Audubon Offering Caregiver Education Classes for OT-Inspired Nature Play
The Audubon Community Nature Center is offering a distinctive program for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children in the community: “Caregiver Education Class for OT-inspired Nature Play.”
Participants can choose between the class on Monday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., or Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. The two-hour program focuses on encouraging and facilitating nature connections with their children through the unique lens of an occupational therapist.
Alongside other caregivers and through hands-on approaches, those interested can learn the fundamentals of promoting nature-based play and learning experiences with children. Those attending will also learn to take into consideration: the impact of social-emotional learning such as self-awareness and peer engagement; executive functioning skills like problem solving and risk assessment; tips and tricks for improving gross motor development such as bilateral coordination/balance; fine motor and visual motor skills; and sensory processing skills required for successfully engaging in the natural environment.
With over six years experience working with adolescents, Jenna Miller, MS-OTR/L, leads the class. Miller is versed in childhood development, sensory development, play, and incorporating the use of nature as a co-facilitator to childhood growth experiences.
Caregivers can attend in-person at the Nature Center or online via Zoom (the link will be included in the registration confirmation).
The fee for the program is $16 or $12 for Nature Center members.
Reservations are appreciated by Thursday, Sept. 29, for the Oct. 3 program and by Wednesday, Oct. 12, for the Oct. 15 program. Walk-ins are welcome.
To register, call 716-569-2345 during business hours or go to AudubonCNC.org and click on “Programs and Events.”
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