Easter Fun for Kids with Special Education Needs: Inclusive and Engaging Activities
Monday, March 31, 2025
Making Easter Fun and Inclusive for Every Child
Easter is usually a time of joy, family gatherings, and traditions. However, for children, traditional celebrations can sometimes be overwhelming or difficult to navigate. Sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, self-regulations struggles, and motor challenges may make it harder for them to fully participate.
The good news? With a little planning, Easter can be an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all children. Below, we share engaging, sensory-friendly, and accessible Easter activities designed to support your child’s unique abilities while fostering social engagement and joy.
1. Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
Traditional Easter egg hunts can be overstimulating due to crowds, loud noises, and fast-paced activities. A sensory-friendly version can create a more comfortable experience:
- Use eggs with different textures (soft, fuzzy, bumpy) to engage sensory seekers.
- Include eggs that make sounds (such as shaker eggs) for auditory stimulation.
- Provide small, quiet spaces where children can take breaks if needed.
- Hide eggs in accessible locations so children of all abilities can participate at their own pace.
Pro tip: One trick we have used in our family for kids of different ages and abilities is each kid has a color assigned to them. This not only do they all get an equal number of eggs, but all of the "easy" ones are not snatched up by the older kids.
Additionally, then it because an act of service through the hunt because once a child finds an egg that is not theirs they can "help" the intended recipent of the egg.
2. Easter-Themed Social Stories
For children who benefit from structure and predictability or just need rule and expectation reminders, social stories can help prepare them for days that are not routine. Create a short book or visual schedule that explains:
- What happens at an Easter egg hunt
- What are the expected behaviors during and after the hunt
- How to greet family and friends
- Steps for decorating eggs
These tools can help reduce anxiety and set clear expectations for a more positive experience.
3. Adaptive Egg Decorating
Traditional egg decorating might be challenging for children with motor difficulties or sensory sensitivities. Here are some fun alternatives:
- Sticker eggs: Use large, easy-to-grip stickers to decorate plastic eggs.
- Sponge painting: Apply paint using sponges or stamps for a mess-free option.
- Paper Towel Coloring: use marker on a paper towel and then wrap the egg in paper towel and spray with water.
- Egg marbling: Swirl shaving cream and food coloring for a vibrant effect. These options allow children to enjoy decorating in a way that fits their abilities and comfort levels.
4. What is the bunny bringing?
Don’t forget the Easter Bunny can be inclusive too! Traditional baskets often include sugary candy or noisy toys that might not suit every child’s needs. Instead, ask the Easter Bunny to bring items that are sensory-friendly and supportive of your child’s unique preferences.
Here are some ideas:
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Beyond Easter: Advocating for Your Child’s Needs
While creating an inclusive Easter experience at home is essential, ensuring your child receives the right support at school is just as important. If your child faces sensory challenges, social difficulties, or communication barriers, having me as your special education advocate can make a significant difference.
At Advocating 4 Fair Education, we help families:
- Navigate IEP (Individualized Education Program) and 504 Plan meetings.
- Advocate for necessary accommodations, including environmental support, specialized learning tools, and communication devices.
- Educate teachers and school staff on how to create a more inclusive classroom environment.
- Support your child in accessing the resources and assistance they need for a successful educational journey
Making Special occasions meaningful for Every Child
With thoughtful planning and a flexible approach, holidays can be an engaging and inclusive celebration for all children, regardless of their unique needs. By making small adjustments to the environment, preparing children for the day, incorporating sensory-friendly activities, and visual supports you can help your child successfully enjoy the holiday in a way that works best for them.
Find us on social media and share your holiday traditions and accommodations you make for your kids when navigating the holidays with friends and family.
Do you have a blog idea that might help parents navigating Raising kids with Special need?
Here at Advocating 4 Fair Education, we have a lot of ideas that can help parent's navigate raising special needs kids. But we are always looking to learn more. If you have and idea you would like to share to be a guest blogger on our site, tell us here!
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Hi, I Am
Lisa Stewart M.Ed.
Founder of
Advocating 4 Fair Education
and Dyslexic Parent
Lisa Stewart is the driving force behind Advocating4FairEducation.com, where she passionately advocates for equitable and inclusive educational practices. With a deep-seated commitment to transforming educational systems, Lisa leverages her extensive background in educational policy, community outreach, and grassroots activism to address disparities and promote fairness in schools. Her work focuses on ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. Through her platform, Lisa empowers educators, engages communities, and influences policy to create a more just and effective educational landscape for all.
To Find Out More About our Products and Services ...
I offer individual support where I will walk with you step by step to support your child on their educational journey.
However, I also offer a Handbook and Video Series that will walk you through the process -- as well as a Webinar where you can come and ask questions specific to your child.
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