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.