11 Effective Ways to Make Playtime Fun for Children with Special Needs

-- End Ad Box --->particular interest in activities but are put of by the
To get the most from playtime activities you have tocrowds then find a time when the crowds are gone.
stick to a set of rules. The rules may changeThis is often good to help them do something they
according to the child but generally these rules help toreally enjoy.
achieve constructive play gaining the benefits listedFollow the leader - Let them take the lead. If they
above.want to play in a certain way then you may find that
Play it their way - Encourage them to pay the gamesletting them express themselves is a good way to
they like to play. If they show an interest in a certainhelp them vent their built up frustrations.
sport or activity then GREAT! Let them play theirTake your time - Let them take their sweet time to
games and so that they can get the release that theyenjoy an activity. If they are forced to rush through a
will feel good about.game or sport then it may not be so enjoyable and
Exposure to new things - Children with social disabilitiesthe experience may start to go wrong.
often seem like they are not interested in new thingsEveryone makes mistakes - Let children make
but sometimes exposure to new games and activitiesmistake after mistake because this will help build
sparks of an interest that they really get enjoymentconfidence and resilience to failure.
from. This also helps them to build on their experiencesDon't conform - Don't force children to conform to
and broaden their learning.social rules. Expression in their way will help them feel
Great mind think alike - Find other people that sharecomfortable which is a good way to play.
the same interests. This may seem like an impossibleUse their interests - Use the subjects they are
task but you will be amazed at what goes on in theinterested in as a way of encouraging them to play
houses you are surrounded by. Other disability supportother activities.
groups are often a great place to meet like mindedQuit if it doesn't work - You can force a child to play a
people who will share their interests willingly. This will becertain way or do a certain activity if they don't want
a great way for them to have a little social contactto. Encourage them of course, but if they really don't
that doesn't end up in tears.want to do something then don't force them.
Go when the crowds are gone - If children show a