GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

  • Parenting
    • Infants | Preschoolers
    • K-8
    • Teens
    • Special Needs
  • Family Health
    • Infants | Preschoolers Health
    • K-8 Family Health
    • Teens Family Health
    • Special Needs Family Health
  • Resources
    • Printables | eBooks
    • Books | Products
    • Websites | Orgs
    • Bilingual
  • Our Authors
    • Jo Baldwin
    • Mary Ann Burke
    • Phil Caposey
    • Ruth Cook
    • Melissa Donahoe
    • Danielle Gentry
    • Laura Greenstein
    • Joyce Iwasaki
    • Yvette King-Berg
    • Jaime Koo
    • Kevin Myers
    • Rosemarie Perez
    • Karen Salzer
    • Alison Whiteley
    • Denise Williams
    • Rafael Zavala
  • About
    • Work with Us
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer and Terms of Use

Apr 29 2025

Embracing Spring Rain: Strategies to Get Kids Outdoors

Embracing Spring Rain: Strategies to Get Kids Outdoors

For my 40th birthday, I was surprised with a trip to Vancouver. As I packed my bags, I was told to bring rain gear—there was no way my family was going to let me stay inside just because of a little rain. I was there to explore, not to hide indoors. The same is true for kids in the spring. Just because it’s rainy or chilly doesn’t mean outdoor play has to stop!

Everyone needs outdoor time, no matter the forecast. In many schools, rainy days mean canceled recess, and that lack of movement can lead to restlessness and frustration. Getting outside, even in less-than-ideal weather, helps with attention, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

The truth is, outdoor play is just as important in spring as in any other season. Movement helps kids regulate their bodies, develop motor skills, and improve focus. Plus, time spent in nature is proven to reduce stress and boost mood. [Read more…]

Alison Whiteley

Alison Whiteley has been a special education teacher for over 15 years, spending most of her time working with elementary students and families. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Psychology, she continued her education with a Masters in Reading from Walden University. In addition, she has achieved endorsements supporting Early Childhood Special Education and Diverse Learners which she uses to help identify needs across all learners.

Ms. Whiteley is trained in Wilson Reading System and Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham. She believes all students can learn to read and be successful. She has served as a Special Education Coach and Mentor to fellow specialists and teachers, facilitated the creation of her elementary school’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) process and helped parents through the Special Education process as IEP Coach for parents. In 2013 she completed the National Boards of Professional Teaching in Exceptional Needs with recertification in 2022. Her areas of expertise involve working with students with learning disabilities, supporting stakeholders moving through the special education process, and helping parents and teachers understand what they can do to support struggling learners in the public school settings.

She is a founding member of the Colorado Reading League and a member of the International Dyslexia Association in Colorado. Alison has two greyhounds and two nephews who keep her busy outside of school. She is the CEO of Toad-ally Exceptional Learners at http://www.toad-allyexceptionallearners.com. Alison is a valuable source of information to support teachers and parents, although she is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Her services support families through the IEP process and how they can be an equal member of the team through positive interactions. She focuses on collaboration and using tools to take IEPs to the new level of helping students achieve.

www.GenParenting.com

Written by Alison Whiteley · Categorized: Academic Support and Play Activities, Early Childhood Parenting, Elementary School Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized · Tagged: children's play, Early Parenting, Educating children, Parenting, parents as teachers, special needs, Special Needs Parenting, teachable moments

Jan 07 2025

Winter Family Play Activities

Winter Family Play Activities

Happy New Year 2025! Winter is here and our kids spend hours playing on their electronic devices and binge-watching television and movies. Parents are busy getting ready for a new year of juggling family schedules, working, maintaining household chores, and just enjoying life as time allows. Here are ten strategies that families can use to get moving and enjoy various winter activities: [Read more…]

Mary Ann Burke, Digital Education Expert

Mary Ann Burke, Ed.D., Digital Education Expert, is a substitute distance learning teacher for Oak Grove School District in San Jose, California and the author of STUDENT-ENGAGED ASSESSMENT: Strategies to Empower All Learners (Rowman & Littlefield: 2020). Dr. Burke creates digital language arts and substitute teaching K – 12 activities for teachers and parents. She is the Cofounder of the Genparenting.com blog. Burke is the former Director II of Categorical & Special Projects for the Santa Clara County Office of Education that supports 31 school districts serving 272,321 students in Santa Clara County. She is also a previous Director – State & Federal Compliance for Oakland Unified School District, the former Director – Grantwriter for the Compton Unified School District, and was the initial VISTA Director for the Community Partnership Coalition in southern California. Much of her work focuses on creating innovative digital trainings and partnership programs for teachers and families to support students’ learning. These programs were featured as a best practice at a National Title I Conference, California’s Title I Conferences, AERA Conferences, an ASCD Conference, the NASSP Conference, and statewide educator conferences.

