Get Outside and Play, Now–Children with Special Needs
By Kim Nixon copyright 2008
It is summer time, and as I recall my days as a parent, I remember yelling at my kids who were scrambling and wresting over the remote control in the living room to, “Get outside and play now!”
Summer vacation, and the kids whose energy levels mounted to a fevered pitch during the last 30 days of school, now lie around, sleep until noon and video game into the late hours of the night. They chat on the phone and instant messengers. Send countless text messages. And complain of constant boredom, begging for money to go to the mall and movies.
What can a grandmother, artist and educator to do? This summer I am working with special needs children as a Community Living Specialist and I offer respite services to parents and guardians. I have vowed to take children out into nature. Of course, this is done in proportion to their individual abilities.
The trips take a bit of planning and scouting to check handicap access, or to stake out a trail and where a young person might run-off, get separated, or into mischief. Wheel chair accessibility is one thing to take into consideration.
Try libraries that may have nature programming as part of their offerings. Local parks and recreation office is another excellent resource. Contact your state department of resource to see if they have a visitors program. Do you have a “Rails to Trails” path in your neighborhood?
When taking special needs children and or adults into public make sure to have the proper emergency information and supplies and get permission from parent and guardians, and your employer if necessary. Sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing are very important for children who do not get outside often. Plus do not forget to hydrate those under your care. Check to be sure wheelchair tires are secure and inflated.
This summer I have taken non-communicative children into nature. I bring their attention to birds and other nature sounds. We touch flower petals and other textures. Stones, wildflowers, pinecones often sneak home with us and we share them with family and household members.
I often notice a visible calm and restful nature come over the children after such and excursion.
Note: Stay-tuned for other Get Outside and Play, Now articles.
mrsor
July 17, 2008
so glad to hear what you’re doing this summer, and it sounds wonderful!
very rewarding, too, I’m sure.
I am working as a docent at an art museum, and some of the most fun I’ve had has been helping kids with a “scavenger hunt,” where they search for a list of specific things within the artwork in the gallery.
although it’s not outside, it’s something that I’m sure many of these kids have not done before – stood still for a moment, and really looked at a piece of art!
take care,
Patty O’Rourke