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Group Activities that Build Connection and Confidence
The holiday season is in full swing, bringing with it countless opportunities for connection, joy, and togetherness. For children with special needs, this time of year offers unique ways to develop social skills through engaging and inclusive group activities. These experiences not only build confidence but also help foster meaningful relationships in a supportive and festive environment. Below are some creative ideas and resources to inspire connection and growth during this magical season.
Festive Group Activities for Social Skill Building:
- Holiday-Themed Cooperative Games
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Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt: Hide candy canes around your home or classroom and encourage children to work together to find them. This activity promotes teamwork, communication, and a sense of achievement.
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Pass the Present: Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of festive wrapping paper. As music plays, pass the gift around a circle. When the music stops, the child holding the present removes a layer. This game fosters turn-taking, patience, and excitement.
- Crafting for Connection
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Ornament Making: Host a craft session where kids create ornaments for their tree or to give as gifts. Sharing materials and ideas during this activity can encourage collaboration and conversation.
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Holiday Card Exchange: Have children design cards for family, friends, or local seniors. Exchanging cards helps practice expressing thoughts and emotions while making others feel special.
- Community Giving Projects
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Bake and Share: Organize a group baking session where children work together to make cookies or other treats to donate to a local shelter or deliver to neighbors. This teaches teamwork and the joy of giving.
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Stuff the Sleigh: Encourage kids to collect toys or books for donation. Working together to sort and organize items builds problem-solving and cooperation skills.
Tips for Success
- Start Small: Choose activities that match your child’s comfort level and gradually introduce larger group settings.
- Practice in Advance: Role-play or rehearse activities at home to help your child feel prepared.
- Celebrate Participation: Praise every effort, whether big or small, to build confidence and motivation.
This holiday season is the perfect time to focus on connection, growth, and joy. By incorporating fun and inclusive group activities, we can help our children thrive socially while embracing the festive spirit. Wishing you and your family a season filled with warmth, laughter, and togetherness!
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Tools & Resources:
- PBS Kids Social Skill Game: PBS Kids offers online games designed to teach social skills in a fun, interactive format. Perfect for practicing turn-taking, empathy, and teamwork at home.
- Everyday Speech Social Skills Videos and Games App: This app offers a wide variety of video models, interactive games, and activities designed to teach social skills in a fun and engaging way. It’s customizable to meet your child’s needs and includes lessons on topics like turn-taking, emotional regulation, and making friends. A great tool for practicing social interactions anytime, anywhere.
Books & Articles:
- "The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day" by Dayna Abraham: This guide offers practical activities to help children manage emotions and build confidence. A fantastic resource for families looking for empowering and therapeutic ideas.
- "Social Rules for Kids: The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed" by Susan Diamond: This book provides clear, easy-to-follow tips for children to navigate social interactions successfully.
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Community Section
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A Personal Note
This newsletter is more than a resource; it's a heart-to-heart conversation every week. It’s about understanding that while our paths might be fraught with challenges, they are also filled with immense love and small victories worth celebrating. It's about not just surviving, but thriving, as we advocate for our children’s best lives.
Thank you for joining this community and for trusting me to be part of your journey. I am here with you, for you, every step of the way. Together, let’s embrace this path with hope and strength, knowing that we are surrounded by a community that supports and uplifts each other.
With all my heart and unwavering commitment,
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Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg
Empowerment Coach
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Webinars/Workshops:
Details to be announced. Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars and workshops, designed to empower and educate!
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Taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s also the most crucial. I invite you to join me for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This session is your opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and see how targeted support can positively impact your family's journey. To schedule your session, please contact me today! | |
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Your journey is unique, and connecting with others who understand can make all the difference. Follow us and join our Facebook group, 'Special Needs Parenting Community,' to connect with a supportive network that shares your experiences. Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming courses and additional services designed to support and empower special needs families.
Together, let's embrace the challenges and triumphs of special needs parenting with confidence and support. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
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The content in this newsletter reflects my personal experiences and insights as a special needs parent and empowerment coach. I am not a medical professional, attorney, or licensed therapist. The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals like
medical doctors, therapists, or legal advisors before making decisions based on this content.
Your use of any information from this newsletter is solely at your own risk.
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