🌞Helping Your Speller Thrive During the School Holidays
A guide for parents on keeping brains buzzing, bodies calm, and connections strong
Written by: Marquerette Müller & Vicky Oettle
Ah, the school holidays! A time for PJs at noon, family adventures, and the occasional “Wait, what day is it again?” That’s what our teachers enjoy at least. For parents, this might be a little different. While a slower pace can be a welcome reset, it’s important to remember that our spellers still need cognitive stimulation, purposeful interaction, and plenty of sensory-motor input to stay regulated, engaged and stimulated.
Here are some simple, supportive ways you can help keep your speller’s brain buzzing, body regulated, and confidence soaring, all while hopefully maintaining some calm, these holidays.
🧠 1. Feed the Brain – Keep It Curious
Our spellers are intelligent, curious, and capable – and they crave learning. The holidays can be the perfect time to explore new topics in a low-pressure way.
How you can do it:
Spelling at home:
If you’ve been trained and coached in spelling to communicate (and if you haven’t, please reach out to your practitioner for some coaching – it really is life-changing!), the school holidays are a wonderful opportunity to keep the momentum going at home. Even short, relaxed sessions can help your speller stay confident and connected.
NB: Only do this if your practitioner has coached you to spell with your child
Watch a short documentary together, then chat about it. Netflix and YouTube both have great options like 72 Cutest Animals, Night on Earth, or The Secrets of the Whales. Disney Plus has some great National Geographic documentaries, such as A real bug’s life.
Listen to a podcast episode:
What it’s about: A science podcast where each episode answers a kid-submitted question – from “How do trees communicate?” to “What’s in your belly button?”
Why it’s great: Funny, well-produced, and packed with real facts explained clearly.
🔗 Listen here
🎙️ But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
What it’s about: Kids send in questions, and experts answer them. Topics include everything from “Why do we dream?” to “How do vaccines work?”
Why it’s great: Empowers kids to ask big questions and helps build critical thinking.
🔗 Listen here
🥊 Smash Boom Best
What it’s about: A fun debate show for kids where two topics go head-to-head – like Volcanoes vs. Tornadoes or Pizza vs. Tacos.
Why it’s great: Kids learn argument structure, comparing facts, and forming opinions – plus, it’s hilarious.
🔗 Listen here
🧠 Who Smarted?
What it’s about: Quick, quirky episodes that explore history, science, and fun facts – like “Why do we burp?” or “How does Wi-Fi work?”
Why it’s great: Short (about 15 mins), silly, and perfect for short attention spans.
🔗 Listen here
🐘 Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids
What it’s about: Real science stories told in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. Think fossils, stars, and animal communication.
Why it’s great: Co-hosted by a teacher and a science journalist, so it’s both accurate and accessible.
🔗 Listen here
YouTube Channels:
🧠 SciShow Kids
What it’s about: Bite-sized, enthusiastic explanations of science topics like gravity, germs, weather, and animal facts.
Why it’s great: Clear visuals, a friendly host, and loads of “Whoa! I didn’t know that!” moments.
🔗 Watch here
🧪 Crash Course Kids
What it’s about: Science and engineering for upper primary learners. Topics include ecosystems, energy, weather, and space.
Why it’s great: Uses animation and a fast-paced style to make science super engaging.
🔗 Watch here
🌍 National Geographic Kids
What it’s about: Wild animals, nature adventures, and cool facts from around the world.
Why it’s great: Real animal footage, conservation messages, and a global feel.
🔗 Watch here
🤔 Mystery Doug
What it’s about: Doug answers real kids’ curious questions like “Why do cats purr?” or “What’s the biggest animal that’s ever lived?”
Why it’s great: Simple, friendly, and encourages kids to keep asking questions.
🔗 Watch here
📦 TheDadLab
What it’s about: Fun science experiments and educational activities that you can actually try at home.
Why it’s great: It’s very hands-on and inspiring—think STEM meets crafting.
