Springtime Vocab for Disabled Kids

Posted by Lynn Moore Mar 25, 2007

General Routine

The days are longer. Bedtime may not look like bedtime any longer.

Weather

The weather is warmer. Changes in temperature and spring storms offer lots to talk about.

Clothing

Based on the weather, everyone must make clothing choices. Talk about what kind of clothes we wear in the spring.

The Outside World

What is happening outside? The grass is turning green; flowers are blooming; trees are getting leaves; and birds are building nests.

Chores

What chores are different in the spring? Include your child in a reasonable level of yard work, or have him help with planting flowers, vegetables, etc.

What about the family dog? A bath outside or a family walk is a great way to teach about pet responsibility while having fun.

Activity

Talk about how the spring influences your family’s activity schedule. Are your evenings and weekends filled with ballgames and practices? Do you go camping?

Many children with disabilities are reluctant to change. Even small changes in routine can be upsetting for them. Some automatically go into a control mode. This is their way of trying to make things predictable. The changes of spring do not have to make your child’s comfort level dissolve. Rather, talk about the changes well ahead of them happening to see more confidence and a boost to vocabulary.