Cozy Corners, The Whole Brain, and Nature's See-Saw

 October 2024 NewsletterHi read,Gabbi here, the new COO (Chief Operations Officer) of Outdoor Kids OT, writing this month's newsletter. 🍂 I'm excited to step into this new role and continue providing support and resources for you and your childre

October 2024 Newsletter Hi read, Gabbi here, the new COO (Chief Operations Officer) of Outdoor Kids OT, writing this month's newsletter. 🍂 I'm excited to step into this new role and continue providing support and resources for you and your children. I'll be managing the day-to-day operations of the business while our owner, Laura, begins focusing on non-profit work to raise scholarship funds for children to attend nature-based therapy. We're thrilled about this initiative, and we'll keep you posted on ways you can get involved! 💚 OT Tip-of-the-Month for More Joy & Ease in Daily Life With Halloween around the corner and school routines in full swing, it's helpful to support your child in balancing their energy levels throughout the day. One simple way to help them recharge is by creating a quiet space where they can relax and reset when they feel overwhelmed. A cozy nook with calming items (like soft pillows, favorite books, or even nature sounds) can help children self-regulate and get back to feeling balanced and focused. ☀️ Recommended Resource-of-the-Month: I just finished reading The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel. This book is packed with practical, science-backed strategies to help you better understand your child's brain development and manage those big emotions. It's a fantastic resource for fostering healthy brain growth while building connection and emotional resilience in your child. You can also listen to it on audible here. 🌳 OKOT Story & Service Updates Nature never ceases to amaze me, and the creativity of children when playing outdoors is always inspiring. Recently, our group discovered a fallen tree in the park and transformed it into a makeshift see-saw. With a little teamwork and imagination, they created their own "Nature's see-saw," taking turns balancing and enjoying the fun. It was a great reminder of how outdoor play promotes problem-solving, cooperation, and physical development—all while being completely spontaneous and child-led! OKOT service updates:   Wisconsin:  Fall groups in Owen Conservation Park are full! You may still apply here to join the waitlist. We are planning to open more groups and possibly individual services in January as we have a growing waitlist in Wisconsin. We will fill any new groups from our waitlist so apply now to have the best chance of placement when we open new groups or services.   California:  We have 1 spot left in the following groups! Tuesday 3:30pm in Tilden 4-6 year olds  Wednesday 3:30pm in Joaquin Miller 8-10 year olds Thursday 3:30pm in Tilden 7-8 year olds  Thursday 3:30pm in Joaquin Miller 5-7 year olds  Apply here to get one of these last spots.   If you have already applied, current applications are being reviewed and spots offered based on availability and needs of the child and group.  Cheers, Gabbi & all of us at OKOT   P.S. We're hiring a full-time OT! If you know any nature-loving occupational therapists, send them to our website to apply at www.outdoorkidsot.com/jobs Apply Now 2930 Domingo Avenue #1092 Berkeley, California 94705, USA Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences here. No hard feelings!