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.