Summer Sensory Snapshots

Take a stroll down memory lane with Summer Sensory Snapshots, a card-based storytelling activity for adults that’s as heartwarming as a July sunset. Draw from whimsical, vintage-style cards that spark sensory memories, objects from summers past, and prompts that nudge creativity into full bloom. Perfect for individual reflection, group storytelling, or light movement-based scavenger hunts, this activity supports expressive language, cognitive recall, and social connection—all wrapped in the cozy glow of summer nostalgia — because every memory starts with a little spark.

Find the download for your cards in our mobile app!

Therapy Focus:

• Occupational Therapy: Sequencing, executive functioning, fine motor (if writing involved)

• Speech Therapy: Storytelling, word retrieval, fluency, pragmatic language

• Physical Therapy (optional): Gross motor, light reaching or mobility if adapted as a group game

Objective:

Reconstruct a "summer snapshot" story by selecting themed cards, either from a group draw or scavenger hunt format. Use the chosen elements to spark memory, language, or movement-based tasks.

Option 1: Solo or One-on-One Session

1. Shuffle the printable cards and choose 1 from each category (4 total).

2. The participant uses them to build and share a mini summer story—real or imagined.

3. Prompts for OT or SLP use:

   • Describe sequencing (“What happened first?”)

   • Use expressive or descriptive language

   • Recall similar real-life memories (e.g., reminiscence therapy)

   • Organize story with beginning, middle, and end

Executive Function Option: Have them sort or group cards first before constructing their story.

Option 2: Group Activity (Indoor/Outdoor)

1. Hang the printable cards at different “stations” or scatter them around an area like a picnic or therapy room.

2. Participants walk to each card station and pick one from each category (or draw randomly).

3. After collecting 4, they either:

   • Share their story aloud

   • Write it down on the provided worksheet (add lines or prompts)

   • Pair up and tell stories to each other

Speech Focus: Encourage use of connectors (“then,” “because,” “after that”), articulation practice, or fluency as needed.