Baking. Bullet journaling. Scavenger hunts. Nature walks.
These may not seem like therapeutic interventions at first consideration. However, activities like arts and crafts, sports, and games can in fact help improve a person’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health.
When using activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illness or disabling conditions, the practice is called Recreational Therapy or, Rec Therapy.
Students with complex challenges benefit greatly from recreational therapy interventions which is why TQS incorporates these interventions into our academic programs.
Camryn Brumfield
CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST
TQS students are...
"leaders."
TQS students participate in 30 to 45-minute group Rec Therapy sessions that correspond with the topics they’re learning about in their academic classes. These sessions use evidence-based practices attached to measurable goals and objectives. Interventions may include:
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Reflection using positivity cards
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Music exploration
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Dance
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“Simon Says”
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Time capsule creation
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Rock painting
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Bird feeder building
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Sun catcher crafting
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Community outings
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And more!
The main goal is to increase students’ interpersonal interaction skills while letting them participate in activities they enjoy.
Rec Therapy has many benefits to students in grades preK-12. It can:
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Increase emotion identification, self-advocacy, self-expression, and social and coping skills
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Help students with independence and the activities of daily living
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Strengthen communication and confidence
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Increase frustration and sitting tolerance
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Decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and physical or verbal outbursts
This evidence-based practice adds another unique support to our TQS community and helps all of our students blossom into confident, independent learners.
