If you are a carer for children with different abilities, teaching them skill building via activities can be a challenge as their understanding and interpretation of what is being taught to them is different. No two children are the same.
Children, regardless of their abilities learn in a variety of ways but generally children learn best by doing and this is why skill building activities play an important role in their development.
We are sharing some of the best skill building activities to do with children in your care. These activities not only build up their skills they can also assist with boosting their confidence, social interaction with other children and general overall wellbeing.
Sensory play
Provide a variety of toys and play items at a height that is easy for them to reach and pick up. It’s important that these items are on a level flat stable surface that the child can easily navigate.
- Some sensory items include:
- Soft items like sponges and fabric of different textures and colours.
- Suction bowls and cups with playdough, slime, or sensory sand.
- Tactile discs, rings, or shells.
It’s important that these items are on a level flat stable surface that the child can easily navigate.
Naming game
For children with communication skills that need building upon you can play the naming game.
For the naming game you can align the items with new skills they are learning. For example, if a child is getting ready to attend school you might use school items like pencils, ruler, books in the game to assist them in their school readiness.
Adaptive sport activities
Adaptive sport activities are a very fun and engaging and entertaining way to involve children in skill building activities.
- Soccer and football
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Tennis
These types of activities assist in improving hand-eye coordination and co-operative play as they can do most of these activities with other children.
It’s important that you have signed off permission before undertaking adaptive sport these activities aren’t always suitable.
All children deserve to have fun and engage in play regardless of their abilities. These activities can greatly improve a child’s development and confidence!