🔗 Watch here
🧠 Peekaboo Kidz
What it’s about: Animated videos covering health, hygiene, human body, emotions, and science.
Why it’s great: Simple animations and catchy songs make concepts stick (plus, great for neurodiverse learners!).
🔗 Watch here
🧭 Operation Ouch!
What it’s about: Two hilarious doctors explain how the body works using real hospital footage, skits, and experiments.
Why it’s great: Kids LOVE the silliness, and the science is accurate and cool.
🔗 Watch here
🎨 Art for Kids Hub
What it’s about: Step-by-step drawing tutorials—everything from dinosaurs to donuts to cartoon pets.
Why it’s great: Supports fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence. Whole family can join in!
🔗 Watch here
🕘 2. Stick to a Predictable Routine (With Wiggle Room)
Let’s be honest – holidays can easily slip into chaos (and yes, breakfast can turn into lunch). But routines anchor our spellers in safety and structure, which helps with regulation, communication, anxiety and mood.
What to aim for:
- Same wake-up and sleep time: each day, even if the activities vary.
- Built-in rhythm: Alternate quiet and active times, indoor and outdoor activities. Go for a walk outside and then come back inside and listen to music or watch one of those awesome documentaries you’ve been wanting to watch.
- Daily rituals: Morning cuddle and audiobook time, after-lunch walk, evening playlist or bath – anything consistent helps!
Pro tip: Use a visual schedule or checklist to support transitions and reduce stress. You can laminate it, use Velcro icons, or even draw it out together each morning on a whiteboard. More on schedules coming soon.
💬 3. Have Real Conversations – Don’t Dumb It Down
Your speller may not speak, but that doesn’t mean they don’t think. Speak to them in full, rich sentences and invite them into conversations that matter.
Try this:
- Discuss current events (kid-appropriate ones like space launches, sports, or environmental wins). Good Things Guy – a local good news website has some great articles – you can even read about two spellers, Stephanie and Zekwande
- Chat about your family traditions, favourite memories, or even why you love your morning coffee, tea, or hot water with lemon.
- Watch a movie or YouTube video together and pause every so often to give your ideas on what happened.
- Reading the news of the day with your speller is a fantastic way to build background knowledge, expand vocabulary, and spark rich discussions about the world. Even one short article a day can offer meaningful cognitive input and connection time.
Here are a few trusted places where parents can find age-appropriate, engaging news content:
- Newsela – (Free with account) Offers levelled news articles across topics like science, social studies, and current events. Great for older spellers.
- Dogo News – Short, fun, and easy-to-understand news stories for kids. Includes categories like science, sports, and environment.
- The Day’s News (from The Day) – A UK-based news site that makes global issues accessible and balanced. Some free articles are available.
- BBC Newsround – Updated daily with news tailored for children, plus explainer videos and feel-good stories.
- Time for Kids – Current events written specifically for different reading levels. Uplifting and educational.
🖐️ 4. Sensory Play & Motor Fun – Feed the Body to Calm the Brain
The holidays are a perfect time to explore sensory-rich play and motor activities – great for regulation, connection, and coordination.
Sensory Play Ideas (low-mess to full-on chaos):
- Rice bins with scoops and small toys
- Playdough with cookie cutters, stamps, and textured rollers
- Water play with sponges, funnels, and colored ice
- Oobleck (cornstarch + water) – because what is life without a little weird slime?
Movement Ideas:
- Obstacle courses with cushions, tunnels, and laundry baskets
- Animal walks (crab, bear, frog jumps!)
- Balloon volleyball
- Dance party with freeze game
Outdoor options:
- Chalk drawing mazes
- Bouncing on a trampoline
- Pushing/pulling heavy garden tools or boxes (hello, “heavy work”!). Heavy work can often help our spellers with realising where their body starts and ends.
