Summer Intern Helps Project Grow Kids Understand Their Emotions

When we think of occupational therapy (OT), we may picture physical tasks like learning to tie a shoe, brush our teeth, or climb a flight of stairs. But OT is about much more than physical skills. It can also help people develop the emotional, social, and problem-solving skills they need to participate fully in everyday life. 

Michael Phan, a student in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Florida, recently completed his summer internship with the Project Grow students, and he focused on the way mental health impacts day-to-day functioning. Michael created and implemented a seven-week OT program for our elementary-aged summer campers, with a goal to improve the students’ teamworking skills and help them understand and communicate their emotions. 

Michael began his capstone project by observing students in Project Grow’s afterschool program in the weeks leading up to summer camp. He also interviewed the Project Grow teachers and staff to get their perspective on what concepts and practices would help the students. Using what he learned, Michael developed  seven interactive lessons designed to empower students with the tools to understand their emotions, work together, and solve problems. 

Each lesson was built around a game, activity, or hands-on project. Rather than simply talking about problem-solving or teamwork, Michael gave students opportunities to practice these skills themselves. One example came during Week Four, when the focus was on working together with classmates. Michael divided the students into teams and challenged them to build the tallest tower possible using uncooked spaghetti noodles. For some students, the first challenge was simply being placed on a team with classmates they had not chosen themselves. But as the activity unfolded, students had to listen to one another, consider different ideas, support their teammates, and keep trying when their towers did not go as planned. The building challenge was an opportunity for the students to practice resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving. 

Reflecting on the seven-week program, Michael believes the initiative  was a great success. The students had fun while tackling important concepts that will help them in the classroom and in their everyday lives. The teachers were an important part of the process as well. They helped guide students through each activity and, in true Project Grow fashion, joined in on the fun themselves.

Although Michael has now returned to the University of Florida to complete his doctorate, he left behind something that will continue to benefit Project Grow: a binder with detailed lesson plans so that the program can be replicated with future students. Michael built meaningful relationships with our students at Project Grow, and helped instill confidence that they have tools needed to solve problems and work with others. 

While we are sad to see Michael go, we are excited to see where his OT journey takes him. We are grateful that Michael was a part of the Project Grow family this summer and for using his time to invest in the students we serve.