Developmental Movement • Moving Forward

Movement matters!

Babies’ brains develop from the bottom up. In order for a child to focus, sit still or do higher level academic skills such as reading or math, they need a strong foundation in the lower parts of their brain to build upon. Just as a tree needs strong roots, so does a developing child. Just like a tree, we need to nurture a child’s development. This is how nature designed it!

Watch for more information about the upcoming In Tune With Baby program,the Roots of Reading webinar and Brain Moves on my Workshops and More page! https://movingforward1.ca/services/workshops/

What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive Reflexes are like the ABCs of movement. They unlock movement and prepare the brain for everything it needs to do. They are intended to be active during infancy and emerge in utero. Once they are integrated, these reflexes act as a foundation that allow for the development of more sophisticated movement patterns and automaticity. These reflexes are integrated through the baby’s movement. When primitive reflexes are not integrated in children and adults, they can interfere with their ability to learn and develop. Retained Primitive Reflexes may contribute to challenges with speech, visual and auditory processing, sensory perceptions, focus and self regulation, gross and fine motor development, coordination, balance and all levels of academic learning. The birthing process plays an important role in helping Primitive Reflexes emerge and integrate. Babies who have had a difficult/traumatic birth or have been born by cesarean would benefit from these movements. Once integrated, Primitive Reflexes may become active again in the body, especially if there is an injury, concussion, illness or other trauma. Primitive Reflexes are integrated through movement and this can be done at any age.

I incorporate developmental movement programs such as Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training and adapted Brain Gym® Building Blocks into my specialized educational sessions. I also work individually with families as a Developmental Movement Educator. In these sessions we typically meet once a month and parents/caregivers are provided with suggested movement activities to support their baby or child’s development (including primitive reflex integration). In addition, I run workshops and classes for parents/caregivers who want to learn more about the roots and shoots of their baby/childs’ development and how to support them!

I am a both a licensed Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant and a Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training Consultant. I continue to take courses to gather new tools for my toolbox to share with others. I am presently working on courses to become recognized as a Developmental Movement Educator with Beverly Stokes’ Amazing Babies Academy. https://www.amazingbabiesacademy.com/online-programs/

This wonderful short video explains more about the foundational skills of learning. https//getreadyforschool.co.nz/#home

These programs have been found to support: