Plan The Best Summer For The Kids! (With free printables.)

PLAN THE BEST SUMMER FOR THE KIDS!

(WITH FREE PRINTABLES)

www.ariannesjoy.blogspot.com

As a stay-at-home mother of three kids, I have planned a lot of Summer vacations!

Some summers I go all out...some summers I go laid back and by the moment.

I have kind of learned over the years that even though it might take some more work...

the planned summers are actually more relaxing. For me anyway...!

When I try to do the fly-by-seat type fun, it can be stressful for the OCD type mom like me. (And my daughter with Autism needs a real schedule as well!) I find summer more enjoyable for the kids and me when I am prepared and organized. Plus, this Summer I want to go all out!! Make it a Summer they will never forget. My oldest is turning thirteen this year and these moments won't last forever.

WHAT I AM SHARING:

*SUMMER ROUTINE CHECK LIST

*FREE SUMMER ROUTINE PRINTABLE (FREE!)

*LEGO CHALLENGE LINK

*PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGES

*PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGES PRINTABLES (FREE!)

*THREE MONTHS OF SUMMER FUN CALENDARS

*JUNE, JULY & AUGUST PLANNED CALENDAR PRINTABLES (FREE!)

SUMMER ROUTINE CHECK LIST!

*Our Summer goes so much smoother when everyone knows what's going on and what's next!

(Especially for the mom with OCD and the oldest child with Autism.) I created these cards for the kids to keep track of their day. I laminated them so that the kids can use dry erase markers to check them off. That way they can erase the marks for the next day. I know having 14 things on your check list seems like a lot, but believe me your day will seem a lot longer without them. They go quicker than you think. 

Let me break them down for you as we do them at our house:

1. MORNING CHORES- my kids have a list of 7 easy chores they do everyday. Like feed the cat, make your bed, put your shoes away, etc. They are easy but helpful to everyone!

2. MORNING WALK- I love taking the kids for a morning walk! It gets their energy out, it puts them in a cheerful mood (the birds, the fresh air...you get it) and it's not so hot in the morning.

3. CRAFT -OR- FUN ACTIVITY- After years of summer activities, I find that early morning has the kids attention the best. They are more likely to participate and create at this time of day. (I'll share my ideas for this below.)

4. MORNING SNACK- I love making a 'snack tray' in the summer. I put little bowls of different kinds of snacks like fruit, pretzels, goldfish, etc. and put it on the tray. The kids love the presentation! I store them in little containers for easy access later on.

5. MOVEMENT PLAY -OR- POOL- 'Movement play' is just my fancy word for getting exercise. If we can't go to the pool, we usually go to the playground or play outside. My kids love to play with scooters, bubbles and chalk outside. I keep a bag by the door for outdoor play. It has bug spray, sunblock, mini first aid, jump ropes, bag of chalk, frisbees, balls, bubbles, etc.

6. LUNCH- you know what that's all about...

7. LEGO CHALLENGE -OR- STEM CHALLENGE -OR- PRETEND PLAY-

I planned on doing 2 lego challenges a week...1 stem challenge a week and 2 pretend plays a week. More on this below...

8. MOBY MAX -OR- SUMMER READING- I like to help the kids keep up with their studies during the Summer. It prevents them from forgetting things they learned. Plus it gives them an advantage when heading back to school in the fall. Moby Max is an awesome free online learning program. (Mostly beneficial to my daughter with Autism...helps her sooo much!) You just enter in their information to sign-up and Moby Max will do the rest. You have to check it out!!! 

Click here to check it out: MOBY MAX

 This is about the time when the kids start crashing and feeling a little tired. That's why it's a great time for summer reading. We do the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge every year. You enter your minutes for possible prizes. Plus it helps their school wins prizes too. 

Visit here for more info: SCHOLASTIC SUMMER READING CHALLENGE!

9. CLEAN-UP & AFTERNOON SNACK- By now the house is a total mess again and I ask the kids to help me out before giving them a snack. (And a piece candy goes a long way too.)

10. FREE PLAY -OR- MOBY MAX- This is the time of day I let the kids play with their electronics: Play-station, Wii, I-Pad,etc. My oldest is usually still doing Moby Max.

