An OT’s View of Nature

An OT’s View of Nature

We believe that nature is a tremendously beneficial environment for occupational therapy services. Before we tell you why, you first need to understand the goal of a pediatric  occupational therapist is to help children meet their full potential. An occupational therapist guides a child to develop underlying skills, adapt to challenges, or to participate in activities to support overall wellness.  A child will get the most out of therapy interventions if they are motivated, sense connection and find it meaningful. For an occupational therapist, this means creating an environment that is fun, provides felt safety and most importantly, provides opportunities for growth and development. Nature from an OT’s Perspective Nature is the perfect partner for occupational therapists when working to promote positive developmental change. Many…

Sensory Hurricane Kit

Sensory Hurricane Kit

Living in the Tampa Bay, Florida area means we have to prepare for the 5-months of hurricane season.  We have all kinds of systems for preparing our homes for severe weather, stocking up on food and water, and establishing safe spaces to shelter.  When storms approach, there is a graded buzz of anxiety and uncertainty in the air.  We watch the weather diligently for a week and as predictions become more reliable, the community comes alive with preparations.

OT Student Reflections

OT Student Reflections

Student Reflections at Treeline from OT Student Sean Vercellone, St. Augustine University I have always enjoyed spending time in nature. It is a place where I feel safe and most like myself. This fact shaped my career path and led me to work at a summer camp for kids and adults with disabilities. I loved this job! I lead activities like kayaking, tubing, and ziplining, while also building meaningful connections with so many unique kids and adults. Working at this camp for three summers changed my life. Not only did it lead to me applying to occupational therapy school, but it was the first time I witnessed the therapeutic benefits of nature. 

How Nature Supports All 8 Senses

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

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

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

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.