by Angela Hanscom | Aug 30, 2023 | Occupational Therapy, Outdoor Play
The third grade classroom that was visiting our Nature Center for the day consisted of mostly boys – rowdy, loud, and rambunctious boys. As we started out into the woods, the children spoke loudly to each other in anticipation of what was to come. After playing a...
by Angela Hanscom | Oct 24, 2022 | Occupational Therapy, Outdoor Play
When I tell people I’m a pediatric occupational therapist and that I run nature programming, a look of confusion often crosses their face. “Huh?” they say. Or, “You’re a special needs camp?” Or, “I don’t get it. You’re going to do occupational therapy with our...
by Angela Hanscom | Jan 30, 2019 | Occupational Therapy
By Angela Hanscom Three young boys and two girls scramble up a large dirt hill, almost in unison. One boy gets to the top first and screams, “King of the hill!” Another child laughs and playfully pushes the boy aside, “No. I’m king of the hill!” Each child takes a...
by Angela Hanscom | Apr 18, 2016 | Outdoor Play
By Angela Hanscom Are children’s physical and mental health and recess related? You bet. Recess is important. It’s the opportunity for children to move their bodies, make new friends, and jump into imaginary worlds. If done correctly, recess can be an invaluable...
by Angela Hanscom | Apr 14, 2016 | Outdoor Play
By Angela Hanscom Sometimes we forget the role that recess plays in developing young minds and bodies. Schools are busy places, and teachers are busy people, so it’s not surprising that recess is often the first thing to get cut or taken away as a form of...