11. DINNER & CLEAN-UP- After dinner the kids help me clean up once again, because usually after dinner we have stuff to do like an errand or go to the playground.

12. EVENING WALK -OR- ACTIVITY- Summer days can be long, so we enjoy an evening walk around the neighborhood. Or we go do some errands.

13. DESSERT & SHOWERS- I love summer desserts! They are always so refreshing after a hot day. Some of our favorites...brownie ice cream sundaes, strawberry shortcake & chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches...yum! And everyone needs a nice, cool shower of course!

14. MOVIES, STORIES & BED- In our house, it is a priority to unwind and calm down before bed. (Nothing worse than overtired kids crying before bed...no thank you!) We all crash in the living room with pillows, blankets and dolls. We watch a movie together and then 15 minutes before bed, we read short stories to each other. The stories really help the kids get into dream mood, because their imagination starts wandering. And of course a hug & kiss from mom and dad as we tuck them in!

SUMMER ROUTINE PRINTABLE!

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

30 DAYS OF LEGO CHALLENGES!

THIS IS SO FUN!!

My plan is to do these challenges on Mondays & Wednesdays. We have a huge tub of Legos and this will be great for keeping them busy. I LOVE this printable!! Let me give credit where credit is due... found this printable on Pinterest. LINK HERE: 30 DAY LEGO CHALLENGE!

Your welcome to save the printable here, but it belongs to FREE HOMESCHOOL DEALS!

***Right-click, save as and print...or go to the link provided for the pdf file.***

PAPER BAG STEM CHALLENGES!

So first off...you don't need a paper bag for this idea. I just wanted to add the element of surprise to the challenges. Let me explain... So what is a STEM challenge? S.T.E.M. stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It helps sparks a child's brain to think creatively and problem solve. You have to use items from around the house. Like paper towel rolls, paper cups, popsicle sticks, clothes pin, etc. Then you give them a problem or a challenge to solve. That's where my printables come in. I created 12 STEM challenges...one per week for the whole summer. My plan is to do these every Friday. My thinking is after four days of activities and crafts they will be at their most creative. (Or so I hope...) These challenges are great, because they are inexpensive, fun and educational! Plus it keeps them busy during these long summer days. The paper bag is just a way of making each challenge a surprise as they pull the card out of the bag. The kids will be so proud of themselves after they complete a challenge!!

12 STEM CHALLENGES PRINTABLES!

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

THREE MONTHS OF SUMMER FUN CALENDARS!

So I went on EDUCATION.COM and downloaded their cute calendars for June, July and August.

(GO HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BLANK CALENDARS: EDUCATION.COM)

Then I picked two days per week for Lego challenges, one day per week for our STEM challenges and two other days per week for pretend play. After that I came up with a craft or fun activity for each day. If you look back at the SUMMER ROUTINE PRINTABLES, you can see that this matches up with the routine. You want to pretend you are going through each thing on their routine and be sure you didn't miss anything. 

*I also added a family outing for every Sunday. Sundays is our day to be a family and do something extra fun! I put library days on Saturdays, because daddy likes to go with us, Plus reading is a great pass time for summer!

THREE MONTHS OF SUMMER FUN CALENDAR PRINTABLES!

JUNE CALENDAR:

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

JULY CALENDAR!

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

AUGUST CALENDAR!

***RIGHT-CLICK, SAVE AS AND PRINT!***

(BY SAVING YOU AGREE TO USE FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!

VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.)

Notice I put favs, play school and back-to-school party at the end of August! I wanted to give the kids a chance to do some of their favorite activities again before school starts. And my kiddos love a back-to-school party! We play bingo, charades, scavenger hunt and I give them school theme goodies and treats! Great way to get them excited to go back to school!!

I hope you enjoy all the ideas I shared with you! Even if you don't follow it exactly, at least you got some awesome ideas for summer fun!!

**Be sure to visit my FREE PRINTABLES page for more free printables!

**Don't forget to visit my shop...I made some pretty things for you!***

www.etsy.com/shop/ariannesjoy

HOPE YOU HAVE AN AWESOME SUMMER WITH THE KIDS!
XOXO, Arianne

12 Ways To Help Your Child With Autism

12 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM

www.ariannesjoy.blogspot.com

When I found out that my daughter had Autism, it came as a total shock to me. Maybe it was because she was my first child...or maybe it was because I kept thinking 'well, that's Katelyn!'. I simply thought that it was her personality. In any case, I was determined to do everything I possibly could to help her. I was on a mission and I still am...and I always will be!! 

