom atmosphere by making each student feel valued.

Creative Icebreaker Activity Ideas - Classroom Values Agreement

Collaborate with students to develop a list of values or norms they want to uphold in the classroom. This activity not only establishes expectations but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, as students have a hand in shaping their learning environment.

Provide each student with a square piece of paper or fabric to decorate with drawings or writings that represent their identity. Assemble these squares into a “quilt” displayed on a bulletin board. This visual and collective project highlights individual uniqueness while celebrating the diversity within the class.

Arrange quick, timed conversations where students rotate through partners and discuss prompts such as “Favorite Book” or “What I Want to Learn This Year.” This structured format ensures that students engage with many peers, facilitating a broader social network and fostering connections early in the year.

Create a list of attributes or experiences. For example, “Find someone who speaks more than one language” and have students find classmates who match each criterion. This engaging activity encourages conversations and helps students learn interesting facts about each other in a dynamic, interactive way.

Creative Icebreaker Activity Ideas - Collaborative Storytelling

Begin a story with one sentence and pass it around the room, with each student adding a line. The story can be serious or humorous, and the goal is to build on each other’s ideas. This activity encourages collaboration, creativity, and a sense of shared accomplishment.

Start with one student who shares something about themselves. For instance, a hobby or favorite food. If another student shares this interest, they hold onto a piece of yarn and pass it to the next student with a similar interest. Continue until a web of connections is formed. This visual representation of shared interests helps to illustrate the interconnectedness of the class.

Write the name of a famous person, character, or animal on a sticky note, and place it on each student’s forehead. Students mingle and ask yes or no questions to figure out their assigned identity. This fun and interactive game promotes socialization and sets a lively tone for the classroom

Designate a “Mystery Student” each day or week and provide clues about their identity (such as hobbies or favorite foods). The class guesses who the mystery student is based on the clues. This ongoing activity adds an element of excitement and curiosity, encouraging students to learn more about each other throughout the year.

Create bingo cards featuring various traits, experiences, or preferences. For example, activities done during the summer holidays. Students circulate the room to find classmates who match the descriptions and fill in their bingo cards. This activity fosters interaction and discovery of commonalities in a fun and engaging way.

Split the class into small teams and play Pictionary using words related to upcoming subjects or classroom themes. This game blends academic content with fun, encourages teamwork, and helps students get to know each other through shared laughter and creativity.

15. Sit Down If… (The Stand-Up Showdown!)

In this lively game, students stand in a circle, and the teacher asks a series of quirky and entertaining yes/no questions. If a student can answer “yes” to the question, they sit down. The last student standing wins the game! This activity is a fun way to learn about your students’ personalities, interests, and quirks while keeping the energy high.

Sit down if… you’ve ever eaten ice cream for breakfast.
Sit down if… you can touch your tongue to your nose.
Sit down if… you’ve ever fallen asleep during a movie.
Sit down if… you’ve worn mismatched socks on purpose.
Sit down if… you can whistle with two fingers.
Sit down if… you’ve tried to talk to your pet as if they could understand you.
Sit down if… you’ve stayed up past midnight playing video games.
Sit down if… you’ve ever made up a song while doing chores.
Sit down if… you’ve ever pretended to be a superhero.
Sit down if… you’ve ever tripped over your own feet.
Sit down if… you’ve ever eaten an entire pizza by yourself.
Sit down if… you’ve ever done a silly dance in public.
Sit down if… you’ve ever laughed so hard that you cried.
Sit down if… you’ve ever talked to an imaginary friend.
Sit down if… you’ve ever worn your clothes inside out by accident.
Sit down if… you’ve ever tried to catch a snowflake on your tongue.
Sit down if… you’ve ever forgotten where you put your homework.
Sit down if… you’ve ever wished you could have a superpower.
Sit down if… you’ve ever sung in the shower.
Sit down if… you’ve ever stayed up all night reading a book.

While icebreakers are designed to be enjoyable, they also serve a greater purpose in the classroom. These icebreaker activities can help students develop communication skills, boost their confidence, and practice social interactions in a supportive environment. By balancing fun with learning, teachers can use icebreakers to introduce key concepts like teamwork, respect, and empathy.

