Pre-School Activities for Children With Special Needs

22 January 2018
 Categories: Education & Development, Blog

Share  

For every child, with or without disability, preschool education at early learning centres like Hopskotch Kindergarten goes a long way in improving their cognitive capacity and abilities. It exposes a child to crucial skills that come in handy during later education. Children learn to stick to routines, follow instructions, and bond with their peers. There is so much fun when learning these skills, so they never get bored. The positive developmental changes your child experiences are worth the cost of preschool education.

Preschool education is equally important for children with special needs. Introducing them into a structured program sets the right pace of learning, which is indispensable for their later learning years. Luckily for children with special needs, there are specific activities devised to help them learn how to focus, maintain concentration and learn actively while having fun at the same time. Here are three activities you should look out for in an early learning centre that promises to cater your child's needs.

Sensory tables

Sensory activities such as pouring water and running fingers through dried grains help the children to reduce anxiety and over-stimulation. They also expose children with special needs to different textures. Textures such as cotton balls, dried beans and sand enhance their hand-eye coordination. A child can pinch, roll, grasp and throw objects around. In the process, the child learns fine motor skills. Discovering objects and exploring new textures also promotes language development. Chances are that a child will give verbal responses during these activities.

Outdoor games

Outdoor games are stimulating for kids with all capabilities are are even more so for children who need a little push to strengthen their motor skills. Games that involve balance and coordination of the body are recommended. Free play is important as well. Outdoor equipment like hula hoops, balls and ropes go a long way in helping children with special needs to engage and develop their motor skills.

Yoga for children

You may have heard the misconception that yoga is strictly for adults. It's not true. Yoga is a great activity that helps to balance the mind and body. Children with special needs can benefit greatly from practicing yoga. It is especially great for children who have a problem sitting still. With continuous practice, such children learn to use movement and controlled breathing to learn self-regulation. Besides, yoga is a great path to self-awareness.

Enrolling your child into pre-school education is the best decision you will ever make for them. If your child has special needs, look out for an early learning centre that incorporates these activities. You can also engage in these activities with your child at home.