- Splash pool foot baths or water painting on walls/fences – perhaps just the water painting for the July holidays
YouTube Channels to Move With:
🕺 GoNoodle
What it’s about: High-energy dance, mindfulness, stretching, and even silly wiggle breaks.
Why it’s great: Tons of variety, catchy songs, and quick segments for short attention spans.
🔗 Watch here
🧘 Cosmic Kids Yoga
What it’s about: Yoga and mindfulness adventures told through storytelling (think: “Frozen Yoga” or “Pokemon Yoga”).
Why it’s great: Combines movement, imagination, and calming breathwork—brilliant for regulation!
🔗 Watch here
🏋️ PE with Joe (The Body Coach TV)
What it’s about: Joe Wicks leads easy-to-follow home workouts that feel more like fun than gym class.
Why it’s great: He’s positive, silly, and includes adaptations for different energy levels. Best for older kids or mixed-age groups.
🔗 Watch here
🦸 The Kiboomu Kids Music Channel
What it’s about: Action songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and “Freeze Dance” that get kids up and moving.
Why it’s great: Repetitive, musical, and great for younger kids or lower-motor days.
🔗 Watch here
🐸 Koo Koo Kanga Roo
What it’s about: Hilariously weird music + movement videos that feel like a party. (Think: “Dinosaur Stomp” or “Rollercoaster”).
Why it’s great: Sensory-friendly, goofy, and gets kids moving without feeling like a workout.
🔗 Watch here
🐵 Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel
What it’s about: Movement songs with a strong educational twist—alphabet workouts, counting hops, etc.
Why it’s great: Great for spellers needing low-pressure gross motor + academic review.
🔗 Watch here
🎨 5. Creative Time – But Make It Motor-Friendly
Art and creativity can be incredibly regulating and expressive – even for our low-motor spellers.
Ideas:
- Sticker mosaics or large foam stickers on poster boards. Takealot has some great sticker by number options, or have a look at your nearest China Mall.
- Stamping with sponges, corks, or cookie cutters – and you’re recycling! There’s a great way to introduce some cognitive stuff while doing something fun.
- Painting with unusual tools – try feathers, toy cars, or cotton buds
- Collaging from magazines or old calendars
- Making scented playdough with essential oils (peppermint, lavender, lemon). Looking for a recipe – try this one out.
Keep it low-pressure. It’s about the process, not the Pinterest result.
💡 6. Include Your Speller in Everyday Life (and Decisions)
This one is so important and it’s something that almost every speller has spoken about once they have reached open communication.
Even without formal spelling, there are so many ways you can invite your child to be seen, heard, and involved.
Try these:
- Ask for help setting the table, watering plants, or loading the washing machine.
- Involve them in meal prep (ripping lettuce, stirring batter, taste-testing fruit).
⛹️ 7. Coaching the motor
Coaching the motor means guiding the individual to coordinate their body movements by breaking down each step of the motor task and using action verbs to prompt specific body parts to perform the action.
- Body part + verb: lift your arm, open/close your fingers, lift your foot, turn your head, etc.
🧭 8. Most Important of All: Respect Their Voice and Autonomy
Remember, communication is a human right. Our spellers are not projects to manage but whole, thinking people with preferences, opinions, and inner worlds. Support their regulation, offer rich interaction, but always respect boundaries.
If you’re not coached in spelling to communicate yet, no problem – you can still:
- Be present.
- Show interest.
- Listen deeply.
- Build trust.
Want to become a communication partner? Chat to your practitioner about how you can get started. We’re always here to guide and support you.
💖 Final Words
Holidays don’t need to be jam-packed or exhausting. A sprinkle of brain food, a dash of movement, and a big spoonful of connection can go a long way. Keep things playful, light, and rhythmic. And most importantly, trust your gut — you know your speller best.
So go ahead, have a picnic in the living room, debate whether dragons or unicorns would win in a race, and pop on that podcast while making pancakes.
You’re doing an incredible job. Keep going. Rest when you need to. And don’t forget to laugh — especially when the oobleck ends up on the dog