Summer is a great time to turn everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities, and the expanded core curriculum (ECC) offers the perfect framework for it. Designed to support students who are blind or have low vision, the ECC includes nine skill areas that go beyond academics: assistive technology, career readiness, independent living, compensatory skills (like abacus and braille), social interaction, sensory efficiency, orientation and mobility (O&M), recreation and leisure, and self-determination. While some of these skills are uniquely vital for children with visual impairments, many are important for all learners—and with the right adaptations, they can be both accessible and fun. This summer, explore creative ways to include ECC skill-building in your everyday routines. Whether you're tackling one skill or combining several at once, these ideas can be adapted for any age.
Plan a trip to the zoo.
With assistance from a parent, use the internet (with speech output or magnification) to find information about your nearest zoo. You can determine the cost, plan the trip, purchase the tickets, and call the zoo to find out their hours and location. Then, put on your favorite t-shirt and shorts, tie your tennis shoes, and fill up your water bottle. Secure transportation and travel to the zoo. Use a monocular to locate the signs for each animal. Buy some lemonade at the zoo or food to feed the giraffe or goats. While you are there, plan to talk with a zookeeper. Within this activity alone, you can practice skills within the areas of assistive technology, compensatory, social, orientation and mobility, sensory efficiency, recreation, career readiness, and independent living.
Go on a picnic.
Plan a menu using your phone or computer with speech output (such as VoiceOver or JAWS). Braille or write the recipe. Call your friend to invite them to the picnic. Put on an apron and get out your cooking materials (cutting board, mixing bowls, mixing spoons, lettuce knife, food items). Assemble your food, with help from a parent if necessary. Pack your lunch in a basket, cooler, or bag. Don’t forget to grab a blanket to sit on. Plan a walking route from your house to a nearby park. Change into your picnic clothes and tie your tennis shoes. Grab your white cane and head to the park. Help dish out the meal for you and your friend. Play on the playground at the park or walk the trails. How many ECC skills could you cover in this activity?
Write a letter to a friend.
First, go to the post office. Buy a stamp. Ask the postmaster about their job. Once you get back home, write your letter in your preferred writing medium and put it in an envelope. Call your friend to get their address. Record what they say using a phone app or digital recorder. Address the envelope and ask for assistance if you are unsure how to write the address. Put on your shoes and tie them. Take your cane for a walk to locate your mailbox. Mail the letter and put the flag up on the mailbox!
These are just a few ideas to help kick off your summer. Even if you're staying close to home, there are plenty of ways to keep learning and growing. You can work on your ECC skills, cook a meal for family or friends, organize your space, sharpen your tech abilities, or research careers that interest you. The key is to stay active and make the most of your time away from school!