Spring Fever!

It is now April 6th, and even though we just had 6" of snow several days ago, it is slowly disappearing.  People are walking.  Dogs are at the park.  It's spring time, and it's contagious!

I find myself getting so antsy this time year, just as state testing is rolling in.  How in the world can students focus when I can't either?  I've tried brainstorming a few ideas to take therapy outside either as a clinician or parent.  After all, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?  I'm all about conformity when it comes to being outside in spring!

1.  Read Books
Read a book…under a tree…on a blanket!  Get comfy and relax.  Books are an easy and engaging way to work on concepts, comprehension, and even articulation.

2. Sidewalk Chalk
It's cheap and kids love it!  Plus, it's easy to draw concrete pictures (no pun intended) of basic concepts.  It's also easy to write different words to target specific speech sounds.

3.  Memory Game
This game may work best when working with a group of several students.  The first person starts by stating, "It's spring, and I see flowers."  The second person says, "It's spring, and I see flowers and grass."  The third person says, "It's spring, and I see flowers, grass, and birds."  You get the idea.  This game may not drill articulation as much as you could inside, but it also works on memory skills and vocabulary.

4. Wagon Ride
This is obviously for younger children, but none the less, it's fun!  Try an "I spy" game.

5.  Simon Says
This game is great for executive function and following directions.

6.  Red-Light, Green-Light
Another great game for working on executive function.

7.  BounceA Ball
Yep.  That's it.  Pick a category and students name items in the category.  After each turn, they bounce the ball (only one time) to another person.  If they miss an item in the category or miss catching the ball after one bounce, he/she is out!  This game also works well if your students are working on articulation sounds.

8.  Go On A Bear Hunt
Not for real, but the kids don't have to know that!  This game works well for following directions and understanding basic concepts.

9. Story Telling
Kim Rowe, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, has some great ideas for working on storytelling and play.  5 Ways To Foster Creative Storytelling + Play

10.  Go On A Scavenger Hunt
A treasure hunt can be anything you want it to be!  It can be by color, size, shape, etc. for categorizing. Sounds for articulation.  The options are limitless.  We have a freebie on our TpT store if you're looking for something already made!  Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Speech and Language

If you have any other ideas, please feel free to add them in the comment section!  We'd love to hear your ideas!