#FamilyTraditions Archives - Educating Jacob

#FamilyTraditions

Blog, Uncategorized
Fun Family Activities: A Parent’s Guide for a Joyful Season with Autism🎄
- July 17, 2024
- 0 comments
- by Melissa
Advent scripture decorations and wreath serves as our visual guide to the story of Christ’s birth.

Ah, the holiday season—a time for warmth, joy, and those peculiar yet heartwarming family traditions. As an autism mom, I’ve come to appreciate the quirks that make our holiday traditions uniquely ours. Let me walk you through our special brand of fun family activities for the holidays with autism #AutismHolidayFun! 🎄

Autism Holiday Fun: Crafting the Cradle-to-Cross Wreath 🕯️

Our holiday journey kicks off with the Cradle-to-Cross Wreath from The Keeping Company https://thekeepingcompany.com/products/cradle-to-cross-wreath-cherry. This beautiful wooden wreath, adorned with advent scripture decorations, serves as our visual guide to the story of Christ’s birth. We light the candle, decorate, and read the scripture, creating an intentional and meaningful way to keep company with Jesus Christ throughout the season. It’s not just a wreath; it’s a journey through faith, and Jacob enjoys every step!

As Jacob’s mom it’s important that he understands why the season is important to us. This visual can be included as fun family activities for the holidays with autism that helps teach a meaningful family tradition showing Christ’s birth.

Painting Ceramic Christmas Trees: Autism Holiday Fun! 🎨

Remember those ceramic Christmas trees from yesteryears? Well, we decided to revive that crafty tradition! Making our own ceramic Christmas tree is a joyful activity, and the mess is part of the fun. I remember doing this with my mom when I was growing up, so I thought Jacob would enjoy it too. You can buy one, sure, but where’s the fun in that? Check out Greg’s Pottery on Instagram for some inspiration and unleash your inner artist! If that isn’t autism holiday fun, I don’t know what is! 👉 https://www.instagram.com/gregspottery/?hl=en

Creating Wooden Garland Strands: The Macrame Masterpiece! 🧶

Macrame beads for a strand on the tree!

This year, we decided to spruce up our tree with DIY wooden garland strands. We ordered macrame beads from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYG45YQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1, and let me tell you, it’s been a hit! Jake’s always been proud of his work, and the tree looks fantastic. It’s amazing how something so simple can add a sprinkle of magic to the holiday spirit.

Baking Cookies:

Ah, the smell of freshly baked cookies—nothing screams “holidays” like it! Jake loves my homemade cookies, but when Christmas rolls around, it’s all about those Pillsbury Christmas-shaped cookies. You know, the ones with the commercials that get to Jake’s heart? They remind him of his favorite holiday movies, and we indulge all month long. Who can resist Rudolph and Charlie Brown, anyway? This on is definitely autism holiday fun!

Movie Nights: Nostalgia on the Screen 📽️

Speaking of movies, Jake has a thing for the classics. We’re talking Charlie Brown Christmas, A Year Without a Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Santa Claus 2, and Jingle All the Way. We watch these films throughout December; the highlight is the day we put up the tree and decorate the house. It’s like our own little Hollywood screening!

Amazon Adventures: The Quest for Holiday Movies 🛒

Now, if you want to see Jake light up like a Christmas tree, just let him show you the movies he wants on Amazon. He’s particular, so I have him pull them up to show me exactly. He’s been making his Christmas list right after his birthday in August for years. It’s a tradition! One year, he even asked for a surprise birthday party. Autism throws surprises at us all the time, but that one took the cake, and my best friend made it happen.

Chloe’s Adorable Enthusiasm: Our Furry Sidekick 🐾

Chloe’s Christmas hair day!

Oh, and how could I forget Chloe? She’s our furry sidekick and an essential part of our holiday crew. Jake thinks she’s the bee’s knees in her little Christmas PJs. When she gets her Bark Box with super squeak toys, Jake always has a trick up his sleeve. He grabs a toy, throws it in our room, and Chloe falls for it every time. 😊 Sure, her enthusiasm might annoy Jake occasionally, but she’s all part of the family fun.

Capturing Memories: Yearly Scrapbooks for the Win! 📷

Pic’s of the family over the years!

Finally, we wrap up the season by capturing these magical moments in our yearly scrapbooks. Jacob loves them, and they’re not just photo books—they’re memory books. We look back, ask questions, and get ideas for the next year. Sometimes, Jacob even pulls them out to remind me of an upcoming holiday. You can make your own or order them from Shutterfly or Google. https://photos.google.com/photobooks

So, there you have it—our holiday traditions, fun family activities for the holidays with autism. They may be quirky, messy, and unpredictable, but they’re uniquely ours, and they make our holiday season merry and bright. Remember, it‘s not about perfection; it’s about creating memories and cherishing them forever. #AutismHolidayFun 🎁🌟🎄

One last thing: MINDSET, Don’t forget, maintaining a positive mindset during the holidays is essential. For more tips on how to do this, you can check out our previous post, Autism and the Holidays: Shaping the Season with a Positive Mindset.

If you want more tips check out the ebook!👉 https://educatingjacob.myflodesk.com/tfgvkumbkg

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Blog, schedules
Unlocking the Easter Joy: A Guide to Teaching Children with Autism about Easter
- March 27, 2024
- 0 comments
- by Melissa
Get ready to hop into Easter joy with our guide for children with autism! 🐰🌷 We’ll explore strategies and activities, using schedules to navigate sensory challenges and learn about Resurrection Day. Let’s make this Easter unforgettable! 🥚

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Before we hop into Easter fun, let’s understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 🧠 ASD affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and routine challenges. But fear not! 🛡️ Understanding Jacob’s needs is key to crafting a stress-free, engaging Easter for everyone. Let’s dive in! 🌟

Navigating Easter Challenges for Children with Autism

Easter brings joy, but also unique challenges for kids with autism. 🐣 Crowded events, loud noises, and social interactions can trigger anxiety and meltdowns. Plus, abstract concepts like the resurrection may be hard to grasp.

