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In this episode, we'll delve into the unique ways nature can enhance fine motor skills, core strength, and overall development in children. I will share my experiences with outdoor creative play using blow-up easels, while our guest, Carmela Trejo provides invaluable insights on respecting nature during therapy sessions and the importance of accessible, inclusive outdoor spaces.

We'll also discuss practical tips for parents to encourage safe and exploratory outdoor play, even in urban environments. Whether it's homeschooling integration, developing motor skills through fun activities, or fostering a child's natural curiosity, this episode is packed with advice and heartfelt stories. So, if you're keen on discovering how nature can be a powerful tool in occupational therapy, tune in and let's explore together!

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Encouragement of creative play with paint and mud.
• Importance of respecting nature and property rules.
• Choosing accessible and non-restrictive outdoor locations.
• Teaching children the "rules of nature" like respecting ecosystems.
• Encouraging exploration and safety rather than using "be careful."
• Fostering motor planning skills through outdoor activities.
• Role of exploratory questions in child development.
• The Denver Science Museum’s new 30-acre play area.
• Accessibility of free parks and trails in Colorado.
• Efforts to improve inclusiveness in outdoor spaces.
• Inclusive park event in Colorado Springs and creation of adaptive equipment.
• Limited school recess time necessitating outdoor play on weekends or after school.
• Role of engaging environments (e.g., inclusive playgrounds) in fostering activity participation.
• Emphasis on preliminary skills like hand strength before handwriting.
• Suggested activities: tracing objects, scavenger hunts, memory exercises, using tongs.
• Vertical coloring and coloring under a table to enhance shoulder and hand strength.
• Concerns from parents about children's fine motor skills.
• Explanation of in-hand manipulation.
• Nature-based activities for developing fine motor skills.
• Importance of core strength alongside fine motor skills.
• Use of natural obstacles and equipment for gross motor skills.
• Importance of respecting the environment when incorporating man-made items.
• Carmela Trejo’s interest in homeschooling due to dissatisfaction with traditional schooling.
• Nature enrichment programs for homeschooling.
• Advice on engaging families living in urban environments with nature-based activities.
• Differentiation between nature-based therapy and simple outdoor play.
• Mix of structured activities and unstructured, child-led exploration.
• Importance of child-led therapy and natural curiosity guiding sessions.
• Structured and open-ended play targeting development goals like fine motor skills, sensory integration, social abilities, and executive functioning.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Nurturing Creativity: Building Fine Motor Skills Using Handicrafts Guide from Homeschool OT
• How do I work on handwriting outdoors? from Treeline Enrichment
• Improving Handwriting without Actually Writing from Homeschool OT
• the Skills Nature Builds from Homeschool OT
• Follow Carmella on Instagram
• Inflatable Easel we mentioned
• Episode 6- Harnessing the Great outdoors for visual development and learning
• Episode 14- Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22- Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28- Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development