Parenting Special Needs Magazine • July/Aug 2021 • Oddles Of Noodles

HOORAY! SUMMER IS STILL HERE! Barbeques, sunshine, blue skies, and plenty of vibrant colors surrounding us. It’s time to head outside and enjoy the weather. If you’re fortunate to own a swimming pool, grab a noodle or two and jump right in. The swim noodles will help you and your friends stay afloat. Why not blow water through them and watch the fountain of water shoot across the pool? Or, maybe you can just relax, lie back, and float.

Is it time to get out of the pool? Then bring your noodles along and follow me. I’m going to show you some innovative games and activities that will keep you entertained in your backyard.

Cut a noodle in half to make two shorter swim noodles. Give one to your friend or family member and keep one for yourself.

c. Strike the bottom of the noodle with the palm of the open hand and at the same time release the

FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS: If you use a wheelchair or use any other mobility device, play this game with a friend while in your wheelchair or any supported chair. Launch the noodle to one another attempting to aim the noodle towards each other’s spatial area. If it is difficult to strike the lower portion of the noodle, strike it using a small racquet.

2. LEANING TOWER OF NOODLE –Cut the noodle in half so that you have two shorter swim noodles. Give one to your friend or family member and keep one for yourself.

b.Both players start by standing and balancing the noodle vertically on the ground by their side.

c. On the count of 3, each player balances the noodle first and then releases it and moves to grab the friend’s swim noodle before it tips over and falls to the ground.

FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS: If you use a wheelchair, a mobility device or if you have a difficult time moving, this game can be played in a stationary location. Position two people next to one another. Balance and release the noodle. Count to 3 and grab it before it touches the floor. Take turns holding and releasing.

3. NOODLE DANCE TAG – This game requires at least 6 players. Invite the entire family or neighborhood friends to play this game.

a. Designate one player to be “IT”. He or she will need a swim noodle to tag players.

d.When the music starts, the players run around a designated area (you may want to set up boundaries by using landmarks in your yard or small orange cones).

e. The person that is “IT” tags as many players as he can until the music stops. (30 seconds to 1 minute time)

f. Once tagged, the players must remain frozen until the music stops. The players are also frozen if they fall or if they step out of bounds.

i. When the players are finished playing the game, see which player had the most tags.

FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS: If you use a mobile device, play this game on a flat surface (asphalt, cement). If the person in the wheelchair is “IT”, the players must walk instead of run around the play area. The noodle can be attached between the person’s feet as he/she wheels around tagging the other players.