I want to share with you 12 THINGS I HAVE DONE (AND AM STILL DOING) TO HELP MY CHILD WITH AUTISM.

***I AM IN NO WAY AN AUTISM SPECIALIST...JUST A MOM WHO PUTS HER HEART INTO HELPING HER CHILD!***

1. CONTACT EASTER SEALS!

The first thing I did after my daughter's diagnoses was contact Easter Seals. They send over a team to do a few tests to see if the program is right for your child. It can seem a little intimidating, but I promise you won't regret it. At the time my daughter was only two and a half, so they sent over a occuptional therapist. They came a couple times a week to help her with her sensory needs, speech and accomplishing small tasks. When she turned three, she started the Autistic program at a local elementary school. This program was MY LIFE SAVER!! When she first started she didn't talk, she wouldn't let me come her hair, she wouldn't let me hold her hand. After only a few months, I saw wonderful changes in her. Her teacher, Glenda, changed my life. I was so frustrated with the diagnoses and the unbearable task of 'fixing' her...I was stressed and grumpy all the time. She showed me by example that with a positive attitude anything can be accomplished. After sharing many tears and frustrations I finally understood and it was working. A 'HAPPY' attitude is a great way to move forward!!

EASTER SEALS~*

2. ABA THERAPY!

Applied Behavior Analysis! This is (in simple mommy terms) a way of using your child's favorite things or likes to encourage them to perform a task or copy a behavior. When Katelyn was in occuptional therapy and in the Autistic Program they both used this technique. They are many ways of doing this at home to help your child. For Katelyn, she loved bubbles and the trampoline. So I had to teach her that if she did a task correctly, I would let her do those things she loved. The hard part is getting them to understand that. Repetition, repetition, repetition!!! For example: She use to be awful at letting me get her dressed. So I had to hold the bubbles in my hand and show her 'if you let me get you dressed...you can have the bubbles!'. She eventually understood, but each task has to be retaught to show that the reward is coming. Their mind doesn't see that task equals prize. They see each and every task individually. So it must be relearned for each thing. It is a lot of work, but in the end life will be easier.

3. PECS/COMMUNICATION TOOLS!

Soon after she started the Autistic Program, they explained to me that she does best with a routine. I had seen them using PECS cards in class, so I researched them. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) are picture cards used to help communicate needs and wants. Back nine years ago when I was researching this, you had to print, laminate, cut and velcro the cards. Now you can download apps or even get a grant or funding for an iPad for your child! More information here...AUTISM SPEAKS TECHNOLOGY CENTRAL! (You guys are so lucky!!) 

If PECS doesn't work, try sign language. Anything you can find to help your child relieve the frustrations of no communication!

4. A ROUTINE!

I created a routine for Katelyn by taping velcro strips to the wall and putting the pictures in order of what we had to do that day. Then placing an envelope underneath that read 'ALL DONE'. I also said the word on the cards too...hoping she would say them too.

 I had to teach her by taking her hand and physically moving the card into the envelope everytime she completed the task. It was hard at first, but over time she was moving the cards herself and she was excited about the next task on the schedule. She also started saying the words on the cards too! It was wonderful! My hard work was paying off. Not only was I happier, but she was more relaxed too. You have to understand that in her world, good communication wasn't possible. So never knowing what is going on can be very stressful for a child. Please TRY the routine. You won't regret it!!

*I made this schedule with a vanilla folder, velcro dots and by printing and laminating PECS cards. I used a regular white envelope taped underneath to put the tasks that she completed. Just be sure to write 'ALL DONE' on it.

5. SENSORY BREAKS!

For children with Autism, their sensory overload can be very distracting and stressful. Imagine all your senses heightened and spending the day trying to read people's faces. It can be exhausting and no fun! When I started giving Katelyn 'sensory breaks', I saw her relaxing more and focusing more. For her to spend a half an hour being to just focus on one thing, really helped her. 

Her favorite sensory breaks are the trampoline, bubbles, water play, a rice bin, fake snow bin and listening to music with her headphones.

*TRAMPOLINE- Buy a smaller exercise trampoline that can be put away. Be sure the area is clear when using it! They also have some with handles on them!

*BUBBLES-Go bubble crazy with a bubble machine and with wands. Put some towels down to protect the floor and prevent slipping.

*WATER PLAY- Water tables aren't just for little kids. Children with Autism can spend a long time playing with water. Give them cups and boats to add to the fun.

*RICE/FAKE SNOW BIN- Buy a big, long rectangular plastic container. Fill it with rice or fake snow(the kind you use for Christmas villages.). Add funnels, cups, small figurines, bright colored toys/items. This activity may require some vacuuming after, but it will be worth the moment of peace and quiet you and your child will find.

*LISTENING TO MUSIC- My daughter is 11 now and she finds music very relaxing. In fact, if it was up to her that's all she would do. Anyway, I came up with the idea to download Pandora (free internet radio app) onto my phone and let her listen to it. (She likes to be left alone when listening her music, so it had to be portable.) I bought her some headphones from Target that won't allow the music to get to loud to protect her ears.

Here are some other WONDERFUL SENSORY FUN IDEAS from Pinterest!~*

6. SHOW EXAMPLES!

This is something that may sound silly, but I truly believe in it. Autistic children have a hard time imitating 'play-time' and using their imagination. What I feel helps them is two things...

1.watching cartoons with 'easy to understand' playing and...

2.letting them sit next to you while you 'play'.

With number one, I found that when she watched cartoons like 'Max and Ruby', where the big sister is constantly narrating and explaining things to her little brother and the little brother repeating the theme of play...she started to copy her language and play. I feel that when you find a nice cartoon that has characters playing in an 'easy to understand' way, it helps them.

With number two, they show you in ABA therapy that they can 'learn play' by sitting side-by-side. Where 'normal' play would be in front of each other, Autistic children don't pick this up, because of their lack of social skills. However, I found that when I pretended to 'play' next to her, she eventually started copying me. And although she wasn't using her imagination (YET!), I could see her starting to understand.

MAX AND RUBY~*

7. FIND JOY!

There are many sports and activities out there for children with Autism. It is important for building their self confidence and building their social skills. My daughter and I had the unpleasant experience of trying to do 'normal' sports and it ending tears. Maybe it was my fault for letting her try. I guess I always assumed that if I explained that she had Autism, they would just give her extra help. NOPE!! The truth is, most of the time they don't want to deal with it. So take my advice and find something suitable for them.

Katelyn is awesome at Archery! She GLOWS every time she goes to it. It is perfect for her! There's not a lot of socializing, the form and rules are easy and consistent, it's all repetition and it's FUN! More on Autism and Archery here!

HERE'S SOME IDEAS...

1. ARCHERY

2. YMCA ADAPTED PROGRAMS

3. SPECIAL OLYMPICS

4. SWIMMING

5. HORSE BACK RIDING

6. BOWLING

7. KARATE

8. HELP WITH PROBLEM AREAS!

Don't leave all the work to the teacher. Help your child keep up! Every couple of months, I email Katelyn's teachers and ask them what she is struggling with. Then I go to Barnes & Noble and buy a workbook on that subject. On certain nights, after she finishes her regular homework...I give her a couple pages to work on. For example: Right now she needs help with Language Arts, Reading and Writing. So on Sundays and Mondays she works on Language Arts...Tuesdays and Wednesdays she works on Reading...and on Thursdays and Fridays she works on Writing. I only give her 4 pages over a two day period. This is not something I stress her out with. If she is having a busy week or a hard day than I don't give her any extra work. The last thing you want to do is make homework miserable for them. I have explained to her that this is to help you do better in school and she understands. 

As wonderful as all her teachers are, I can't expect them to perform miracles. I want to do my part for her and help her understand areas she is having trouble with. As a parent, you have more time for one on one!

