It’s been a busy old week which started off with me being really ill, this meant that I was not able to do much on Monday. Tuesday we put to good use my youngest’s visual aid book, trying to recreate the school day as close as possible (we even put in a milk break and some fruit for break). This seemed to work well, although I use his ICT picture to relate to computer games, and the clever soul kept moving it to be the next thing to do! We started to think about the fun and safety involved with Bonfire night.
Wednesday we attended an Autism Support group where the boys had fun painting Halloween models (my year old asked if it was made from the same material as some dinosaurs we had painted, I wonder if next time he will remember that it is called plaster of Paris). I was again very impressed with how well my youngest held the paint brush. I’m not sure what was different there but my little Sensory Seeker did not paint himself. The group also put on some Halloween food and the children had a fantastic time. Was a shame we had to leave early but the middle two had a Seascooter session – it was the 6 year old’s first time as you have to be able to swim 25m, and he did really well. On the night time we went to see Nanny as it was her birthday.
Thursday we were keen to celebrate Halloween, so after starting a slow cooked chicken casserole we headed to the park with the MicroScooters (and bike). We then had some fun with a SkylandersSWAPForce FREE Halloween Activity pack download. We emptied and carved our pumpkins. My husband usually does this and I have to say I did not realise quite how difficult it is! We cut a small heart in the back of one to help support the charity World Vision for A night of hope. The youngest decorated his with pirate and dinosaur stickers, which meant that he was easily entertained whilst I helped my 6 year old with his. In the evening we just went to a couple of people’s houses we know before returning home for a treasure hunt of Halloween shaped chocolate, and some spider jelly.
Friday we went to OverFarmMarket with friends. It was really good and I cannot believe we have never been to a PYO (pick your own) pumpkin farm before. There were lots of Halloween activities set up. The ghost hunt was really good – and the children loved it because after they had ticked off all the ghosts to find on their list they were given sweets! We went on a tractor ride (which when we watched people go off originally we didn’t think they’d make it as it was so muddy. There was a Ghost train ride which made lots of noise and some of the other children did not like. And I think the best was the children being pulled around the muddy field by a quad bike. Gutted that afterwards I discovered that I could have gone on and my youngest found it a bit scary and wanted me there.
As we were about to leave the children were drawn to a street entertainer. He was very funny and pulled in a huge crowd. Nearing the end of his performance he told us that he was not indeed French (as his fake accent throughout the show) but Australian. That he was an entertainer of the most honest variety in that he did not charge you to watch his performance, you did not have to pay up front. That he felt the performance was worth at least a fiver, but to give what you could (but not to insult the art with pennies, he was an entertainer not a beggar!) Personally I think he makes a good advert for Sports Relief – what do you think?
I’m sure our half term we have done much more and I have forgotten but we can safely say it has been a busy one. I believe that the visual book has been fantastic at helping my son to deal with the week, but I think a huge aspect of this is because I have filled his sensory needs – including that of getting outdoors. I think when it comes to Christmas break I must really remember this, no matter how cold.
I have been no way compensated for this post, however there may be products featured that have previously been given to review.