Summer is here, and it’s time to bring some fun into special education classrooms! As the sun shines brighter and days get longer, there’s no better opportunity to engage students with exciting and educational activities.

Try the following ideas from Spotter Staffing to keep your class having fun and learning all summer long!

1. Outdoor Sensory Play

Nothing beats the great outdoors for sensory exploration. Create sensory bins with sand, water, and a variety of textured objects. Let students dig, pour, and feel their way through different materials. You can even add some themed items like seashells and toy fish for an oceanic adventure. Sensory play is fantastic for enhancing fine motor skills and calming sensory needs.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take advantage of the warm weather by organizing a nature scavenger hunt. Create a simple checklist of things to find, such as a specific type of leaf, a feather, or a smooth stone. This activity encourages observation, fosters curiosity, and provides a great opportunity for students to practice teamwork. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate physical activity into your day.

3. Art in the Park

Move your art class outside! Bring along some paper, crayons, markers, and paint, and let students use nature as their inspiration. Leaves, flowers, and rocks can be part of their masterpiece. Outdoor art activities help develop creativity and can be a soothing experience for many students.

4. Summer-Themed Story Time

Take your story time outside and read summer-themed books under a shady tree. Use props, puppets, or even costumes to bring the stories to life. This can help with language development and listening skills while making reading an exciting adventure.

5. Picnic Party

Plan a picnic day with your class. Prepare simple, healthy snacks and let the students help with the setup. Use this time for social interaction and practicing manners. Plus, who doesn’t love a good picnic?

Remember, the key is to keep activities flexible and adaptable to each student’s needs. These summer activities not only make learning fun but also create lasting memories for your students.

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Spotter Staffing is hiring for Special Education Teachers in Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth right now! Our positions offer incredible pay, amazing benefits, time off, and so much more. If you’d like to learn more about the positions we’re interviewing for, click here to browse our open positions or connect with a member of our recruiting team today. We can’t wait for you to “Join the Herd!”