The school holidays are often seen as a time for children to take a break from their usual routines, including therapy sessions. However, for children with NDIS needs, continuing online therapy during the school holidays can offer valuable benefits. Whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health services, maintaining therapeutic support during this time can help children stay on track with their goals, build on skills, and reduce potential disruptions in their progress.
With the flexibility of online therapy, children can receive the same high-quality care from the comfort of their own homes, allowing them to engage in their therapy sessions without the added stress of travel or schedule changes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of continuing therapy during the school holidays and share activity ideas that combine fun and therapy, helping your child develop while enjoying their time off.
1. Sensory Play: Engaging the Senses
Sensory play supports children’s sensory development and emotional regulation, making it perfect for children with sensory processing differences or those on the autism spectrum.
- DIY Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with rice, sand, or beans for your child to explore.
- Water Play: A small pool or water table offers sensory exploration.
- Clay or Play Dough: Great for strengthening hands and encouraging creativity.
2. Gross Motor Activities: Building Strength and Coordination
Physical activities like obstacle courses and outdoor play boost balance, coordination, and strength. Activities such as riding a bike, running, or even dancing are great ways to keep your child active.
- Obstacle Courses: Set up a simple course using household items.
- Outdoor Sports: Try soccer or basketball to build teamwork and motor skills.
- Dance Party: Let your child move freely to music, improving coordination.
These activities can be fun ways to develop physical skills in a stress-free environment.
3. Creative Arts and Crafts: Encouraging Imagination
Art projects promote creativity and fine motor skills, important for tasks like writing and drawing.
- Painting and Drawing: Let your child express themselves with different materials.
- Craft Projects: Create simple crafts to develop hand strength and dexterity.
Creative activities are also great for children receiving speech therapy, encouraging communication through storytelling and art.
4. Learning Through Play: Fun Educational Activities
The holidays don’t have to mean a break from learning. Incorporate activities that engage your child’s brain while keeping them entertained.
- Puzzles: Great for problem-solving and concentration.
- STEM Projects: Try simple experiments or building projects to foster curiosity.
- Reading: Incorporate online speech therapy resources for interactive reading experiences.
These activities can also support children receiving online psychology by reinforcing communication and cognitive skills.
5. Social Skills Development: Enhancing Interaction
Holiday activities can promote social skills like turn-taking and cooperation, especially for children who need extra support.
- Board Games: Encourage taking turns and following rules.
- Cooperative Activities: Work together on projects like building a fort or cooking.
- Role Play: Use toys or dolls to act out social situations.
These activities are key for children in online occupational therapy for kids, helping them practice social interactions in a safe, supportive environment.
6. Incorporating NDIS Services into the Holidays
If your child is an NDIS participant, the school holidays are an excellent time to continue therapy. Online therapy options, such as online speech therapy and telehealth occupational therapy, ensure that therapy can continue from the comfort of your home.
Work with your NDIS speech therapist or online occupational therapist to create a flexible holiday plan that keeps your child progressing while still enjoying the break.
7. Free Colouring-In Activity Sheets!
Looking for a relaxing yet creative activity for your child during the school holidays? We have a selection of free colouring-in activity sheets that are both fun and beneficial for fine motor development!
Colouring-in is a fantastic way to encourage creativity, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop pencil grip and control. It’s also a calming activity that can help children with emotional regulation. Whether your child enjoys vibrant colours or detailed patterns, these sheets provide a wonderful opportunity for artistic expression and therapeutic engagement.
In addition to fostering creativity, colouring can be a social activity when done with siblings, friends, or parents. It’s a great way to bond while also practising important skills like staying within the lines, choosing colours, and focusing on details. For children receiving occupational therapy, these activities help strengthen hand muscles, improve dexterity, and build foundational skills for handwriting.
Our colouring sheets are designed to be accessible and engaging for children of all abilities. You can print them out and take them on the go, making them a perfect travel-friendly activity during holiday outings or long car rides. Plus, they provide a great alternative to screen time while still keeping children entertained.
Download your free activity sheets today and enjoy some relaxing, screen-free holiday fun! Encourage your child to add their own creative touches, mix colours, and even turn their artwork into personalised greeting cards or decorations.
Download the Colouring Sheets here.
Conclusion: Making the Most of School Holidays
The school holidays offer a unique opportunity to combine fun and therapy for your child. By engaging in sensory play, gross motor activities, and creative arts, you can help your child continue their development while enjoying the break. If your child is receiving NDIS speech therapy or other therapy services, consider how online allied health support can keep them on track during the holidays.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s development with NDIS therapy services and online therapy Australia during the school holidays
