Nature is a powerful teacher. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have wreaked havoc on in person learning and provision of related services, some school districts deemed in person learning, being, and doing as a necessity. Classrooms moved outside. Therapy moved outside. And for many, it worked. And it worked well, because nature teaches, and nature heals.
As we return to traditional, inside learning and provision of related services, we need not undo the lessons learned from moving classrooms and therapies outside and the benefits that children and staff alike reaped. For the sake of our children and those who educate and provide therapy services for them, we need nature to remain front and center as a vital partner in the overall educational process, whether in the classroom or outside. The focus of this session is to explore ways to incorporate nature into school settings and understand the evidence that finds it supports sensory health, mental health, physical health, and subsequently, learning.
Presented by Amy Wagenfeld. Livestreamed and recorded during the STAR Institute Virtual Summit: Sensory Health in Schools November 2022
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.
Engagement Level: Introductory
Content Level: Intermediate
Length: 1 hour
Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.
Objectives:
- Explore the theories that support the health promoting capacities of nature-based experiences.
- Synthesize the research linking children’s access to nature and improved sensory, mental, and physical health and wellness and its relevance to learning environments.
- Understand the purpose of an interprofessional participatory design process and its application to creating nature focused educational spaces.
- Discuss strategies for incorporating nature into school settings.
Presenter:
Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA
Occupational Therapist, Educator, Author | Boston University
Dr. Amy Wagenfeld roles as an occupational therapist include therapeutic and universal design consultant, educator, researcher, and author. In addition to her teaching and research roles in the Boston University Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral program and the University of Washington Department of Landscape Architecture, she is Principal of Amy Wagenfeld |Design, a therapeutic design consulting organization. She is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, holds evidence-based design accreditation and certification. (EDAC) through the Center for Health Design and specialty certification in environmental modifications (SCEM) through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and certification in Healthcare Garden Design through the Chicago Botanical Garden. Amy was recently awarded the American Occupational Therapy Association Recognition of Achievement for her unique blending of occupational therapy and design. With a strong background in human development, Amy is passionate about providing people of all ages, abilities, and cultures equitable, inclusive, and safe access to therapeutic environments in which to recreate, learn, and socialize and recognizes that successful design must, at its core, support mental health and foster resilience. Amy presents and publishes widely in peer-reviewed and popular press publications on topics relating to collaboration with designers and inclusive access to nature. She is co-author of the award-winning book, Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces published by Timber Press in 2015 and is contracted with Routledge, Inc. to write a book about inclusive outdoor play space design and with SLACK, Inc. to write a book about reconceptualizing how therapy can be provided outdoors.
Disclosures:
Amy Wagenfeld received a speaking fee from STAR Institute for this presentation, has ownership interest in Amy Wagenfeld | Design (mentioned in presentation) and has published materials referenced in this presentation for which she receives royalties.
Who should attend:
Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing.
Instructional Methods:
PowerPoint lecture
Cancellation Policy:
Because this program is recorded and accessible at your convenience, cancellations are not typically accepted. Please contact education@sensoryheatlh.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Do you have a disability that would require special accommodations?
Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we can help accommodate your needs.
Continuing Education Credits:
Course Completion Requirements:
Upon full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.