A Guide to Teaching Children with Autism about Easter

I like Max Lucado, this is the book I bought.

I’ve got you! 🛡️ With creative tools like videos and interactive books, like Max Lucado’s “The Easter Story for Children,” we can make learning fun and accessible for Jacob and kids like him. 📚 And let’s not forget our trusty lent calendar wreath from The Keeping Company, making Jesus’ journey to resurrection day a memorable family tradition! 🌟

I use the cradle to cross wreath from “The Keeping Company”.

The Significance of Easter Education for Kids with Autism

Unlocking the mysteries of Easter isn’t just about bunnies and eggs—it’s a vital step in our children’s development journey! 🌟 Teaching kids with autism about Easter isn’t just about the holiday; it’s about nurturing their social skills, communication, and sensory integration. Plus, it’s a golden opportunity for them to join in family and community traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. 🐣 So let’s dive into Easter education with gusto, empowering our kids to embrace the joy and meaning of this special holiday! 📚🎉

Preparing Your Little Easter Bunnies for Festivities

As Easter hops closer, let’s equip our kiddos with autism for the egg-citing adventures ahead! 🥚✨ One golden strategy? Whip up a visual schedule! 📅 These colorful roadmaps lay out the day’s events, giving our little ones a clear path to navigate the Easter maze. 🐇🗺️ And hey, why not sprinkle in some social stories for an extra dose of Easter Joy enlightenment? 📚 These bite-sized tales break down the holiday’s complex concepts into nuggets of knowledge, ensuring our kiddos are egg-stra prepared for the fun ahead! 📖🎉

Egg-cellent Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
― Yogi Berra

Ah, the classic Easter egg hunt – a staple of the holiday season! 🥚🐰 But for our kiddos with autism, the usual hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow bunny wranglers! Here are some cracking tips to transform your egg hunt into a sensory-friendly extravaganza:🐇

Location, location, location! Opt for a quiet, less crowded spot like your backyard or a serene park during off-peak hours. It’s like finding a hidden oasis in a sea of chaos!🌟

Visual cues are the name of the game!🏳️‍🌈 Deck out those hiding spots with colorful flags or markers to guide our little egg explorers. 🎨🚩

Who needs a map when you’ve got a treasure hunt?🗝️ Get creative and offer alternative ways to track down those elusive eggs – think treasure maps or clues tailored to your kiddo’s interests. 🗺️

Cater to those sensory preferences! Whether it’s eggs with different textures, ones that make funky noises, or those filled with candy. 🎶 🌈

Seeing is Believing: Using Visual Supports and Social Stories for Easter

Easter isn’t all about bunnies, baskets, and a boatload of traditions! 🐇🧺 But for our kiddos with autism, navigating the holiday hoopla can be like trying to crack a secret code. Fear not, fellow Easter enthusiasts! 🌟 Let’s harness the power of visuals and stories to make Easter egg-ceptional for everyone!

📅 Visual Supports: These are our holiday GPS, guiding us through the Easter maze with ease! From visual schedules outlining the day’s activities to handy cues reminding us to hop, skip, and jump during religious services – visuals are the unsung heroes of our Easter adventure! 🥚🗺️

📖 Social Stories: Ah, the tales of Easter past, present, and future! 📚 These nifty narratives break down the holiday hustle and bustle into bite-sized nuggets of knowledge. From the meaning behind Easter to the ins and outs of egg hunts and bunny visits, social stories are our secret weapon for decoding Easter mysteries! 🔍💡

With visuals in hand and stories in our hearts, we’re ready to embark on an Easter escapade like never before! So, gather ’round, my Easter bunnies, and let’s make this holiday one for the books! Not sure? Check out a previous post: Help! 3 Ways a schedule can help sensory issues and communication barriers? #Autism Challenges🧩📚🌷

Egg-cellent Easter Crafts & Sensory Adventures

Easter isn’t just about bunnies and baskets – it’s a chance to dive into egg-citing sensory experiences! 🥚✨ Let’s crack open the creativity and explore some egg-ceptional activities tailored for our kiddos with autism.

1. Sensory-Friendly Egg Decorating: Skip the mess and opt for mess-free egg decorating! 🎨🚫 Swap out dyes for stickers, markers, or colored tape to jazz up those eggs. Plastic or foam eggs are great alternatives for texture-sensitive kiddos!

2. Egg Shaker Music: Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll with DIY egg shakers! 🎶 Fill plastic eggs with rice, beans, or tiny treasures, and let the music-making begin! It’s a groovy way to boost fine motor skills and sensory processing.

3. Easter Sensory Bins: Dive into an Easter-themed sensory adventure!✨ Fill a bin with colored rice, plastic eggs, bunny figurines, and feathers. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they explore different textures and colors. 🌈

These egg-ceptional activities are just the beginning of the Easter fun! Get cracking and create sensory-rich experiences that will delight and engage your child with autism. 🌈✨

Wishing you a happy and inclusive Easter, Resurrection Day celebration!

From our family to yours, Happy Easter, Resurrection Day!

Unlocking the Easter joy for children with autism requires thoughtful planning and adaptations to ensure their comfort and engagement in the festivities. By embracing inclusive Easter traditions, engaging in sensory-friendly activities, and utilizing visual supports, you can create an Easter experience that is enjoyable and meaningful for your child with autism.

Remember, every child with autism is unique, so feel free to customize these strategies to best suit your child’s needs. With love, patience, and understanding, you can make Easter a time of joy and growth for your entire family. 🐣💫

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