From Rainbow Trails to Butterfly Gardens: Nature's Classroom
October 11, 2023
Hosted by Lynn McLaughlin
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Get ready for a journey into the magical world of childhood development through nature play with our guest, Jena Ponti Jauchius, a renowned nature play specialist. Jena began her work focusing on creating play spaces for children with Autism which was not done in 2004. It is now the driving force behind her passion for creating spaces and exploring incredible ways our outside environment can support the development of all children inclusively. We are inherently connected to nature which has a profound impact when we foster this in children. Jena deepens our appreciation for the great outdoors and empowers us with practical ideas on creating immersive, sensory-rich environments for children everywhere. Jena unravels the fascinating world of seven senses, shedding light on the lesser-known vestibular and proprioceptive systems, and revealing their crucial roles in a child's holistic development. How can we transform our homes, neighborhoods, and schools into sensory-rich spaces that ignite children's curiosity and imagination, leading them to become environmental stewards from a young age? Jena's remarkable story of her twins uncovering "rainbow trails" through observation inspires us to encourage mindful exploration in our own lives. Dive into the world of butterfly and pollinator gardens and learn how these enchanting spaces can nurture children's sense of wonder, foster communication and problem solving skills, while teaching them valuable lessons about our environment. Jena invites us to join her Facebook Group called, Sensory Rich Nature Play where she shows "before and after" photos of projects that have been done in homes etc. Discount code for 10% discount on her course: TAKINGTHEHELM10 https://nisfornatureplay.gumroad.com/l/SensoryRichNaturePlayEssentials
Taking the Helm
Weekly Podcast Episodes available on-demand on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
My current mission is: To empower children by helping them discover the essential stepping stones they need to strengthen their emotional well-being. The vision is: To cultivate confidence, empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness in children, equipping them with the skills to regulate their emotions in a positive way. Our children deserve to be emotionally healthy as they grow through youth into adulthood. As adults, if we model these behaviors for our children and incorporate them into our own daily lives, imagine the synergy we can create! We have become accustomed to wait for symptoms before we seek help, both emotionally and physically. It's time to change our way of thinking from reactive to proactive. Let's learn what we need to now so kids growing up have skills and strategies to use for life, in this very challenging world.
Lynn McLaughlin
Lynn McLaughlin has served in many roles as an educator … Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant. As a best-selling and award-winning author, Lynn has now teamed up with her niece, Amber Raymond, to co-author a children’s book series titled, “The Power of Thought”. Both are passionate about being proactive when it comes to children’s mental health. When children learn to manage their emotions at a young age, they learn to problem-solve and find positive solutions to everyday situations. Lynn has hosted the podcast, Taking the Helm for over three years. One of her guests might be the change agent you need in your own life! Lynn’s professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international. She offers virtual and in-person interactive presentations geared toward parents and school communities focusing on emotional well-being. Dedicated to community causes, Lynn is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and is a Rotarian. As a brain tumour survivor, she works tirelessly to support the goals of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