The start of a new academic year is a prime opportunity for teachers to build a cohesive and enthusiastic classroom environment. Icebreaker activities for students, when thoughtfully designed and executed, can play a pivotal role in fostering connections and igniting enthusiasm among learners. For school leaders looking to set the tone for the entire school year, there are also fun icebreaker activities to foster unity among their staff. This can also be a great starting point for creating a collaborative school culture.

We hope these 15 icebreaker activity ideas can help your students feel more comfortable and connected with their peers, setting the stage for a year filled with collaboration and learning. Encourage students to bring their authentic selves to these activities, and watch as your classroom transforms into a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

Don’t forget to share these icebreaker activity ideas with your colleagues and encourage them to incorporate similar activities into their classrooms! Engaging students from day one sets the stage for a successful and rewarding school year.

Top 3 Things To Do This Summer For High School Students

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Summer is a perfect time to relax and recharge, but it’s also a great opportunity for students to gain work experience, engage in enjoyable activities, and improve their chances of getting into a top college. While it might be tempting to spend the whole summer sleeping in and hanging out with friends, it’s also essential to use some of that time productively to prepare for your future. Engaging in summer activities can help you land a good job or get accepted into a prestigious college, and being productive doesn’t have to consume all your time or be dull!

Colleges and employers appreciate applicants who are driven and eager to learn. By staying active during the summer, you’ll demonstrate that you have what it takes to be a valuable addition to your school or workplace.

There are many ways for high school students to spend their summer. Here are some activities that are both useful and enjoyable.

Volunteering

Volunteering means doing work that helps others without getting paid. Knowing that you are making a difference can be added to your resume and college applications. You can find volunteer opportunities in many places like schools, animal shelters, nursing homes, museums, and more. Most of the time, you can volunteer close to home, but there are also chances to volunteer abroad during the summer. This can be organized through your school, religious institutes, or special programs.

Besides helping others, you can often pick volunteer work that matches your interests like working with kids, enjoying being around animals, or prefer outdoor activities. You can usually find a suitable volunteer role that matches your preference. You might also volunteer at a place where you hope to work in the future.

However, just a few hours of volunteering won’t impress colleges much. To make your volunteer experience stand out, you should stay at the same place for a long time, take on a leadership role, and show your passion and interests clearly.

An internship is a great way to dive into your dream job. Generally, an internship allows you to use what you’ve learned in school to solve real-life issues. There are internships in many fields, so it’s essential to decide what interests you. The primary goal of a student internship is to acquire useful work experience. To secure an internship, you usually need to complete an application process that may include writing essays, working on a project, obtaining recommendation letters, and possibly attending an interview.

You can find opportunities in places like museums, labs, companies, community projects, or many reliable online platforms. A great internship for school students is the Artificial Intelligence Internship Program , guided by a retired Senior Researcher from Oxford University. This program allows you to work on a project that meets Sustainable Development Goals and earn a valuable Letter of Recommendation, enhancing your student profile.

Another is the Space and Generative AI Internship Program specially designed for high school students. Students improve their chances for university admission by getting letters of recommendation from NASA’s former chief scientist. Working with PhD scholars enhances their profiles for top universities that appreciate practical experience. This internship helps students learn new skills and shows their commitment to exploring careers in the exciting areas of space and AI.

Apply early to improve your chances of getting a position that will enhance your college applications.

Summer Camp

Summer camps have evolved beyond just making s’mores and hiking in nature. Now, many summer camps for high school students focus on unique themes like cultural experiences, performing arts, wilderness skills, and more. Unlike regular extracurricular activities, summer camps provide a more intense and organized experience over a specific time frame, even if they cover similar topics like sports.

Students often join these camps to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. For instance, if you want to improve in a sport or start learning a new language, a summer camp can help you dive deep into that subject with fewer distractions and alongside peers who share your interests. Some programs even offer academic credit for coursework completed during the camp. Adding a summer program to your CV or personal statement shows that you are dedicated to learning beyond regular school hours and during the summer.

Summer is a perfect season for you to discover and create. Start by reflecting on your passions—whether it’s painting, photography, gardening, or writing—and identify skills you want to learn.

Consider local resources like workshops and community events that align with your interests. Connecting with like-minded individuals can enhance your experience and motivation.

