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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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?
This week many families embark on a new normal as many kids start schooling from home for the first time. Despite the challenges this may present, this change in routine also affords new learning opportunities. Empowering our kids to take control of their schedule, deadlines, responsibilities, and routines (all at an age appropriate level) supports the development of their executive functioning skills. Executive functions are life management skills such as planning, organization, time management, flexibility, task initiation, and self-control. These are important life skills that help our kids grow into successful students, employees, and citizens.
We are spending as much time as we can outside! The fresh air, natural light, calming colors, and open space is good for our emotions and mental health. Plus the great outdoors gives us places to explore, things to discover, endless play experiences, and loads of organic learning opportunities. But sometimes our kids (and adults) need a little inspiration. Are you ready to turn your next hike, neighborhood walk, or backyard garden into an adventure?
Handwriting is typically a skill taught and practiced inside. But WHY? The great outdoors affords an abundance of opportunities, inspirations, and experiences to help build strong, capable, and independent handwriters! PLUS time outdoors has a positive impact on our attention, mood, sensory integration, and overall health and well being. So let’s head out for a walk in the neighborhood, hike along a trail, explore the beach, or find a cozy spot under a tree at a city park. Here are some tips and tools to help you get started!
Toys, toys, toys! If you are like me, your home is overwhelmed with TOYS – toys with batteries, toys with a single purpose, and toys that just sit on the shelf often unused. Play is a vital part of childhood and all children should engage in LOTS of play every day! But some of the best play opportunities our kids can have include loose parts!