Unlock the Power of Outdoor Play for Children's Development

Angela Hanscom: The Advocate for Adventurous Activities

Meet Angela Hanscom, an occupational therapist who firmly believes that children need adventurous activities to foster a healthy body and mind. In today's sedentary society, children are deprived of the necessary movement. Hanscom suggests that not only do they require more movement than they get but also the specific kinds of movements that make adults gasp. These activities are crucial for their growth and well-being.

Often called upon to address behavioral issues in classrooms, Hanscom realized that children today lack sufficient free play, exploration, and exercise. She started using movement as therapy, witnessing the healing power of spinning too fast on the merry-go-round and soaring high on the swings. In 2013, she founded TimberNook in her own backyard, which later expanded to three woodland sites in Maine and spread nationwide.

The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children

How dangerous is it for children to be overly sedentary? Research shows that kids sit in chairs for about nine hours a day, from being driven to and from school to doing homework. This lack of movement affects their inner ear hair cells and the vestibular sense. When this sense is underdeveloped, it can impact sensory integration, which is essential for learning. That's why children need to spin in circles and go upside down to stimulate these cells and develop a better sense of their bodies in space.

Climbing trees and jumping off rocks are not just fun activities; they help children know where their bodies are in space. This skill is crucial as it allows them to stay seated without falling out of chairs. In schools, children are literally falling out of their seats due to a lack of body awareness. By engaging in these adventurous activities, children gain more body awareness and can navigate their environments more effectively.

Outdoor Therapy: A Traditional Approach

Some may view Hanscom's style of outdoor therapy as radical or progressive, but she sees it as a restoration. For her, as an occupational therapist, play is the true occupation of a child, and outdoor play is particularly meaningful. Many of us have fond memories of outdoor play, but it is at risk. That's why it is so therapeutic – it gives children what they were always meant to have.

When collaborating with schools, such as Laconia Christian Academy, which started TimberNook time five years ago and increased it to four hours, they witnessed immediate benefits. During the pandemic, they saw no decline in academics; instead, there was an increase in joy, resilience, and the ability to solve problems. This research with the University of New Hampshire is just beginning and promises to be fascinating as it challenges the traditional approach to school education.

Factors Affecting Outdoor Play

What lures children away from playing outside? Fear is a significant factor. Parents and schools are often reluctant to provide enough outdoor play time due to various fears – lack of time in school settings, the push for more academics, and the fear of children missing out on early sports. Screen time also plays a major role, as it is highly addictive and replaces good old-fashioned playtime.

The pandemic forced children to stare at screens for hours during remote learning, making it difficult to get them back to outdoor play. We are in a deeper hole than before, but people are waking up. There is a growing interest in addressing this issue, and it's time to rethink what we are doing in schools.

Experience the Joy of Holiday Shopping with Glendale Police

Benefits of the Shopping Event

The Glendale Police's holiday shopping event offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows kids to have a sense of independence and make choices for their loved ones. They get to explore different stores and select gifts that truly represent their feelings. Secondly, it helps build a positive relationship between the police and the community. By interacting with the officers in a relaxed setting, kids gain a better understanding and trust in them. This event also serves as a reminder that the police are not just there for enforcement but also for community engagement and support.

Moreover, it creates a memorable experience for the kids. They get to see a different side of the police officers and realize that they are more than just law enforcers. This interaction can have a lasting impact on their perception of the police and may even inspire them to pursue a career in law enforcement in the future. The Glendale Police's dedication to this event shows their commitment to the well-being and development of the community's youth.

Interaction between Kids and Police Officers

During the shopping event, the interaction between the kids and the police officers is truly remarkable. The officers take the time to listen to the kids' preferences and offer suggestions. They guide them through the shopping process, ensuring that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience. This one-on-one interaction helps break down barriers and builds a sense of camaraderie.

The kids, on the other hand, are excited to be with the police officers and ask them questions about their jobs. They get to see the officers in a more personal light and learn about their lives outside of work. This exchange of information helps foster a sense of community and mutual respect. It shows that the police are not just a distant authority figure but someone who can be approachable and friendly.

Impact on the Community

The Glendale Police's holiday shopping event has a significant impact on the community. It brings people together and creates a sense of unity during the holiday season. It shows that the police are actively involved in the community and care about the well-being of its residents. This event also helps to improve the perception of the police among the community members, especially the younger generation.

By participating in this event, the police officers become role models for the kids. They demonstrate qualities such as kindness, patience, and responsibility. These qualities are not only important in law enforcement but also in everyday life. The kids learn from the officers and are inspired to incorporate these values into their own lives. In this way, the event has a ripple effect that extends beyond the shopping trip and into the community as a whole.