As summer arrives, it’s an ideal time to work on increasing your child’s independence. Whether at home, in the community, or in the center, we are helping learners develop daily living skills such as:
- Dressing and hygiene routines
- Preparing simple snacks or meals
- Independent play and transitions
- Requesting help or breaks appropriately
Encouraging independence helps build self-confidence and reduces frustration.
With summer schedules being more flexible, families can help generalize skills in real-life settings:
- Practice greetings with neighbors or store clerks.
- Let your child assist with simple errands.
- Practice turn-taking and waiting during outings.
- Incorporate counting, labeling, or simple problem-solving during everyday routines.
Consistency and reinforcement across different settings support skill retention and long-term progress.
Summer brings changes in routine, which can be challenging. Here are some strategies to support smoother transitions:
- Use a visual schedule or calendar.
- Provide reminders before activities change.
- Maintain consistency in bedtime and meal times.
- Offer choices to increase flexibility (e.g., “Do you want to swing first or play with bubbles?”).
If you notice an increase in behavior challenges, know that this is common during transitions. We will work together to support your child’s success.
Summer is a great time to use natural reinforcers. Here are some examples:
- “First, put away your toys, then we can go outside.”
- “After you brush your teeth, we can watch your show.”
- Use praise often: “I love how you asked so nicely!”
Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior and helps create smoother routines.
With warmer weather and outdoor play, we’re focusing on more hygiene routines:
- Hand washing after outdoor activities.
- Applying sunscreen or using wipes.
- Brushing hair and changing clothes.
- Practicing appropriate toileting routines.
Please let your team know if there are specific hygiene skills you would like targeted during sessions!
