Planning Ahead for Summer!
🌞 Planning Ahead for Summer Break: Supporting Kids in PT, OT, and Speech Therapy
As summer approaches, many families begin dreaming of pool days, popsicles, and a break from the school routine. But for children who receive physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), or speech therapy, summer can also bring a unique set of challenges — and opportunities.
Without the structure of the school year, some kids may lose momentum in their therapeutic progress. On the flip side, the break from traditional routines opens up space to get creative, build skills in natural environments, and focus on family goals. Here's how to plan ahead and make the most of summer for your child’s development and well-being.
During the summer, kids spend more time at home with their parents and caregivers, which provides a great opportunity to get more involved! Here are some tips for a successful summer with your kids:
1. Check in With Your Child’s Therapy Team
Ask your child’s therapists:
What progress has your child made this year?
What goals should you focus on this summer?
Are there specific exercises or strategies you can continue at home?
Request a simple “home program” if one hasn’t already been shared. This might include stretches, fine motor tasks, speech sound practice, or sensory activities you can build into your summer routine.
2. Create a Flexible Summer Routine
Structure can make a big difference, especially for kids with sensory processing or communication challenges. You don’t need to schedule every hour, but try creating:
A visual schedule with daily anchors (e.g., breakfast, playtime, therapy, outdoor activity, quiet time).
Theme days (like “Movement Monday” or “Talk-it-Out Tuesday”) that build in therapy-friendly activities in a fun way.
Planned breaks to support regulation and avoid overwhelm.
3. Set One or Two Realistic Goals
Summer doesn’t have to be about “catching up” — it’s a great time to focus on functional goals your child cares about. Examples:
PT: Build endurance by walking a local trail or learning to ride a bike.
OT: Improve hand strength with summer crafts or practice buttoning/swimming suit snaps.
Speech: Work on articulation by reading aloud or playing storytelling games.
Celebrate small wins along the way!
4. Use Summer Activities as Natural Therapy
So many classic summer activities are rich with therapeutic value! Try these:
Water play: Builds strength and coordination.
Sidewalk chalk: Encourages fine motor and visual-motor skills.
Nature walks: Great for sensory input and conversation starters.
Board games and cooking: Practice turn-taking, sequencing, and following directions.
Ask your therapist for ideas on how to sneak therapy into everyday play.
5. Make It Fun & Keep It Positive
Most importantly, remember that summer should feel like a break. Keep expectations realistic, build in fun and rest, and involve your child in planning activities that feel meaningful to them.
Progress doesn’t stop just because school does — in fact, summer might be the perfect time to help your child grow with a little more freedom and a lot of love.
Final Thought: By planning ahead and staying flexible, you can turn summer into a time of meaningful growth, playful learning, and connection for your child — all while keeping their therapy goals in sight.