Knowing what you need and what interests you is a good way to begin planning fun and successful summer activities!

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40 Facts About Tolyatti

Written by Elfreda Solberg

Modified & Updated: 25 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Automotive Industry Facts
Russian Federation Facts
Soviet Union Facts
Volga River Facts

Tolyatti, situated on the banks of the beautiful Volga River, is a city that holds a plethora of fascinating facts and captivating stories. Located in the Samara Oblast of Russia, Tolyatti is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich history and vibrant culture. As one of the largest cities in the country, Tolyatti has a population of over 700,000 people, making it a bustling hub of activity and a significant industrial center.

From being home to one of the largest automobile plants in Russia to having a diverse range of cultural attractions, Tolyatti offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. In this article, we will delve into 40 intriguing facts about Tolyatti, uncovering the hidden gems that make this city truly special. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a journey to discover the enchanting secrets of Tolyatti!

Key Takeaways:

Tolyatti, the “automobile capital” of Russia, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, strong sports tradition, and a thriving automotive industry. It offers a diverse culinary scene, beautiful nature, and a welcoming community.
With a population exceeding 700,000, Tolyatti is known for its strong focus on innovation, vibrant music and nightlife scenes, and a low crime rate. The city embraces technology, supports entrepreneurship, and has a growing film industry.

Tolyatti is the largest city in the Samara Oblast.

Tolyatti is a vibrant city located in the Samara Oblast of Russia. Covering an area of approximately 314 square kilometers, it is known as the “automobile capital” of Russia.

The city was founded in 1737 as a fortress.

Tolyatti was originally established as a fortress by the Russian Empire in 1737 to protect their territory from nomadic tribes.

The city was renamed Tolyatti in 1964.

Prior to 1964, Tolyatti was known as Stavropol-on-Volga. The city was renamed in honor of the Italian communist leader , Palmiro Togliatti.

Tolyatti is home to the largest car manufacturing plant in Russia.

The AvtoVAZ car factory, known for producing the iconic Lada vehicles, is located in Tolyatti. It is one of the city’s major economic contributors.

The Volga River flows through Tolyatti.

Tolyatti is situated on the banks of the Volga River , the longest river in Europe. The picturesque river adds to the natural beauty of the city .

Tolyatti has a population of over 700,000 people.

With a population exceeding 700,000 residents, Tolyatti is a bustling city with a diverse and vibrant community.

Tolyatti experiences a humid continental climate.

The city has distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around -10 degrees Celsius, while in July, the warmest month, it can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius.

Tolyatti is known for its thriving automotive industry.

As the “automobile capital” of Russia, Tolyatti plays a significant role in the country’s automotive industry. It is home to various car manufacturing and engineering companies.

The city has a rich sports culture.

Tolyatti has a strong sports tradition, with ice hockey, football, and volleyball being popular among its residents. The city has professional teams competing at national and international levels.

Tolyatti is a major tourist destination in Russia.

With its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and cultural attractions, Tolyatti attracts visitors from all over the world. Its proximity to the Volga River offers opportunities for water activities as well.

Tolyatti has several parks and green spaces.

The city is known for its abundance of parks and green spaces, providing residents and visitors with recreational areas for relaxation and outdoor activities.

The city has a well-developed transportation system.

Tolyatti has an extensive network of roads, buses, and taxis, making it convenient for residents and tourists to navigate throughout the city.

Tolyatti has a rich cultural heritage.

The city has numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries, showcasing its cultural diversity and history.

Tolyatti is home to the Zhiguli Museum of Automobile History.

The Zhiguli Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of automobile manufacturing in Tolyatti and the development of the iconic Lada brand.

Tolyatti hosts the International Film Festival Kinoshock.

Each year, Tolyatti plays host to the Kinoshock International Film Festival, attracting filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world.

The city has a thriving nightlife scene.

Tolyatti boasts a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants, offering entertainment options for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Tolyatti is known for its contemporary architecture.

The city showcases modern architectural designs, with several striking buildings and structures that add to its skyline.

Tolyatti has a strong educational system.

The city is home to numerous educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools, providing quality education to its residents.

Tolyatti has a diverse culinary scene.

