Seminars, Author at

How Movement Shapes Children’s Learning and Development

How Childhood Development Through Embodied Cognition Can Help Schools Better Support Learning and Emotional Growth Jason Phillips, Contributor July 15, 2026, 10:52 a.m. ET As neuroscience and developmental research seem to continue to advance, educators and health professionals appear to be revisiting long-held assumptions about how children learn. Athena Oden, pediatric physical therapist and founder of …

How Movement Shapes Children’s Learning and Development Read More »

Why the Future Education Depends on Restoring Child Development Before Raising Academic Expectations in Early Childhood

Research

Athena Oden, Pediatric Physical Therapist, argues that many classroom challenges stem from developmental gaps rather than student deficits, calling for a renewed focus on whole-body development in early education. written by Adam Bent June 18, 2026 For many young children, the first signs of school difficulty appear long before they can be measured through grades or test …

Why the Future Education Depends on Restoring Child Development Before Raising Academic Expectations in Early Childhood Read More »

Special Symposium

Uncategorized

This 2024 event was such a success! A sharing of ideas focused on serving those in Collaborative Christian Schools, but ALL Christian schools are welcome! Bring your ideas and your questions! Ideal for Administrators, Teachers, Counselors and Support Members. Discussion topics will include: AdmissionsTerminology: Modifications and Accommodations vs Best PracticesBehaviorStaff TrainingPoliciesDiffering Supports in Lower and …

Special Symposium Read More »

Motor Lab Research

Research

Action Research Project, Bulverde Elementary School, Comal ISD, TexasDr. Denise Kern In October of 2002, Athena Oden, creator of Ready Bodies, Learning Minds, and Dr. Denise Kern, Principal of Bulverde Elementary School in Comal Independent School District, began a controlled research project into the effectiveness of the motor lab developed by Athena Oden, physical therapist. …

Motor Lab Research Read More »

A Classroom Full of Embodied Beings: An Anthropological Discussion

Research

A Classroom Full of Embodied Beings: An Anthropological DiscussionAthena Oden, PT(Publish copy: The Journal, a publication of the Society of Classical Learning, Winter 2017) In a room full of desks and chairs, carefully aligned, twenty second graders sit with their feet on the ground and hands carefully folded. It’s time for the daily math lesson, …

A Classroom Full of Embodied Beings: An Anthropological Discussion Read More »

Motor Labs Build Foundations for Healthy Brains

Testimonials

Great article and really good representation of who we are and how it works! https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/cps-motor-labs-build-foundations-for-healthy-brains/article_2ab6bb58-0709-11ea-88b8-d7ddc3f1dd5c.html Missourian Newspaper Article, “CPS motor labs build foundations for healthy brains” EMILY A. ROIGER Nov 22, 2019 Workout mats carpet the floor, diagrams of exercises cover the walls and sweaty bodies move in unison as a coach pushes members of …

Motor Labs Build Foundations for Healthy Brains Read More »

School Administrator Testimonial

Testimonials

The Ready Bodies, Learning Minds motor lab addresses the needs of all students in task-oriented circuit training, supported by consistent, foundational exercises, offering developmental support for the sensory and motor systems. Hear a testimonial from a school administrator’s point of view. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T5lkGCi38Q

Vestibular Stimulation at Home

Product

As mentioned in her last video (see below if you missed it the first time!), Athena Oden, PT has created recommendations for vestibular stimulation and spinning while we Shelter-in-Place. Click on the video below to see what to do, what not to do, and some additional fun activities.

Create a Virtual Motor Lab

Product

As school districts are switching to online learning, we have had many questions on how to continue the motor lab at home. In the following video, Athena Oden, P.T. and author of the Ready Bodies Learning Minds workshop and curriculum gives her suggestions and tips of how to create a virtual motor lab for your students. …

Create a Virtual Motor Lab Read More »

Physical Therapist Testimonial

Testimonials

A Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Motor Lab testimonial from a physical therapist at a recent seminar. The RBLM motor lab consists of sensory integration and motor control activities to assist ALL children- with and without disabilities. From behavior, to classroom management, to handwriting assistance, to developing independence – our RBLM motor labs can help your …

Physical Therapist Testimonial Read More »