KidSpeak is taking a break from blogging as we’re holding our May Camp, getting ready for the summer semester and vacationing with our families. We will be back in June!

So the old school way to dye Easter eggs is fun and all but what is really in those funky dyes? And must we really have to deal with smelly vinegar and stains on our kids clothes? No thanks. How do we incorporate a familiar routine with a not so familiar routine? Water colors + Easter eggs! Your child will more likely be successful with making Easter eggs and you’ll more likely deal with less stress and less stinky mess with the fun alternative of water colors.

Valentine’s Day is almost here! This weekend continue to prepare your child for the big day by reading Valentine’s Day books and by engaging in Valentine’s Day art and activities as we described within our blog we posted last week. Here are some additional ideas that focus on Valentine’s Day cards and presents:
Valentine’s Day Cards

It didn't take long before Luke and Sam caught on to the fact that our family loves new adventures. Whether it is hiking in the mountains, exploring a beach town, or finding the next perfect photography shoot location in our home town, we like exploring the new and the old. Olivia is quickly catching on and the boys love when she joins in the fun.

Did you see this?
The National Institutes of Mental Health announced on December 8th that “Toddlers with Autism Show Improved Social Skills Following Targeted Intervention.”
When I read the title of the announcement for study findings, I had a “Well, duh, NIMH!” moment! But, by the time I finished the announcement, I was actually very happy.
Here’s the thing: the study examined some rather minor – but powerful – adjustments in early interventions programs for children with ASD to target and “encourage children to make frequent and intentional efforts to engage others in communication or play.”

Summer Fun: Water Fun
Playing in the water in the summer can not only help your child beat the heat, but also work on their social and language skills! Water activities are also a way to help your child meet their sensory needs!
Here are a few fun and easy water activities:
Water Tables
Water tables are a great way to work on a variety of skills!
If your child is non-verbal, here are a few ideas:

“Letting Individuality Shine”……this is the logo of one of our favorite preschools in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It doesn’t take much to see why.

Don’t let it deceive you. Play isn’t just fun and good times for kiddos. It’s essential for your child’s overall development. ALL children learn through experiencing, seeing, listening and doing…....which is the essence of play. This is true for all children…..typical children and children with disabilities.

Not Just Play
Don’t let it deceive you. Play isn’t just fun and good times for kiddos. It’s essential for your child’s overall development. ALL children learn through experiencing, seeing, listening and doing…....which is the essence of play. This is true for all children…..typical children and children with disabilities.