Sometimes change in routine or missing a favorite activity (like an autistic child loving to jump on the trampoline in the backyard) can cause an upset in behavior.
BRRR! It is very cold outside here in the Midwest. In fact, not too far from here power is out because the ice took out the electricity. Such chilly weather makes me curious about what kinds of indoor activities you enjoy with your special needs child in winter. Do you watch movies? Work puzzles? Read?
Having an alternate routine (for bad weather days) and being able to communicate changes can help a lot. I encourage you to think of cold weather days as times to do more things together and to build some new favorite experiences. Many children with disabilities love computer time. Here are a few of my favorite computer activities that are FREE!
My favorite free games for younger kids:
- Make a snowman (and learn to spell the word as well)!
- Learn the letters of the alphabet.
- Read books with sight words.
- Play a listening memory game.
- Play a dinosaur matching game.
My favorite free games for older kids:
- Save the Apples - a math facts game
- Find the States
- Math Space Shuttle
I believe that computer skills are more than just fun for the child with a disability. For many, it is a way of communication or a means of correcting difficult language and spelling. In addition, a world of research options is available without having to navigate getting books at the library. So when the temperatures drop in your area this winter, I am hoping that the power stays on and your child continues to explore fun and learning on the computer.
