Springtime is perfect for adding outside play activities that promote speech and language. Bubbles are great for this purpose. So are hula hoops.
This afternoon I went to the grocery store. As I walked down the ‘seasonal’ aisle of sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and bubbles I remember all the wonderful surprises that my parents had given to my children over the years. Of course, there were (and continue to be) many large surprises and gifts, but my grocery shopping today reminded me of the impromptu, backyard fun gifts that seemed to appear at every visit. Hula hoops were always a favorite.
Ways to encourage skills in special needs kids with hula hoops:
- Talk about circles. Talk about BIG. Look for circles (big and small).
- Talk about color. Look for other items that are the same color.
- Talk about how the hula hoop can roll. Practice rolling the hula hoop on edge. (Be careful that this is not near a street.)
- Talk about in and out. With the hula hoop on the ground or floor, step into the hoop. Say I am in. Step out of the hula hoop and say I am out. Repeat with your child and with various toys or stuffed animals.
- Try hula hooping. Your child will love the fun of Mommy or Daddy doing this. You can talk about the hoop going round and round . . if it stays up.
Have a wonderful spring day!