Written by Mary Ann Burke, Digital Education Expert · Categorized: Academic Support and Play Activities, Elementary School Parenting, Grandparenting, Parenting Adolescents, Special Needs Parenting · Tagged: academic success, children with special needs, children's play, Educating children, Family, family play, family values, Grandparents' Influences, parents as teachers, teachable moments, winter family play

Aug 20 2024

Camping Adventures for ALL Kids

Camping Adventures for ALL Children

Just like the beach in California, when we moved to Colorado, the mountains became a playground. Camping looks easy right????? Not when you really think about it. And I know here in Colorado it has become an activity where you must plan your location months in advance.

Camping is a wonderful way for families to connect with nature, bond with each other, and create lasting memories. For parents of children with special needs, planning a camping trip may require some additional considerations and preparation. Here are 8 things you need to keep in mind as you plan your next adventure.

Choose the Right Destination:

Selecting the right camping destination is crucial when traveling with special education children. Consider factors such as accessibility, amenities, and proximity to medical facilities. Look for campgrounds that offer accessible trails, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and accommodations for sensory needs. National parks often provide accessible camping options and resources for families with special needs. As a child we always stayed at National Park but my nephews shared they have stayed at a couple Hipcamp sites that were just as cool. Google to see what’s in your area. It might take some time to find a place to try or to find somewhere new that becomes a family favorite.  Always remember to start small like close to home or just one night somewhere or even a day trip.

Plan Ahead:

Planning is key to a successful camping trip, especially when traveling with special education children. Create a detailed itinerary that includes activities, meal plans, and any necessary accommodations. Pack essential supplies such as medications, sensory items, and adaptive equipment. Consider creating a visual schedule or social story to help prepare your child for the camping experience. The National Park Service (NPS) is always a great place to start. In my travels, my family has found NPS to have great accessibility and great easy options for first time campers. Check out their website to find out what parks are near you.

Prepare for Sensory Needs:

Outdoor environments can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Bring along familiar comfort items such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys to help your child feel calm and secure. Create sensory-friendly spaces within your campsite where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. Allow plenty of time for sensory breaks and outdoor exploration at their own pace.

Practice Camping Skills:

Before embarking on your camping adventure, take time to practice essential camping skills with your child. Set up a backyard tent or have a backyard camping night to familiarize your child with the camping experience. Teach basic camping skills such as setting up a tent, building a campfire, and cooking outdoors. Practice safety procedures and discuss what to do in case of emergencies.

Embrace Nature-Based Learning:

Camping provides a unique opportunity for children to learn and explore the natural world. Encourage your child to engage in nature-based activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and identifying local flora and fauna. Use nature as a classroom to teach lessons about ecology, conservation, and outdoor survival skills. Encourage sensory exploration by touching tree bark, listening to bird songs, and smelling wildflowers. This also means teaching children how to interact with wild animals like deer, elk, moose, snakes, and buffalo.  Everyone needs to know; you don’t need to take that selfie with the moose. LOOK DON’T Touch! Don’t forget to hit up the Rangers–they know everything.

Foster Independence:

Allow your child to take an active role in the camping experience and foster independence. Assign age-appropriate tasks such as gathering firewood, setting up camp, or preparing meals. Encourage your child to problem-solve and make decisions independently, empowering them to take ownership of their camping experience. Provide praise and positive reinforcement for their efforts and accomplishments. It’s a good idea to make sure they understand the importance of remaining on the trail and what to do if they get lost. (I clearly remember being lectured as a small girl to “sit my butt down and don’t move” if I ever lost the trail.) Remember safety is always first.

