Guest Author - Susan Kramer
When the temperature is nippy there are still things to do outdoors for your kids with learning disabilities and for all kids in general. Perhaps the most important point is to bundle up appropriately for the chill and wind if there is any.
Kids with learning disabilities may need help getting dressed appropriately, and if they are not so active outdoors they may need to have more layers of clothing than kids running around.
I have found a long sleeve thermal shirt keeps the body warmth in without extra weight and bulk. I like the shirts that have a layer of cotton on the inside and wool on the outside - of course, I'm talking about living in northern Europe which is also dark besides being cold in autumn and winter.
Okay, now everyone is bundled up and ready to play outside. What is there to do? I show the kids how to rub their hands together to get their circulation going and to march in place to get their legs warmed up.
Games such as kick ball and soccer type activities are really perfect for cool weather as the sweat doesn't make the kids overheat like such active play in warm weather could.
If your child is in a roll chair outdoors perhaps they can play catch in a circle. The other kids can gently throw the ball to them - really aiming for their lap so it is an easy catch. Making the catch feeds the child's self esteem. If possible the ball can be thrown to another child and the game continues in this way - throwing and catching.
Walking or jogging is a perfect way to see nature, even in the city it is possible to go to the local park, sit awhile if necessary, and watch the birds or other wild animals in nature. This is an opportunity to take some photos and then when back at home do some drawings from the photos and write a story about the day's adventures.
Being in the crisp air is invigorating and lifts the spirits of the kids and parents, too. Running around in the cool air is a good way to get the wiggles out and be ready for some quieter indoor activities, again.
To summarize, cool weather is a good time for the more active physical games, and dressing appropriately, in layers, may be just the way to keep comfortable while playing.
For offline reading
Free to Move, Learning Kinesthetically - Comprehensive guide to teaching kinesthetically in a 90 page fully illustrated text, outlining body placement, rhythms, large motor skills, dynamics, creative movement, mini-lessons, and detailed master lesson plan for elementary school kids. Available here at BellaOnline as an Ebook
Article by Susan Kramer
