do that job. You can make a list with words, or use visuals with pictures (I prefer real photos) to help.

FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If the child is older or has an adult that can accompany them, volunteering could be fun! Volunteering is a great summer activity for kids because it can help the community. There are lots of places around the community that are always looking for others to help. Some of the places that come to mind are:

Sometimes you can find a volunteer opportunity that is aligned with the child's interests. If they love to read then helping at the library could be perfect! You have found something that is super motivating for the child because they get to work with something they love. Many students I know love animals. Who wouldn't want to spend hours petting a cat or helping to walk a dog?

ASK THE IEP TEAM FOR HELP WITH SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Lastly, why not ask the IEP team for ideas? Ask for an IEP meeting, get the minds together that know the student best and ask for help! There is nothing wrong with asking for help. There are also agencies that can help find opportunities and ideas for children to do in the summer.

The IEP team can help with vocational opportunities, academic materials, and ideas for working on IEP goals. Working to maintain skills learned during the school year is important. As a teacher myself, I have provided summer packets of materials, visual schedules, and lists of educational websites. Most are short activities students have used in the classroom. Don't ever hesitate to reach out to the team and get help!

In conclusion, you can see there are lots of ideas and opportunities for summer activities for kids. Ask around your community and the people that work closely with the child during the school year. They can provide valuable information that can guide you into making this summer the best one yet for your child! •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenn Adams is a special education and elementary teacher living and work in Pennsylvania. She has taught in multiple classrooms, grade levels and settings including regular education, special education, and alternative education. She has taught grades PreK, 1st, and 5th-12. Currently, Jenn works for a public cyber charter school teaching students in grades 5th through 8th in an autistic support virtual classroom. Jenn obtained her Bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education in 2007 from Millersville University. She also obtained her Master's degree in 2014 in special

education from Saint Joseph's University. Jenn also added the credentials of becoming a registered behavior technician (RBt) working closely with students with autism and intellectual disabilities working with principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Lastly, Jenn is currently pursuing her principal's certificate from California University of PA. In her 14 years in education she truly has found that building relationships is what needs to come first and loves learning new ways to reach her students. During her time not spent in the classroom Jenn conducts parent training with colleagues in the special education field and provides information through her blog, website, and social media channels all called Teach Love Autism. Jenn also works hard every day to find a work and life balance and believes that is the key to happiness in doing what you love.