Summer Lesson Plan Ideas (That Caregivers Can Do, Too)
Jun 08, 2021
Summer is here, and with it comes a fantastic opportunity to help your learners build independence while having fun. Whether you're teaching during the summer or working with caregivers to support your students, these activity ideas will inspire independence, creativity, and growth.
The Power of Collaboration
As educators, we know collaboration is key. Caregivers and other team members are around learners far more than we are, so empowering them with tools and ideas to foster independence is essential. While we provide specialized instruction, caregivers can reinforce daily living skills and mobility concepts in ways that extend far beyond our limited interaction hours.
Fun and Practical Summer Activities
Here are a few summer activity ideas to help learners grow and explore while having fun:
1. Plan a Hike
Planning a hike is a simple yet powerful activity that incorporates a variety of skills. Whether it’s a walk to the mailbox or a trek through a local park, your learners can:
- Create a route and map.
- Plan snacks and figure out how to purchase them.
- Estimate costs and practice budgeting.
This activity encourages route planning, decision-making, and self-reliance while allowing learners to enjoy the outdoors.
2. Helen Keller’s Birthday Activities
June is the perfect time to celebrate Helen Keller’s birthday (June 27). Learners can:
- Research her life and create a presentation or card.
- Host a small birthday party in her honor.
- Explore her contributions and reflect on overcoming challenges.
This activity promotes history awareness, creativity, and personal inspiration.
3. Neighborhood Exploration Scavenger Hunt
Encourage your learners to explore their neighborhood or city by creating a scavenger hunt. Have them find:
- Different types of sidewalks, curbs, or curb cuts.
- Unique features like chain-link fences, picket fences, or stairs.
- Points of interest like local landmarks.
This activity not only boosts navigation and observation skills but also makes exploring new environments exciting and rewarding.
4. Geocaching Adventure
Geocaching is a fun way to engage learners in outdoor exploration. Use GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures in their area. This activity combines navigation skills with an element of surprise, encouraging problem-solving and teamwork.
5. Summer Self-Care Packet
Help learners develop independent living skills through self-care activities. This could include:
- Learning to prepare simple meals or bath salts.
- Engaging in physical activities like yoga or guided movement.
- Practicing budgeting and shopping for self-care items.
Using accessible resources, such as dollar stores, learners can practice shopping, budgeting, and planning while reinforcing self-care routines.
Tips for Implementation
If you're unable to directly teach these activities during the summer, role-release them to caregivers. Provide detailed instructions, maps, or even pre-made scavenger hunt sheets to ensure activities are accessible and engaging. For learners who use technology, consider integrating tools like GPS apps or online budgeting calculators.
Keep the Momentum Going
Summer is an excellent time to encourage independence and growth, even with limited interaction. These activities provide structure while allowing learners to explore, discover, and enhance their skills. By collaborating with caregivers and providing thoughtful resources, you can make a lasting impact on their progress.
