Kids with special needs can get as much enjoyment from a fun activity as any other kid. They just need to be reminded of all the things they can do, and how to do them safely. Some activities even provide opportunities for kids to practice their skills in math, reading, and speech.
Special education students are often relegated to the sidelines, whether it’s in social situations or educational activities. But there is no reason these students can’t join their peers in fun activities, especially if they have disabilities that prevent them from engaging in physical activity.
There are a number of activities that allow them to do so and bring them together with their classmates. That way, they’ll build relationships that will last a lifetime. While it’s important to consider the needs of special education students, it’s also important to remember that they want to be included and treated like everyone else.
Working with kids who have disabilities can be tricky and challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun. We know that you want to help these kids learn and grow, so we’ve put together a list of activities that will keep them engaged and learning in a way that’s fun for everyone involved. And if you’re a parent looking to make learning at home more engaging for your special needs student, you’re in the right place.
Special education students require a lot of extra attention and care, both in the classroom and in their after-school activities. It’s important to find activities that are fun, engaging, and easy for them to understand. That’s why it’s important to consider hands-on activities that combine multiple senses and that children can do with very little adult supervision.
Here are some activities that you can use with your special education students:
- Painting
Paint is a great way to engage multiple senses, especially smell, sight, and touch! By creating art, your students will be able to express themselves independently and creatively.
- Clay and Play-Doh
Molding clay and Play-Doh is an excellent activity for fine motor skills. Kids can create different shapes and textures simply by kneading the dough in their fingers or using a rolling pin. Plus they can make their own jewellery like necklaces using pipe cleaners or popsicle sticks.
- Colouring Books
Colouring books are one of the best ways to encourage creativity because they allow kids to express themselves through colour choice as well as line drawing on blank paper (which may be more difficult for special needs students).
- Photography
For older kids who want something more advanced.
- Scavenger Hunt
Students can go on a scavenger hunt in your classroom to find a list of items you made up beforehand. This will help them learn to follow directions and work together as a team.
- Bingo
This is a classic game that will have your students engaged in no time! You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want, with just numbers or words for younger students, and sentences or phrases for older students.
- Bowling
Bowling is a great social activity for children with special needs because there are no rules or regulations about how you have to play the game—just throw your ball down the lane.
- Balloon Games
Balloons can be used in many different ways to teach special education students about how things work. Blow up several balloons and then have each child hold one while they run around or walk around the room.