12 Exciting Activities for Children with Special Needs

In this blog, you will learn

• Why children with special needs love fun activities
• 12 exciting activities for children with special needs
• Why the activities are beneficial 
• The latest SEND jobs and how to apply for them 

Why do children with special needs love fun activities?

Children with special needs, like all children, love engaging in fun activities because it allows them to explore, learn, and express themselves in a joyful and meaningful way. For these exceptional children, fun activities provide an opportunity to break barriers and challenges they may face in their daily lives. 

Participating in enjoyable tasks boosts their self-confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Fun activities also stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities, promoting overall development. 

Whether it's arts and crafts, games, sports, or music, these activities offer a sense of inclusion and acceptance, where children with special needs can thrive alongside their peers, creating cherished memories and building lasting friendships.

Finding the right activities for the right reasons can sometimes be quite challenging which is why in our latest blog, we delve into some fun and practical activities for children with special needs to engage with. 

Sensory play

Sensory activities such as playing with sand, water, or squishy toys provide valuable sensory experiences, stimulating their senses and aiding in sensory integration. It helps improve their focus, coordination, and self-regulation. It also provides opportunities for children to engage with peers or caregivers, promoting communication and socialisation skills.

Music therapy

Music therapy enhances communication skills, emotional expression, and cognitive abilities. Engaging with musical instruments, rhythm, and songs can be a powerful tool for children with speech or behavioural challenges.

This is because learning songs involves memorising lyrics and sequences. For children with speech difficulties, this can enhance their memory and sequencing abilities, which are crucial for language development and communication.

Yoga

Yoga promotes relaxation, body awareness, and improved flexibility. For children with autism or ADHD, it can help reduce anxiety and enhance their ability to concentrate. 

Yoga encourages deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help children with emotional challenges or behavioural issues manage stress and regulate their emotions more effectively.

Art projects

Engaging in arts and crafts allows children to express themselves creatively and develop fine motor skills. This activity fosters confidence and self-esteem as they see their artistic abilities grow. 

Art also provides a non-verbal and creative outlet for self-expression. For children with communication challenges, art allows them to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a visual and tactile manner.

Animal-assisted therapy

Interacting with animals can be therapeutic, helping children with emotional or behavioural difficulties build trust and social skills. Caring for animals in AAT sessions can help children develop empathy, compassion, and nurturing skills. They learn to be responsible for the well-being of the animals, which can transfer to their interactions with others.

Storytelling and drama

Storytelling and drama activities encourage language development, imagination, and social interactions. These activities can be especially beneficial for children with communication challenges as they encourage imaginative thinking and creativity. 

Children can explore alternative ways of expression beyond direct speech, which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with traditional communication.

Swimming

Swimming provides numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits for children with special needs. Whether it's improving physical skills, promoting social interaction, or fostering emotional well-being, swimming offers a holistic approach to support their growth and development in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Gardening

Gardening promotes responsibility, patience, and sensory exploration. Children with ADHD or sensory processing issues can benefit from the calming effects of nature and hands-on engagement. 

It also teaches children responsibility as they care for plants and take ownership of their garden. This sense of responsibility fosters independence and boosts self-confidence.

Building with blocks or LEGO

Construction play enhances problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and fine motor abilities. It's an excellent activity for children with learning disabilities or those who enjoy structured play. Also, completing building projects and seeing their creations come to life can boost self-esteem and confidence in children with special needs.

Outdoor nature walks

Outdoor nature walks offer a holistic and enriching experience for children with special needs. From sensory stimulation and physical exercise to cognitive development and emotional regulation, nature walks provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for their growth and development, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and promoting overall well-being.

Adaptive sports

Participating in adaptive sports enables children with physical disabilities to experience the joy of playing sports while building strength, coordination, and teamwork. It also creates an inclusive environment where children with special needs feel welcomed and accepted. They have the opportunity to be part of a team and participate in sports alongside their peers.

Cooking

Cooking activities help develop maths skills, sequencing abilities, and fine motor control. Children with special needs can improve their independence and self-confidence while learning valuable life skills. It also engages multiple senses, including touch, taste, smell, and sight. Children can explore different textures and flavours, aiding in sensory integration.

Discover the latest SEN jobs

Are you in search of your next SEND job? Explore our wide range of available vacancies that cater to your needs. If you haven't come across what you desire, you can upload your CV or get in touch with our SEN specialist, Richard Shorrock, who will happily provide you with further information about the exciting opportunities that await you!

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

We are a recruitment agency, located in the vibrant North West region, where we are committed to serving both the public and private sectors. Our passionate and ambitious team is always on the lookout for innovative ways to connect exceptional individuals, just like you, with their ideal job opportunities. 

Embrace a forward-thinking approach to propel your career forward and embark on the path to your dream role by submitting your CV today. Let us be your guiding partner through this essential first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding professional journey!