Preparing for Summer Success Through Spring Practice

Preparing for Summer Success Through Spring Practice

As the weather begins to warm and outdoor routines return, spring is the perfect time to gently introduce the skills and experiences children may need for a successful summer. For many children, especially those with sensory sensitivities or difficulty with transitions, summer activities can bring exciting opportunities alongside new challenges.

Many of these practical life skills are reflected in the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), a tool used to assess and support independence across home, school, and community environments. Spring and summer routines provide natural opportunities to build these functional skills in meaningful, motivating ways.

By practicing summer routines early and gradually, families can help reduce stress and build confidence before camps, vacations, swimming lessons, and long outdoor days begin.

At bitKIDS Behaviour Consulting, we work closely with families to identify goals that are meaningful, practical, and connected to everyday life. Rather than teaching skills in isolation, we collaborate with caregivers to understand what activities matter most to their child and family routines.

For one family, that may mean preparing for cottage weekends by practicing life jacket tolerance and water safety skills. For another, it may involve helping a child participate more comfortably in summer camp routines, tolerate sunscreen, or independently pack items for outings. Some families may prioritize community participation goals such as attending festivals, playgrounds, or family vacations with greater confidence and flexibility.

By embedding goals into real-life seasonal activities, children often experience learning as more natural, enjoyable, and relevant.

Why Practice Early?

Many summer expectations involve unfamiliar sensations, changes in routine, or increased independence. Waiting until the first hot day or pool outing can sometimes feel overwhelming for children who benefit from predictability and preparation.

Introducing these experiences during spring allows children time to:

• Build tolerance slowly
• Develop independence with self-care tasks
• Increase comfort with sensory experiences
• Learn expectations in low-pressure situations
• Feel more confident and successful

Small, consistent practice opportunities can make a meaningful difference.

Summer Skills to Begin Practicing

Wearing a Life Jacket

Life jackets can feel bulky, restrictive, warm, or uncomfortable for some children. Practicing at home before summer activities begin can help reduce resistance later.

This also supports important AFLS-related safety and community participation skills.

Try:

• Wearing the life jacket indoors for short periods
• Pairing practice with fun water play
• Allowing the child to explore fastening clips independently
• Gradually increasing wearing time
• Practicing walking and moving while wearing it

Making the experience playful and predictable can help build comfort over time.

Putting on Sunscreen

The texture, smell, temperature, and sensation of sunscreen can be difficult for children with sensory sensitivities.

Helpful strategies may include:

• Trying different sunscreen types (spray, lotion, mineral, stick)
• Using visual schedules or first/then language
• Allowing the child to apply lotion to a parent or doll first
• Practicing small amounts during calm moments
• Providing choices when possible

Consistency and routine often help sunscreen become a more accepted part of outdoor preparation.

Wearing Sun Hats and Summer Clothing

Summer clothing can introduce new sensory experiences such as:

• Lightweight fabrics
• Bare arms and legs
• Sandals or water shoes
• Hats touching the head or face

Children may benefit from gradual exposure and opportunities to explore these items before they are required for outings or camp.

Consider:

• Letting children choose preferred colours or styles
• Starting with short wear times
• Practicing during preferred outdoor activities
• Removing tags or choosing softer fabrics
• Modeling the routine as a family

Comfort and familiarity can go a long way toward increasing participation.

Building Independence Through Outdoor Routines

Spring is also a great time to support independence with everyday summer routines. Many of these skills align with AFLS domains related to self-management, community participation, and independent living.

Children ages 3–13 can begin practicing:

• Packing a backpack
• Carrying a water bottle
• Changing into swimsuits
• Applying lip balm
• Wearing sunglasses
• Following outdoor safety expectations
• Responding when their name is called outdoors
• Staying with a group during outings

Visual supports, predictable routines, and repeated practice can help children feel more prepared and capable.

At bitKIDS, our team regularly communicates with families about which routines are most important in their day-to-day lives. These conversations help us prioritize goals that will have the greatest impact at home and in the community.

For example:

• A family hoping to spend more time outdoors together may focus on safe walking, tolerating bug spray, or participating in playground routines.

This collaborative approach helps ensure therapy goals remain functional, individualized, and meaningful to each family’s lifestyle and priorities.

Learning Through Gardening and Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities can also create wonderful opportunities for functional skill development while encouraging play, responsibility, and independence.

Simple gardening activities may help children practice:

• Watering plants
• Carrying small tools safely
• Following simple directions
• Waiting and taking turns
• Exploring sensory experiences through soil, water, and plants
• Participating in shared family routines

Gardening can naturally support communication, leisure, motor, and self-help skills while helping children connect with seasonal changes.

Families may also enjoy practicing skills through:

• Nature walks
• Sidewalk chalk activities
• Picnics
• Splash pad visits
• Outdoor games
• Farmers’ market outings

These experiences create opportunities to practice social interaction, flexibility, communication, and community safety in real-life settings.

Preparing for Camps and Community Activities

Many children benefit from practicing group participation skills before summer camps or recreational programs begin.

Helpful skills may include:

• Carrying a backpack independently
• Following a simple schedule
• Waiting in line
• Taking turns during games
• Asking for help from unfamiliar adults
• Using public washrooms comfortably

Short community outings throughout the spring can help build familiarity and confidence before longer summer programs begin.

Small Steps Lead to Big Successes

Preparing for summer does not need to happen all at once. Brief, positive experiences repeated consistently are often the most effective way to help children build confidence and comfort with new expectations.

By starting early, families can create smoother transitions into summer activities while supporting independence, participation, safety, and enjoyment throughout the season.

At bitKIDS Behaviour Consulting, we believe meaningful progress often begins with small, thoughtful steps woven into everyday routines and built around the goals that matter most to each family.