- Obstacle courses outside- Create simple or complex obstacle courses outside. Give auditory directions with increasing difficulty. Start with a simple two step direction and make it harder as they go along; “First, go run around the tree, then jump over the stick, and finally give me a high-five” This is a great way to work on auditory memory, sequencing, and language concepts.
- Making a list- Going on a picnic, going to the beach, or going for a hike? Have your child make a “list” of things to pack. Let them pack their own bag or try making their own sandwich.
- Pretend Play- A lemonade stand, a pretend restaurant, a pretend surf shop…..Any type of pretend play fosters receptive and expressive language and helps children to learn reciprocal interaction skills.
- Incorporate naming and retrieval into any kind of play. Play catch with a ball and each time you throw the ball you have to name something in a category (“lets name farm animals while we play catch”). You can do the same with just about any motor task outside- name something before you go down the slide, throw a water balloon, or each time you jump in the pool….)
- Some great games to play inside or outside include: Barbeque Party, Shark Bite, Spot It, Pop up Pirate, Princess Cupcake Party, Mustache Smash, Soggy Doggy, Simon. Any of these games and a multitude of others can be played inside or outside at the picnic table or on a blanket. Games work on concept development, memory, turn taking, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Group outdoor games such as Red Light/Green Light, What Time is it Mr. Fox?, Drip, Drip, Drop, Ring Around the Rosie, and Duck, Duck, Goose are also great for many areas of language and social development.
- Teach your child some functional skills! Watering flowers with a watering can works on measurement skills, motor skills, and independence. Other things that kids can learn to help with include: weeding, planting, digging, raking, picking up sticks, washing bikes, helping wash the car.
- Scavenger hunts are great for summer. You can make a list, use pictures, or just give auditory information for things they need to find. (“Find an acorn, a leaf, a pebble, a dandelion, and 3 rocks that are all different sizes”)
- How about try to learn a new skill? Tying knots, Macrame, jump rope, pogo stick, balance beam, dribbling a ball, blowing bubbles (with gum or regular bubbles), can you think of anymore?
- FUN, FUN, FUN!!!! Enjoy outdoor fun and play. Spend time with your family and friends and become a better communicator!
Joanne Hanson MS, CCC-SLP