The city offers a wide range of culinary delights, including traditional Russian dishes, international cuisine, and local specialties.

Tolyatti is a city of festivals.

Throughout the year, Tolyatti hosts various cultural, music, and sports festivals , adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Tolyatti is known for its automotive-themed events.

The city organizes auto shows, rallies, and motor racing events, attracting enthusiasts and showcasing the latest advancements in the automotive industry.

Tolyatti has numerous shopping centers and markets.

Shopaholics can indulge in retail therapy at the city’s malls, boutiques, and traditional markets, offering a wide selection of products.

Tolyatti is surrounded by beautiful nature.

The city is blessed with picturesque landscapes, including forests, lakes, and nature reserves, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Tolyatti has a strong sense of community.

The residents of Tolyatti are known for their warmth and hospitality, creating a close-knit and welcoming community.

Tolyatti is a hub for innovation and technology.

The city fosters technological advancements and innovation, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs in various sectors.

Tolyatti is home to the Tolyatti State University.

The Tolyatti State University offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities to students.

Tolyatti has a strong industrial base.

Aside from the automobile industry, the city is known for its production of machinery, chemicals, and other industrial products.

Tolyatti has a well-established healthcare system.

The city provides quality healthcare services, with modern hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities catering to the needs of its residents.

Tolyatti has a low crime rate.

The city has implemented effective measures to ensure the safety and security of its residents, resulting in a relatively low crime rate.

Tolyatti has a vibrant music scene.

The city hosts numerous music festivals, concerts, and performances, showcasing both local talent and renowned artists.

Tolyatti is known for its vibrant street art.

The city is adorned with colorful murals and graffiti, adding character and creativity to its streets.

Tolyatti is a major center for water sports.

With its proximity to the Volga River and surrounding lakes, Tolyatti offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

Tolyatti has a strong environmental focus.

The city is committed to sustainability and ecological preservation, implementing initiatives to protect its natural surroundings.

Tolyatti is well-connected to other major cities.

The city has excellent transportation links, including rail connections and an international airport, facilitating travel to and from Tolyatti.

Tolyatti is a center for engineering and technical expertise.

The city has a strong focus on engineering and technical education, producing skilled professionals in various fields.

Tolyatti is known for its annual motor show.

The city hosts an annual motor show, showcasing the latest advancements in automotive technology and attracting car enthusiasts from far and wide.

Tolyatti has a strong cultural identity.

With its rich history and diverse population, Tolyatti has developed a unique cultural identity that is celebrated throughout the city.

Tolyatti has a growing film industry.

The city has been the backdrop for various film productions, and its thriving film industry continues to grow in popularity.

Tolyatti is a city of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The city supports and encourages startups and entrepreneurial ventures, creating a dynamic business environment.

Tolyatti is a city that embraces technology.

With a strong focus on innovation, Tolyatti utilizes technology in various sectors, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Tolyatti is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. From its origins as a planned industrial city to its modern developments and attractions, Tolyatti offers a unique blend of tradition and progress. With its picturesque location on the Volga River and its numerous landmarks and points of interest, Tolyatti is a destination worth exploring.Whether you’re interested in automotive history, nature, or simply experiencing the local lifestyle, Tolyatti has something for everyone. Make sure to visit the AvtoVAZ museum to learn about the city’s automotive heritage and the Tolyatti Embankment for stunning views of the Volga River.With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and diverse range of activities, Tolyatti promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of this hidden gem in Russia. Tolyatti awaits!

1. What is the population of Tolyatti?

Tolyatti has a population of approximately 700,000 people.

2. How do I travel to Tolyatti?

Tolyatti is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city has its own international airport, and there are regular train and bus services from major Russian cities.

3. Are there any famous landmarks in Tolyatti?

Yes, Tolyatti is home to several iconic landmarks such as the AvtoVAZ museum, the Tolyatti Embankment, and the Kuibyshev Square.

4. What is the climate like in Tolyatti?

Tolyatti has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant.

5. What industries are prominent in Tolyatti?

Tolyatti is known for its automotive industry, with AvtoVAZ being the largest car manufacturer in Russia. The city also has a growing technology sector.

6. Are there any natural attractions near Tolyatti?

Yes, Tolyatti is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the Zhigulevsky National Park, which offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and diverse flora and fauna.

