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How to help children with special educational needs (SEN) prepare for Chanukah

 

How to help children with special educational needs (SEN) prepare for Chanukah

Written by SENsational Tutors Ltd. 

Chanukah is one of the most exciting Jewish festivals for children. Celebrated over eight days with nightly Menorah candle-lighting, eating fried potato latkes and jam-filled doughnuts (or any other filling!), playing Dreidel games and plenty of Chanukah Gelt (money, or chocolate coins). It is the ‘Festival of Lights’ celebrated with family and friends. For children with special educational needs (SEN), particularly those with autism and sensory issues, such as SPD, Chanukah may not be so exciting and could be rather stressful, due to the change in routine and the overwhelming sounds, smells and sights.

This can cause anxiety, fear and sensory overload amongst children with SEN, rather than excitement and joy of family celebrations.

Here’s 7 ideas to help children with SEN prepare for Chanukah:

1. Use Social Stories

Social stories are designed to help people with autism understand interpersonal communication so that they could interact in an effective and appropriate manner.

Using social stories will help prepare your child for what is about to happen, which is extremely important for children with autism and SEN. The best way to create social stories is to use pictures to describe a scene, an action or a text, such as the special prayers of Chanukah. You can use images describing how to light the candles in a Menorah, the food we eat in Chanukah and the chocolate coins and gifts we give children during the festival. You can even help describe the flavours and smells of Chanukah (oil and sugar).

2. Spread your stories across the eight days of Chanukah

Use one story for each day of the festival to avoid  information overload. Use cards, books and online resources to help you prepare these stories.

3. Use visuals to explain the Chanukah Blessings

Drawings and pictures could simplify and help children with SEN understand the blessings we read each night when we light the candles. It’s important to help your child understand the meaning of these words behind the blessings. Use symbols for each of the Hebrew blessings and print them out, a good example could be found on this website

3. Prepare your child for parties

Children attend many parties during Chanukah. These could be at nursery, school, synagogue  or community centre. For children with autism and SEN

parties can be frightening and overwhelming experience which could lead to anxiety and stress. Help your child by preparing them in advance. If you’re worried about food you can bring food from home. Or bring a comfort toy if your child feels uncomfortable. If it gets too noisy for your child, take them outside or somewhere quiet where they can calm down.

4. Inform family and friends of your child’s needs in advance

If you attend a family gathering, or celebrate with friends, explain in advance that your child has special needs. Make sure they understand what these needs are and what they would need to do, or avoid doing, in order to make your child feel comfortable and have fun.

5. Explain the difference between birthday candles and Chanukah candles

We all know what happens at the end of a child’s birthday party: once everyone has sang Happy Birthday, the birthday child blows out the candles to make a wish. Explain to your child that Chanukah candles are different and are not meant to be blown out. We say the blessings and leave the candles to burn away.

6. Try to avoid sensory overload

Parties could be overwhelming for all children, however for those with SPD or autism they can be extremely stressful and cause sensory overload. Allow your child to take a break when attending a Chanukah party or family celebration. Try to keep away from loud music and strong smells, such as the smell of food or burning candles.

7. Let your child have fun

Remember, Chanukah is a fun and exciting festival for all children, including those with SEN. By addressing the particular needs of your child when helping them prepare for this festival you can avoid an overwhelming experience and sensory overload and help your child enjoy the celebrations with their family and friends.

Happy Chanukah!

SENsational Tutors Ltd. have a dedicated team of expert tutors helping children with special educational needs enjoy learning and reach their full potential. You can register for FREE on our website

For more tips and advice on how to help children with SEN, read our blog:  How to support the Sensory needs of Children.

 

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