Nurturing Nature

Jill Mays is the author of Your Child's Motor Development Story, which explains the critical importance of sensory exploration and natural play for healthy development. An occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration for many years, she has conducted workshops in a variety of settings and provided consultation to parents, educators and health care providers. For the past ten years she has immersed herself in gardening, working with farmers and assisting in the development of children's garden programs. She developed and currently leads a garden group for special needs adults. Mays lives with her husband, Eric, dog and a flock of chickens at the far end of Cape Cod.

"Nurturing Nature provides lots of practical, fun gardening activities for children. They will learn that nature is much more interesting than electronic devices." --Temple Grandin Nurturing Nature is a nuanced and practical resource for students, families, and interdisciplinary professionals. This creative and promising approach can be integrated with a range of therapeutic services which aim to educate, empower, and heal across the lifespan. -- Michael J. Schultz, Ed.D., Senior Fellow Child Welfare League of America www.cwla.org Jill Mays has written a beautiful, instructive book that speaks to the importance of gardening and celebrating local food while educating about the health of our bodies, community, and environment. An expert in sensory motor and nature-based play, she adeptly outlines the how and the why of gardens - and does so in an inclusive way for those with special needs. A must-read for all those looking to nurture both nature and health! -- Francie Randolph, Ed.M., Founding Director, Sustainable CAPE This book offers a guide to providing a novel, creative and productive therapeutic approach to motor and sensory interventions in a fun filled environment to persons of any age with special needs. It is likely that the love of gardening will be instilled in many who participate in this program while improving their physical and mental health. -- Dr. Margaret L Bauman, founding director of the Integrated Center for Child Development, Lurie Center "This guide delves into the endless benefits of gardening for readers starting a gardening club or seeking beginner gardening advice. Gardening requires an array of processes, Mays (Your Child's Motor Development Story, 2011) explains, and can lead to strengthening myriad skills, both physical and mental. As just one of her many examples, weeding helps refine individuals' fine motor skills and encourages sensory exploration for those with hypersensitivities. Mays' career as an occupational therapist and work as leader of a gardening group for adults with special needs establish her as a credible source for the benefits of gardening for vulnerable populations. While geared specifically toward individuals with special needs, this guide has much to offer gardening groups of all ages and abilities as well as anyone starting out. Clear topic headings make this an excellent source for referring back to, whether to address a limitation a gardener is experiencing or for ideas about seasonal gardening projects. Pictures, "fun facts," and anecdotes about participant progress will keep readers engaged and inspired throughout." -- Kristen Shaw, Booklist