7. What are some popular local dishes in Tolyatti?

Tolyatti is known for its delicious cuisine. Some popular local dishes include pelmeni (meat dumplings), borsch ( beetroot soup), and syrniki (cheese pancakes).

Tolyatti's location along the mighty Volga River has shaped its history and culture. As Russia's automotive capital, Tolyatti is home to cutting-edge manufacturing plants that drive the nation's economy. Visitors can explore the city's fascinating museums, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural surroundings, making Tolyatti a must-see destination for anyone interested in discovering the heart of Russia. For more captivating facts about the region, dive into the mysteries of the Volga River , uncover the secrets behind Chrysler's success , and embark on a journey through the enchanting city of Orenburg .

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Summer View of Togliatti and Zhiguli Sea, Samara Oblast, Russia

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15 Summer Activities for Children with Special Needs
Sensory bins - Grab a few small boxes and create a summer sensory station with different themes. Create an underwater setting with smooth, blue beads for the ocean, green felt for sea kelp, and small, marine animal toys. You can also 'take' a trip to the beach and use sand, small shovels and a variety of sand molds.
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Included in this summer math pack are 5 life skill topics, each including 6 different worksheets at 3 different levels (plus 3 bonus number worksheets). Money: Level 1 works on recognizing and matching bills. Level 2 works on matching bills to their dollar amount. Level 3 works on combining multiple bills to reach certain dollar amounts.
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3. Adaptive Sports. Engage in sports modified to meet various abilities and needs. Wheelchair basketball: A fun and active way for children in wheelchairs to participate in team sports. Boccia: A paralympic sport similar to bowling that can be played seated and is great for children with limited mobility. 4.
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Summer regression is one of the most common topics in regard to special education students. As a parent, you can advocate for your child during the summer. ESY services is an IEP or Individualized Education Plan service that the team can add if the group collectively feels your child would benefit from ESY.
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Complete Unit on Summer. If you are looking for some no-prep, print and go activities perfect for the end of the year, check out my unit on Summer. You can click HERE or watch the video below. Let me help you end the year with some activities that will keep your students engaged and help you keep your sanity during these last crazy days!!
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Encourage language through speaking, signing, or pictures. Choose an activity, like playing with blocks. As you stack the block on top, say "on top" and do not expect your child to say the word or words. When the blocks fall, you can say "fall down", "oh no", or "they fell down".
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Sidewalk Chalk Jumping Maze. Create a 5×5 grid with numbers and a star in the center (like the photo above). Make sure the starting square is clear by writing it in a different color than the rest of the numbers. Then, fill in rest of the squares with numbers 1 through 4. To play, kids start on the "start" square.
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B.O.K. Ranch - The ranch offers a fully inclusive summer camp inter-dependent equine based, summer camp experience. Each week campers of all ages and all abilities work cohesively and respectfully of one another. YMCA - Your local YMCA offers many recreational opportunities; summer camps are available in Albany, Berkeley and Pleasant Hill.
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15 - Sink or Float. Incorporate some science into a cool water activity. Fill a water table or even a large bucket with water. Next, have your children grab some things from around the house (that can get wet), and have discussions about what will sink or float and why. Then, test each item in the water!
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Create bingo cards featuring various traits, experiences, or preferences. For example, activities done during the summer holidays. Students circulate the room to find classmates who match the descriptions and fill in their bingo cards. This activity fosters interaction and discovery of commonalities in a fun and engaging way. 14. Classroom ...
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Tolyatti, the "automobile capital" of Russia, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, strong sports tradition, and a thriving automotive industry. It offers a diverse culinary scene, beautiful nature, and a welcoming community. With a population exceeding 700,000, Tolyatti is known for its strong focus on innovation, vibrant music ...
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Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, Writing, and Literature Religion and Spirituality Science Tabletop Games ...
English Version
Site address: 445043, Togliatti, Avtozavodsky district, Yuzhnoe shosse, 161. Contact information: (8482) 93-00-93, 27-02-02. Official site: https://dolinatlt.ru. Special Economic Zone of industrial and production type "Togliatti". The special economic zone of industrial and production type "Togliatti" was established in the Stavropol municipal ...

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