THE CASE FOR RECESS: Why We Need to Bring Back Free Play

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 component to foster ..

Why Walking Laps at Recess Time Isn't a Good Idea

I was in the middle of feeding my baby boy, when the phone rang. “I need your help,” the person on the other line said. It was an old friend of mine. “Our school is making it mandatory that the children walk laps during recess time.” She went on to te ..

PLAY HARD: It is the secret to healthy sensory integration

PLAY HARD: It is the secret to healthy sensory integration "We worked hard, then we played hard." My strong and capable husband fondly shares his childhood memories with me. "We used to help my father rake, stack wood, and do the chores. We worked hard, knowing in t ..

More than just 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?" "You're a special needs camp?" "I don't get it. You're going to do occupational therapy with our children?" From ..