Nebraska Methodist College hosts nature-based occupational therapy program at Plattsmouth Elementary

Elementary school students in Plattsmouth are developing crucial skills through a nature-based occupational therapy program designed to build mindfulness and problem-solving abilities — all while trading screen time for time outdoors.

The program is run by Nebraska Methodist College and taught by students under the direction of fieldwork coordinator Hannah Wieger.

"If they are not moving and interacting with nature and working in teams and problem solving and touching, interacting with nature, that can really slow down their development," Wieger said.

Activities in the program include planting and learning about vegetables and gardening, making self-portraits out of items found in nature, and learning how to express emotions through movement.

KMTV: Elementary students in Plattsmouth build key skills through nature-based occupational therapy program