Be Flexible and Patient:

Flexibility is essential when camping with special education children. Be prepared to adapt your plans and expectations based on your child’s needs and abilities. Allow for plenty of downtime and unstructured play to reduce stress and sensory overload. Practice patience and understanding and be prepared to provide extra support and reassurance as needed.

Connect with Other Families:

Consider connecting with other families who have special education children and share similar interests in camping and outdoor activities. Join online forums, social media groups, or local support networks to exchange tips, resources, and advice. Organize group camping trips or meetups where families can share experiences, support each other, and create a sense of community.

Camping with special education children can be a rewarding and enriching experience for the entire family. By planning, preparing for sensory needs, and fostering independence, you can create a successful outdoor adventure that allows your child to connect with nature, build life skills, and make cherished memories. Remember to embrace flexibility, patience, and a spirit of adventure as you embark on your camping journey together. With careful preparation and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable camping memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Alison Whiteley

Alison Whiteley has been a special education teacher for over 15 years, spending most of her time working with elementary students and families. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Psychology, she continued her education with a Masters in Reading from Walden University. In addition, she has achieved endorsements supporting Early Childhood Special Education and Diverse Learners which she uses to help identify needs across all learners.

Ms. Whiteley is trained in Wilson Reading System and Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham. She believes all students can learn to read and be successful. She has served as a Special Education Coach and Mentor to fellow specialists and teachers, facilitated the creation of her elementary school’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) process and helped parents through the Special Education process as IEP Coach for parents. In 2013 she completed the National Boards of Professional Teaching in Exceptional Needs with recertification in 2022. Her areas of expertise involve working with students with learning disabilities, supporting stakeholders moving through the special education process, and helping parents and teachers understand what they can do to support struggling learners in the public school settings.

She is a founding member of the Colorado Reading League and a member of the International Dyslexia Association in Colorado. Alison has two greyhounds and two nephews who keep her busy outside of school. She is the CEO of Toad-ally Exceptional Learners at http://www.toad-allyexceptionallearners.com. Alison is a valuable source of information to support teachers and parents, although she is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Her services support families through the IEP process and how they can be an equal member of the team through positive interactions. She focuses on collaboration and using tools to take IEPs to the new level of helping students achieve.

www.GenParenting.com

Written by Alison Whiteley · Categorized: Early Childhood Parenting, Elementary School Parenting, Special Needs Parenting · Tagged: Camping with kids with special needs, children with special needs, children's play, Early Parenting, family camping tips, inclusive camping tips, parent leadership, parenting elementary kids, parents as teachers, Special Needs Parenting, teachable moments

Aug 06 2024

Sensory Adventures: Kids’ Summer Activities

Sensory Adventures: Kids’ Summer Activities

As the sun shines brightly and the days grow longer, summer calls for adventures that engage the senses and spark creativity. For children, the summer break provides the perfect opportunity to explore the world through sensory experiences that stimulate learning, foster development, and create lasting memories. In this blog post, we’ll discover a variety of sensory activities that you can enjoy with children over the summer months.