BARNES & NOBLE WORKBOOKS~*

9. EXPLAIN THINGS!

For Autistic children and those going into their preteens, they see everything very black and white. When they start sweating they are not going to think 'hey, I stink...I should do something about it!'. They need a little help understanding the 'how' and 'why' they need to take care of themselves. Many children with Autism also have the same problem my daughter has...they have strong hormones! So they grow faster, get taller faster and hit puberty faster! Depending on their level of communication and reading, help them understand with visuals or reading materials. There are PECS cards out there for hygiene...make sure it's on their visual schedules to help them remember. You will need a card for each thing...everything is very black and white for them. You will need a card for brushing their teeth, for deodorant, for taking a shower. 

Or if you are blessed like me to have an Autistic child who likes to read...try the American Girl series on growing up. They have every book imaginable to help explain preteen stuff! My absolute must-read though is 'THE CARE & KEEPING OF YOU'. This book explains the why, what, when, where and how of becoming a preteen. Including those tough topics like starting your period. I found that after she read the book, she felt more confident and relaxed about her hygiene to-do list!

BARNES & NOBLE GROWING UP BOOKS~*

10. VISUAL, VISUAL, VISUAL!!!

No matter what level of communication your child is on, having visuals for them is ALWAYS a good idea! The picture shown shows my daughter's outfits. I created outfits for her and took pictures of each one with her iPad. Then I put it in a folder titled 'Katelyn's Outfits'. We get out outfits for school the night before. She grabs the iPad and picks out the outfit from the photos and hangs them in the bathroom...ready for school in the morning.

I also have a big wall decal calendar that I write all the activities for that month so she can see them. She always feels more relaxed about an up-coming event when she knows it's coming. Whenever she is having trouble with a subject or a word, we look it up on Pinterest. They have pictures for everything! Same thing for her to relax...she loves going on Pinterest and searching through the millions of Japanese kimonos and Japanese photos! 

I helped her create a folder titled 'Katelyn's Pics' and together we added all her favorite pics. Now when she wants a 'visual break', she opens the folder and looks at all her favorite pictures!

PINTEREST~*

11. CHOICES!

Whether you are using sign language, PECS, single words or whole sentences...Autistic children need choices! You can rarely ask them an open-ended question and get an answer. They need choices and they like choices. And choices with visuals is even better! They want to see things in black and white. It can become quite stressful to them if they don't know what you want them to say. Even though you have said the question many times, they still need to hear/see some choice answers. I always give Katelyn two or three choices, so she doesn't feel overwhelmed. 

I know every weekend when I make her lunch, I need to have her choices ready or she will start getting upset with me. 'Chicken nuggets or chicken soup?'... 'um, chicken nuggets!'.  'With chips or crackers?'...'um, chips!'. 'The green chips or the wavy chips?'...'um, green chips!'. This may take longer than plopping some food on the table, but it saves me from wasting food and her from a meltdown. 

12. AN ALL NATURAL DIET~*

I know this topic is quite touchy with parents...(that's why I put it last!). However, I am a strong believer that additives and preservatives effect brain function in children. Regardless if they have Autism or not, they don't need that stuff in their little bodies. It fogs their minds and makes them hyper-active. Now give those qualities to a child with Autism and you have got a mess on your hands!! They already have sensory issues, communication issues, etc. and you want to add 'the bad food behaviors' to it?! I have seen first-hand with my Katelyn. We use to eat so awful. She would jump up and down to the point of exhaustion and tantrums. I would be in tears watching her! So I decided NO MORE! We went all natural and organic when we could. She did go through a two week withdraw...which was one of the hardest weeks in my life. However, after that stuff had left her system...she was more relaxed...she could think clearer...she seemed more content. It was like night and day!! It is a tough change, but you will be thanking yourself forever!!

DEDICATION:

I want to dedicate this page to my beautiful daughter, Katelyn! You work so hard each and every day of your life and mommy is so proud of you! I wouldn't want you any other way. You amaze me in your intellect, your heart, your kindness and your love of life! Thank you for being my daughter...I love you very much!!

 And to all those who touched her life and made it better for her! 

My husband, for being an amazing dad and always comforting me when things were tough! "You're a good mom...everything will be okay"...he'd say. You always know how to make her laugh! I love you!

To her teachers...who let me drive them crazy and also gave me comfort in tough times. You put so much effort into helping her and I will never forget you for it. 

To Glenda, for helping me find the positive side of Autism. Thank you for bringing me out of the dark and showing me the light. That light burns so very bright now...you are amazing!!

xoxo,

Arianne