Happy Fun Friday!

Summer is here and for most of us the school year is ending. For me – I work at a year-round program which means our summers are an awesome opportunity to try out fun activities that sometimes we run out of time for in the Spring. This past Friday we decided it was time to clear up our garden and enjoy some delicious, iced coffee from our coffee bar! Both activities are affordable, fun, and filled with opportunities to pair with lessons across the curriculum. They also provide a chance for students to engage with peers and staff in new environments around our building!

One of our staff members decided to help students create coffee drinks inspired by Tik Tok – of course titled, the Tik Tok Special! Not only is the coffee sweet and delicious, but I love hearing our students announce over the intercom, “The Tik Tok Special is Available!” The coffee shop involves prepping the workspace, following a recipe, keeping a workspace clean, money exchanges, greeting guests, taking coffee orders, and cleaning up the shop – so many skills packed into one activity.

Maybe summertime means you are home with your kids and looking for fun caffeine-free activities for them! Try out this recipe from The Autism Helper – a simple activity that can be done inside to keep cool on a hot, summer day. The Autism Helper has multiple visual recipes for students to follow along with.

Enjoying the Outdoors

In our courtyard we have a greenhouse and garden beds. The garden has seen better days, but we are ready to try our luck at growing some vegetables and beautifying our campus! Staff purchased vegetables, soil, and mulch and got to work. Students practiced weeding the flower beds, digging holes, and placing vegetables gently into the fresh, new topsoil.

In our courtyard we have a greenhouse and garden beds. The garden has seen better days, but we are ready to try our luck at growing some vegetables and beautifying our campus! Staff purchased vegetables, soil, and mulch and got to work. Students practiced weeding the flower beds, digging holes, and placing vegetables gently into the fresh, new topsoil. The Autism Helper has weather activities that pair great with gardening, or an afternoon nature walk. Check out the Visual Temperature Bar Graph, Weather Boom Cards, or Weather & Season File Folder Activities for lessons that pair nicely with time outside.

Introducing Fruits and Vegetables

Gardening can also be paired with activities about fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating – what better way to introduce your kiddos to new foods this summer than growing them in your own backyard. This adapted book series and this bingo game are just what you need to expand upon your gardening day. Whether you are preparing for extended school year or getting activities on the calendar for your house this summer – getting creative in the kitchen or going outside are sure things your kids will love!