Nature-Inspired Gift Guide
The holidays are just around the corner and you might be reflecting about the best gifts to give! Based on your requests, I put together a nature inspired gift guide with my Top 10 Nature-Inspired Gifts for 2020!
Why we do occupational therapy in nature?
Why do we do occupational therapy in nature? Because nature is inspiring, challenging, changing, and renewing. Because the theories and research tell us that as humans, we are drawn to nature. Because in the course of human history, the great outdoors has been our most valuable classroom. And because, well, kids find it WILDLY fun.
How Nature Supports All 8 Senses
Did you know that the way a body senses things internally and externally plays a huge role in creating a sense of self? The Lab of Action and Body at the University of London puts it this way: “Awareness of one’s’ body is intimately linked to self-identity, the sense of being ‘me’” As a parent, I am sure you want to support your child’s senses so that they can become their best self. Enriching your child’s sensory input may sound overwhelming, but it can be as simple as playing outside with your family! Come along as we explore the sensory systems and discover how nature supports all 8 senses.
12 Tips for E-Learning
Whew – you have started the school year! It has been months of roller coaster emotions, information (or lack thereof) and tough decisions. Now that you know a bit more about your child’s schedule, teachers, expectations, and school day, we put together 12 tips for e-learning to help you and your child make the most of this opportunity.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Are you trying to find calm in the middle of chaos? Life sure seems crazy these days. So much uncertainty and change wreaks havoc on our nerves. Whether you are in the middle of difficult school decisions, feeling disconnected from others or tired of being cooped up with your family for far too long, we have some tips to help you find the calm you are searching for.
Tips for Outdoor Learning in the Florida Heat
School is scheduled to resume soon. Covid-19 is still around. Extra cleaning and safety precautions are being implemented. And using outdoor learning spaces is strongly encouraged. But how do we teach outdoors … in Florida … in August? It’s too hot. It’s not practical to teach outside in August. These are some of the comments I have heard or read in response to the idea of using outdoor classrooms as an alternative setting this fall. And they are right. It is hot. But we can TRY. We can PLAN. And we can be OPEN to this idea! As a professional that works outdoors with children in all kinds of weather, here are a few thoughts to consider.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Have you been told that your child may need occupational therapy but you have no idea what that means? Sure you have heard of physical therapy and speech therapy, but occupational therapy seems like it relates to a job. And you are thinking, my child is only 5, he doesn’t have a job! You are not alone!
Tips to keep kids happy playing outside in the heat!
Comfortable Kids Happy Kids It’s too hot. I’m sweaty. I don’t want to play outside. If you are like me, these are phrases I often hear when the heat and humidity crank up every summer. But heat and humidity is not a problem with the right gear, supports, and approach! We know the heat and humidity are coming, so let’s make a plan to keep our kids comfortable, engaged, and happy outdoors all summer long!
Early Childhood Activities for Outdoor Learning
Is your child showing interest in colors, shapes, or counting? Does your child like to collect and sort things? Have you observed your child filling and dumping containers? These are all beautiful examples of child-led learning that is building important visual discrimination skills, bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, proprioceptive awareness, and more.
Nature Motor Scavenger Hunt
My kids do not love going on a walk and they are pretty hard to convince that going on a hike is a great way to spend a morning. But when we spice up the event with a scavenger hunt, it turns the ordinary into something EXTRAORDIONARY! This week, we are combining regular walks with diverse movement experiences! Are you ready to join us?