Page 34 - SEN107 SEN Magazine July-August 2020
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Messy play outdoors Some children may have sensitivity to different textures so introducing activities and ideas using a hand under hand method (where your hands perform the activity while your child’s hands rest on top of yours) will enable to them to develop their fine motor skills and have fun at their own pace. Try: Mud finger painting – add water until you reach finger paint consistency. Encourage your child to use hands and fingers to make marks on paper. Mud Pies – using thicker mud. Set out different kitchen items (metal spoons, baking tins etc. are easier to wash afterwards) within reach of your child. Fill containers with mud and decorate with stones, leaves, twigs and other found items. Mud Kitchen – having a designated, structured area to work in helps a child with vision impairment feel in control of their space. Many retailers supply purpose-built kitchens but an old table and second-hand pots and pans will do just as well. Water play in the garden • Fill buckets with water and encourage children to ‘paint’ the fence, shed, outside walls of the house using a range of clean paint brushes and sponges. • Collect together a range of plastic toys and set up a car wash. Adding a different tactile element such as foam will make this activity even more fun. • On warmer days, splashing in a paddling pool can be a great way to cool down. Throw in a range of toys and enjoy watching your child play and learn. Never leave your child unsupervised when playing near water. Ball games and exercise All children enjoy throwing, catching and kicking a ball and, for children with vision impairment, these vary in size, colour, sound and texture. Choose a ball according to the age and needs of your child but do try to have a variety to offer a range of experiences. Skipping ropes are great for encouraging coordination and developing strength as well as a child’s awareness of their own body and how it moves. Trampolines are a fantastic way to burn off excess energy and really get the pulse racing. Ask for help Your child’s school and QTVI (Qualified Teacher of children with Vision Impairment) will be on hand to support you and your child whilst at home. They can provide access to appropriate educational and play resources, such as RNIB’s Bookshare – an online platform that includes accessible versions of books for learners and includes titles about play and exercise. It is worth talking to them about play and leisure activities too. Finding the right balance between academic study and time to play and have fun will go a long way towards maintaining the wellbeing of children- and home schooling parents! - during lockdown. References/Links Let’s play! A guide with toy and play ideas for children with vision impairment www.rnib.org.uk/play Parties and Playdates - including a child with vision impairment in social activities www.rnib.org.uk/parties Messy and Muddy - a guide to outdoor play for children with vision impairment www.rnib.org.uk/messy Information and advice for parents during coronavirus: https://www. sightadvicefaq.org.uk/coronavirus-information/Covid-19-CYPF- SAFAQ RNIB Bookshare: www.rnibbookshare.org Outdoor play is important for all children ■ Messy play is a great tool to develop motor skills. ■ Playing in the garden is a great way to burn energy. SEN 107 senmagazine.co.uk 34 Visual impairment
