Athena and Ready Bodies, Learning Minds is so excited to see the motor lab idea in practice at Abilene Education Foundation at Ward Elementary! How exciting that they are already seeing the difference it can make with students!
“Many of us take for granted how our bodies operate, and especially how the experiences our bodies teach us help us to understand the world around us. So, how is learning impacted when students have trouble with their motor skills, or sensory perception (like sensitivity to touch)?
After attending a special training on sensory motor training, Mrs. Kristi Newton, at Ward Elementary, wrote a grant to create a sensory regulating activities room/lab where kids could come for up to 15 minutes per day to mature their motor skills and planning ability, coordination and sensory perception. Well, she won and started creating the Ready Room right away! Then, she waited to see if the sessions would help increase overall student attention to task and focus – thereby academic achievement in the classroom.
Many of the students using the room have difficulty with their reflexes being immature, or not trusting their own bodies (like perhaps gripping their hands too tight, so it might be difficult to hold a pencil effectively), and the activities (pictured below) both calm their minds and help their bodies relax before learning.
Well…she didn’t have to wait long to start seeing results. Teachers started mentioning after just a few short weeks how students using the room were more focused and ready to learn (up to 3-4 hours) after each session. Ward Elementary’ s Ready Room has been viewed by several other schools looking to duplicate their efforts using a curriculum called Ready Bodies, Learning Minds which was also part of the grant.”
For more information about the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Motor Lab, click here
For more information about the program at West Elementary, click here
