Play is a basic right for every child, and children with special needs are no exception. Through playing with others, children get to understand the world around them better and learn valuable problem-solving skills. Apart from having fun, playing games for special needs kids and socializing also helps children build self-esteem and motor and social skills.
However, for special needs kids, you have to be a bit more careful when selecting activities and games for them to do. Some games can be a little too rigorous and competitive for them, and this can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is important to find special needs resources for parents that will help you select the right activities for your child.
How to Select Games for Special Needs Kids
There are several games, special needs toys, and activities for kids with special needs that you can select for your child so they can let her hair down and unwind. The common characteristic shared by these games for special needs kids is that they are simple and fun. Most of these games are suitable for all kids and their special needs friends regardless of their physical or psychological challenges. For instance, you can choose board games or simple interactive games to help your child learn to share and take turns.
Sometimes, you might find that your child needs to learn how to wait for a turn. You can monitor them and help them remember to be patient by using a wait card during activities. As your child understands this concept, you can then cut down on the prompts by raising a finder instead. The key to selecting games for special needs students is identifying areas they need help with and finding simple games that can assist them with their learning process.
Simple Fun and Socializing Activities for Special Needs Kids
It is always important to study special needs resources for parents so you can know what’s suitable for your child. Here are some simple and fun socializing activities and games for special needs kids.
Dance to a Tune
Among activities for kids with special needs, dancing can be a great way to learn how to express themselves. It is also effective when it comes to keeping a child’s body in shape. Children will have a lot of fun as they are stomping, tapping, and swirling. You will also find that dancing can still be fun even for children who use wheelchairs. It can help them become more flexible and boost their upper body strength.
When you throw in some nice music, the children will greatly benefit from an endorphin boost. These are feel-good hormones that can help to relax children. Dancing is also great for a child’s social skills, and it is probably one of the easiest activities for disabled children to plan. All you need is some music and clear ground.
Sensory Tables for Special Needs Kids
Sensory tables are quite beneficial for kids and their special needs friends. There are many sensory activities you can incorporate into their play. For instance, you can get them to run their fingers through running water. This can be quite effective when it comes to calming overstimulated and anxious children as well. Experts suggest that sensory tables promote self–discovery and encourage children to play around with new textures. This will also support their social and emotional development.
Textures like dried beans and cotton balls are recommended in special needs resources for parents, and they can help boost hand-eye coordination in children with special needs. They can also give children an opportunity to pinch, grasp and enhance their fine motor skills. By incorporating this into their play, children will discover many new textures and objects. You might also notice that they will have a verbal response, which is a great way to help them with language development.
Outdoor Play Time
Outdoor play is great for every child. However, it can be beneficial for a child who needs help developing gross motor skills. When you take special needs kids for some outdoor playtime, come up with a list of fun games for special needs students, including hopscotch, “Simon Says,” and tag. Such games are great when it comes to promoting whole-body movement. They also help with balance, helping children to follow instructions and focus their attention.
During outdoor playtime, it is important to offer plenty of options and special needs toys. You can also allow children to play freely for a while as you are monitoring them. There are many types of outdoor equipment and special needs toys that you can take with you, including balls and hula hoops. You will be surprised to find out that the children and their special needs friends will engage their fine and gross motor skills a lot without your instructions.
Singing and Instrumental Programs
Singing and instrumental programs can be combined with music therapy and fun games for special needs students. There are several singing and instrumental activities for disabled children. Some of these activities actually teach and celebrate actual skills that your child might have. If the child can sing or play an instrument, they can join a band at school. This will not only help them get through school, but it can actually be a hobby they will enjoy even later on in life.
Volunteer Activities for Disabled Children
Apart from fun games for special needs students, there are many volunteer activities and socializing opportunities for special needs kids. For instance, you can take the kids with you to help clean up trash at a nearby park. They can also help foster kittens and accompany you to a nursing home. Other fun activities for disabled children include helping to raise funds for school events through washing cars and selling stuff. These activities will help kids feel like they are valued members of the community.
Yoga for Kids
Yoga is popular for balancing the mind and the body. Most people think that yoga is a practice for adults only. However, special needs kids can greatly benefit from this activity. Yoga can help children who have a hard time sitting. It can also assist with self-regulation and self-soothing. Another benefit of yoga is that it helps to boost self-awareness of the body and emotional state.
Fun With Light Boxes
Most children are fascinated by lightboxes. However, these special needs toys can greatly help to boost the attention span of children with special needs . A child can spend hours playing with a lightbox. This will also help them practice their fine motor skills. The good thing is you can even make your lightbox at home. These work great in the classroom too. When making these lightboxes, ensure that you include many brightly colored transparent items like small rocks and plastic blocks.
Did you find the tips in this article helpful? These are some of the best fun and socializing activities for special needs kids. Anytime you want your kids to play, you can pick some of these activities and have a lot of fun while also teaching the children something. If you need more information about fun activities you can pick for special needs kids, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have been helping parents and teachers with special needs kids for a long time, and we will give you the best advice. Also, if you want us to notify you next time we post a similar article, please feel free to subscribe to our mailing list.
