Tips for getting your child with special needs ready for the end of the school year

Routine and stability are important for children with special needs.  The onset of summer vacation means big changes in their routines.  There are a few steps parents can take to help this transition go smoothly.

Credit: Open Clips on Pixabay

Calendar countdown

Use a calendar to mark off each school day as it passes. A visual aid is often helpful when teaching children with special needs. Use the calendar to illustrate when school ends and vacation begins. Include any special days that are scheduled at school such as field trips or parties.

Get contact information

Making and maintaining friendships is difficult for some children with special needs.  If your child has friends from school she might want to see during the summer break, make sure you get the parents' contact information so you will be able to arrange play dates.

Traditions

Find out if there are any end of school year traditions for your child's class or school.  It could be something simple like making cards or gifts for teachers, a classroom party or a celebration organized by the school.  Whatever the tradition, make sure your child is included.

Credit:  Jeffrey Zeldman on flickr

Consider starting your own end of the school year tradition.  Plan a picnic or just go out for an ice cream.  Or, you could start (or add to) a scrapbook with photos, art work and your child's best memories of the past school year.

Establish a Summer Routine

Before the school year ends work out what your child's summer routine will be. Again, use visual aids if necessary.  Use a bulletin board or make a poster

showing your child's daily routine.  You can use a regular calendar to show days when your child's routine will be different including days at camp, parties or on a family holiday.

Whatever you do to help your child transition to summer, try to include your child as much as possible.  He or she may have ideas to share with you!

For more transition tips see:

Helping your child with special needs transition to a new school

Do you have any tips for making the transition from school to summer holidays?  If so, please share them below.

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action