102: How to Add Sit Spots to Your Therapy Sessions - with Lauren MacLean
Lauren MacLean is a teacher, podcaster, author, and owner of Teach Outdoors in Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada. She has years of experience teaching children outdoors and is joining me today to talk about how we can integrate sit spot practices into our work as nature-based pediatric therapists. Lauren shares her valuable insights from 17 years of teaching, her work with nature schools, and authorship of children's books. We dive into practical strategies for therapists and educators to help children connect with nature, including tips on balancing structure and freedom, managing boundaries, and adapting practices for children with different needs such as ADHD and autism. You'll learn how to model positive behavior, use language effectively, and integrate play and learning in the great outdoors.
00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
00:58 Meet Lauren MacLean: Educator and Author
04:37 Understanding Sit Spots
08:12 Implementing Sit Spots in Therapy
12:18 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Outdoor Learning
21:43 Adapting Outdoor Activities for Diverse Needs
28:23 Sports Psychology and Coaching Challenges
28:49 Safety Reminders for Outdoor Activities
29:26 Pre-Teaching and Classroom Management
30:06 Classroom Book Projects and Environmental Awareness
32:03 Children's Picture Books and Their Impact
36:50 Balancing Technology and Outdoor Play
42:30 Risky Play and Child Development
49:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
51:25 Enrollment for ConTiGO Nature-Based Therapy Program
Connect with Lauren online at teachoutdoors.ca or on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca
The ConTiGO Approach Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist or Therapy Assistant Certification Program is now open for enrollment till Jan 31, 2025 at 5pm CST. Go to contigoapproach.com to get more information.
Welcome to the TGO Podcast!
The Therapy in the Great Outdoors podcast is about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. If you are an outdoor-loving practitioner in the field of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, behavioral health, mental health counseling, or outdoor education THIS is for you! You'll learn how you can take your work with children outdoors into nature. We'll cover exactly what it takes to run a successful and profitable nature-based practice that changes children's lives (and yours!) forever.
