Hi everyone. Well, this is my son's first week out of summer school and I think he is just really bored. Hes very irritable and fussy. He doesnt seem too tired, I think he is just bored. Hes so used to being in school and he really enjoys it.. Do any of you have any suggestions on things for the kids to do while they are out of school? I take him out for walks quite a bit, but that doesnt take up much time. I am doing medical transcription at home so I would like to find something he can do on his own sometimes that will be entertaining for him... Well, any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks all!
JenThanks everyone for your help. We do actually have a yard but my son doesnt usually like to go out there. I did just buy him a neat sprinkler for kids so Im hoping he will like that... Well see :)Get on the floor with him LOL Even though it gets really old! That is one thing my son just loves (I get really sick of it however because it is so hard to figure out what he is trying to "play". It isn't really an interactive play, more like I watch him play but he wants me to sit there and hold up the figurines or whatever LOL)
Um lets see, sprinkler is a good idea. I have been taking mine to swimming lessons, to the park, anything to get them fresh air and sunshine. What about a hike? We have some fun hiking trails and Gage loves to hike because he can't run or do anything that is very coordinated, so sports are our of the question.
I was trying to think of things Dooder liked to do independently(so you could work a little) at that age and what he loved to do was play with his sand and water table. You could hide stuff in there for him to find. Dooder could spend hours at it, if I let him! Also, sidewalk chalk was a hit. Bubbles (try the Catch a Bubbles for a fun new spin - they are thicker and you can hold them). The big empty box is always a hit... and empty wrapping paper tubes (great bouncy ball ramps).
Good luck!
Thanks Shelley and Matty.
Matty, our situations sound so similar. I have tried doing activities, and ABA therapy with my son and he just is not interested...but if hes at school with his teachers and therapists he does so well! They tell me how he is doing signs in school and hes so attentive and makes great eye contact, and I just dont see this as much at home. Actually I never see him do any signs. Its like he is a different child at home and at school.. I wish that he had the year round school too. Hes off for almost 2 whole months and thats just too much. He will be starting ABA therapy soon but I am not sure how many hours a week the therapist will be coming out... Well, hopefully I can figure out something fun for him to do.. By the way, where in FL are you Matty? We are in Yulee, close to Jacksonville. I know what you mean about it being hot.. Its hard to do anything. Our favorite place is the beach though, at least you have the ocean breeze :) Well, thanks again!
Take him to a Traditional Karate school and check into lessons. Preferably private lessons once a week for only 30 minutes. You have questions email me at greenskarate.comI meant greenskarate@msn.com greenskarate.com is my website but there's no link.
Matty where are you moving that has year round school?????????I am really in the same boat as you. When I try to do a structured activity at home w/my son, he looks at me like I'm crazy. I'll be standing there with workbooks, crayons, and scissors and of course fruit snacks for some ABA time! Realistically, it doesn't last long. He really misses school and loves the structure (from anyone but me), (I'm so glad we're moving where he'll get year-round). Going to the playground, although we roast here in FL, is his favorite. I did buy him new toys to play with at home. I found some Little People sets at a thrift shop, and I buy him matchbox cars and Thomas Trains as rewards. It really helps to have some new fresh stuff around. I love Shelley's idea for a large box - I forget about that! You can do so much with a box!Sarah loves to do crafts..I buy tons of paper, scissors, glue sticks, paints, and playdough..moonsand, She loves the computer so maybe some education cd-roms.. We go to park, library, pool, bookstore, petstore, mall. She likes to make pinatas~very messy:P
Kiddie pools are great for taking bubble bath in..will need supervision though. Legos or building train tracks..puzzles, My girls has lots of girly things like baby dolls and dress up vanity and clothes but could careless and would rather be making something more than anything..find what crafts he is into and make art bins for him.
A giant box to make a playhouse in:)
I got her rollerskates to practice in the house..
Water bin with toys, beans and rice with cars, playdough with cookie cutters..Be creative and make it fun!
Do you have a yard? We got our son a trampoline (12 foot), swing set, slip n slide, and my husband built a club house...that keeps our guy entertained!