  1. Sensory Bins:
    • Create sensory bins filled with materials such as rice, dried beans, sand, or water beads.
    • Add scoops, funnels, measuring cups, and small toys for scooping, pouring, and sorting.
    • Encourage exploration and imaginative play as children dig their hands into the sensory materials, discovering textures, shapes, and colors.
  2. Nature Scavenger Hunt:
    • Embark on a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard, local park, or nature reserve.
    • Provide a list of items to find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or pinecones.
    • Encourage children to use their senses to observe, touch, smell, and listen to the natural world around them as they search for treasures.
  3. Messy Art Play:
    • Set up a messy art station outdoors using materials like finger paint, shaving cream, or colored sand.
    • Provide large sheets of paper, cardboard, or easels for children to express their creativity.
    • Embrace the messiness as children use their hands and fingers to paint, smear, and mix colors, engaging their senses in the artistic process.
  4. Water Play:
    • Beat the summer heat with water play activities such as water tables, sprinklers, or kiddie pools.
    • Add water toys, sponges, spray bottles, and containers for pouring and splashing fun.
    • Experiment with adding ice cubes, food coloring, or bath toys to enhance the sensory experience.
  5. Sensory Walks:
    • Take sensory walks around your neighborhood or local community, focusing on different senses with each outing.
    • Encourage children to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures they encounter along the way.
    • Use a sensory scavenger hunt checklist or create a sensory nature journal to document observations and discoveries.
  6. Do-It-Yourself Sensory Playdough:
    • Make homemade sensory playdough using simple ingredients like flour, salt, water, and food coloring.
    • Experiment with adding scents (e.g., vanilla, lavender) or textured materials (e.g., glitter, rice) to create unique sensory experiences.
    • Encourage children to knead, squeeze, and mold the playdough to strengthen fine motor skills and stimulate tactile senses.
  7. Sensory Storytime:
    • Host sensory story time sessions at home or in your backyard, featuring books that engage multiple senses.
    • Choose books with interactive elements such as textured pages, scratch-and-sniff scents, or sound effects.
    • Encourage children to participate in the story by acting out scenes, making sound effects, or creating sensory props.
  8. Outdoor Sensory Obstacle Course:
    • Design an outdoor sensory obstacle course using household items and natural materials.
    • Incorporate activities such as balancing on a beam, crawling through tunnels, jumping over obstacles, or stepping on sensory pathways (e.g., grass, sand).
    • Encourage children to navigate the course using their senses of balance, coordination, and proprioception.
  9. Texture Exploration:
    • Set up a texture exploration station with a variety of tactile materials such as fabric swatches, foam shapes, textured balls, and sensory bags filled with gel or beads.
    • Encourage children to touch, squeeze, and explore the different textures, describing how each feels.
  10. Outdoor Music and Dance Party:
    • Host an outdoor music and dance party in your backyard or local park.
    • Provide musical instruments, such as drums, tambourines, or shakers, for children to play along with the music.
    • Encourage children to move and dance freely, expressing themselves through rhythm and movement.

Summer is a time of exploration, discovery, and sensory delight for children. By engaging in sensory activities that stimulate the senses and ignite the imagination, parents can create memorable experiences that promote learning, development, and connection. Whether it’s digging in a sensory bin, splashing in water play, or embarking on a nature scavenger hunt, the possibilities for sensory adventures are endless. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your explorer hats, and get ready for a summer filled with sensory fun!

 

Alison Whiteley

Alison Whiteley has been a special education teacher for over 15 years, spending most of her time working with elementary students and families. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Psychology, she continued her education with a Masters in Reading from Walden University. In addition, she has achieved endorsements supporting Early Childhood Special Education and Diverse Learners which she uses to help identify needs across all learners.

Ms. Whiteley is trained in Wilson Reading System and Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham. She believes all students can learn to read and be successful. She has served as a Special Education Coach and Mentor to fellow specialists and teachers, facilitated the creation of her elementary school’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) process and helped parents through the Special Education process as IEP Coach for parents. In 2013 she completed the National Boards of Professional Teaching in Exceptional Needs with recertification in 2022. Her areas of expertise involve working with students with learning disabilities, supporting stakeholders moving through the special education process, and helping parents and teachers understand what they can do to support struggling learners in the public school settings.

She is a founding member of the Colorado Reading League and a member of the International Dyslexia Association in Colorado. Alison has two greyhounds and two nephews who keep her busy outside of school. She is the CEO of Toad-ally Exceptional Learners at http://www.toad-allyexceptionallearners.com. Alison is a valuable source of information to support teachers and parents, although she is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Her services support families through the IEP process and how they can be an equal member of the team through positive interactions. She focuses on collaboration and using tools to take IEPs to the new level of helping students achieve.

www.GenParenting.com

Written by Alison Whiteley · Categorized: Early Childhood Parenting, Elementary School Parenting, Special Needs Parenting, Teaching successful students · Tagged: Academic needs, children with special needs, children's play, Early Parenting, Educating children, parenting elementary kids, parents as teachers, preschool play, sensory activities, Special Needs Parenting, teachable moments

Jul 24 2024

10 Cheap Summer Activities for Kids

10 Cheap Summer Activities for Kids

Some of my favorite summer memories include last-minute trips to the rocky beaches south of San Francisco. Mom would take my sister and me hunting through slimy kelp looking for fish, shrimp, and if we were lucky, a shark or octopus. But it was those impromptu trips that showed my love for learning and epic adventures that don’t have to break the bank.

Summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune. As the school bells ring for the last time before the summer break, parents everywhere are faced with the age-old question: how to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Fear not! Here are ten fantastic, wallet-friendly activities to keep your children engaged, entertained, and educated throughout the summer months.

10 Cheap Options

Library Visits

Most local libraries offer free summer reading programs for kids, complete with incentives like stickers, bookmarks, and even small prizes. Make it a weekly outing, and let your child explore new worlds through books.

Nature Walks

Lace up those sneakers, pack some snacks, and hit the trails! Whether it’s a nearby park, nature reserve, or even just a stroll around the neighborhood, nature walks provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.

Do-It-Yourself Science Experiments

Turn your kitchen into a laboratory and let your little Einsteins unleash their inner mad scientist. From homemade volcanoes to do-it-yourself slime, the possibilities are as endless as they are budget-friendly.

Art in the Park

Grab some sidewalk chalk, watercolors, or even just a pad of paper and some crayons, and head to the nearest park. Let your child’s creativity run wild as they paint, draw, and create masterpieces amidst the beauty of nature.

Picnic Playdates

Coordinate with other parents and pack a picnic lunch for a day of fun in the sun. Bring along frisbees, soccer balls, or jump ropes for some classic outdoor games that never go out of style.

Community Events

Check out local community calendars for free or low-cost events happening in your area. From concerts in the park to outdoor movie nights, there’s bound to be something the whole family can enjoy.

Baking Bonanza

Spend a rainy afternoon in the kitchen baking up a storm. Whip up a batch of cookies, try your hand at homemade pizza, or get creative with cake decorating. Not only is it a fun activity, but you also get to enjoy the delicious results together.

Backyard Camping

Pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and spend a night under the stars in your own backyard. Toast marshmallows over a makeshift campfire (safely, of course), tell ghost stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Museums and Zoos

Many museums and zoos offer free or discounted admission days throughout the summer. Take advantage of these opportunities to expose your child to art, culture, and wildlife without breaking the bank.

Do-It-Yourself Outdoor Movie Night

Transform your backyard into a cinema under the stars with a do-it-yourself outdoor movie night. Hang a sheet or set up a projector screen, pop some popcorn, and cozy up with blankets for a family movie marathon.

Bargain Opportunities

These free or cheap activities are just a jumping off point to get you started with your summer routine, you can keep your elementary-aged children entertained, engaged, and enriched without blowing your budget. From literary adventures to outdoor escapades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – no expensive theme parks or exotic vacations required. So, grab your sunblock, pack a picnic, and get ready for a summer full of fun-filled memories that won’t cost a fortune.

 

Alison Whiteley

Alison Whiteley has been a special education teacher for over 15 years, spending most of her time working with elementary students and families. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Psychology, she continued her education with a Masters in Reading from Walden University. In addition, she has achieved endorsements supporting Early Childhood Special Education and Diverse Learners which she uses to help identify needs across all learners.

Ms. Whiteley is trained in Wilson Reading System and Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham. She believes all students can learn to read and be successful. She has served as a Special Education Coach and Mentor to fellow specialists and teachers, facilitated the creation of her elementary school’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) process and helped parents through the Special Education process as IEP Coach for parents. In 2013 she completed the National Boards of Professional Teaching in Exceptional Needs with recertification in 2022. Her areas of expertise involve working with students with learning disabilities, supporting stakeholders moving through the special education process, and helping parents and teachers understand what they can do to support struggling learners in the public school settings.

She is a founding member of the Colorado Reading League and a member of the International Dyslexia Association in Colorado. Alison has two greyhounds and two nephews who keep her busy outside of school. She is the CEO of Toad-ally Exceptional Learners at http://www.toad-allyexceptionallearners.com. Alison is a valuable source of information to support teachers and parents, although she is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Her services support families through the IEP process and how they can be an equal member of the team through positive interactions. She focuses on collaboration and using tools to take IEPs to the new level of helping students achieve.

www.GenParenting.com

Written by Alison Whiteley · Categorized: Elementary School Parenting, Social-Emotional Health, Special Needs Parenting · Tagged: cheap summer activities for kids, cheap summer play, children with special needs, children's play, Educating children, Family, family play, family time, parenting elementary kids, parents as teachers, teachable moments

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Search the site

Translate

Sign up for updates

Follow us

Copyright © 2025 — GenParenting • All rights reserved