Just How Old Is Your Child?

Sequential Processing Correlates with One’s Academic Age

Craig Stellpflug is a Neuro Development Consultant and Bio Cranial Therapist who can present complex neurodevelopmental concepts in simple, easy to understand ways. In this essay, Craig distinguishes between chronological, developmental and sequential processing age which correlates to one’s academic age. I just had an engaging conversation with Craig. He is a writer and poet among other things. For more on Craig and additional articles visit his home page at the HealingPathwaysMedicalClinic website.

Jeff Haebig

Reflex Integration is Key to Movement

Masgutova Method of Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration

Svetlana Masgutova from Poland has simplified how to understand movement and its relationship to learning. For many of us, Reflex Integration is a foreign concept. Glance at the graphic shown on the Masgutova Method page. See how reflex patterns are the foundation upon which learned movement is built. Academic performance skills (writing, reading, calculating, sitting still and focusing) rely on a solid body brain base to work well.

Contact Suzanne Amanor-Wilks at neuronetsuzanne@yahoo.com or call 952.892.1883 to inquire about Dr. Masgutova’s workshops, March 20 to 23rd in Edina, Minnesota. Books are also available. You will be surprised how simple reflexes are to learn – and how highly effective sensory integration practices are to integrate dysfunctional and pathological reflexes that interfere with vibrant living and learning. You will love Dr. Masgutova's teaching style -- she's tops!

Jeff Haebig

Upcoming BOOGIE Blogs

BOOGIE Blogs you can look forward to next week!

1/23 Reflex Integration is Key to Movement
1/24 Just How Old is Your Child
1/25 Socialize to Prevent Dementia
1/26 Fountan of Youth Rx
1/27 Workout in Your Chair
1/28 Cerebellum Mindbody Marvels
1/29 Treating ADHD Naturally

Wellness Quest offers free DAILY Health Care-toons, wellness challenges, health benefits, inspirational quotes and jokes.

Physical Education and the Brain

Daily Movement and Exercise improves academic performance

Physical Education is redefining itself. Now that neuroscience has shown how movement and exercise enhances brain function, more physical educators are seeing themselves as key players in the current learning revolution spurred by brain research. Naperville Central High School has led the nation. Phil Lawler and Physical Educator Paul Zientarski have worked with Dr. John Ratey, author of SPARK – The New Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain. They have created a daily program that has proven its effectiveness. Read the stories – then insist your schools offer daily Physical Education designed to boost body-brain fitness. Test scores, social-emotional health, physical well-being and motivation will rise.

Attend the 2009 DuPage PE-Heatlh-DrEd Institute in Naperville, Illinois on February 27, 2009 and hear Dr. Ratey, Bill Hubert, Jean Madigan Blaydes and others address these exciting changes. For more conference information visit DuPageInstitue

Jeff Haebig

Vestibular System is Key to Learning

Reading, writing, speech, attention and memory are impacted

http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/symptoms.php shows possible symptoms of Vestibular Disorders. This sixth sense helps regulate vision, hearing, balance and movement. Many students challenged by school have weak vestibular systems resulting from insufficient childhood play, rolling, swinging, spinning, and other robust stop and go activities. More than ever, playgrounds with swings, merry-go-rounds, slides, teeter-totters are needed. Unfortunately these are disappearing -- as is Physical Education. What a shame!

Thanks to VEDA, http://www.vestibular.org/ Vestibular Disorders Association the public is informed. Hopefully people will take action, putting a spin on the importance of body brain exercise leading to academic success.

Jeff Haebig

Heart-Brain Connection -- Video

The Neuroscience of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

Neuroscientist Richard Davidson presents his research showing how social and emotional interactions change the brain. Presented online by Edutopia.org this video explains how disruptive excess stress can be to working memory and cognition. Overflow of the stress hormone cortisol interferes with the hippocampus and amygdala. It is important for people to learn patience and mind calming skills so stress does not hijack the brain and disrupt living and learning.

Motor Planning and Sequencing

Reading, speech, and language improve using rhythm

Reading achievement is central to school success. As neuroscience becomes more precise, understanding the areas of the body brain involved with language development and reading suggest the importance of motor planning and sequencing. The Cingulate Gyrus, Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum and Frontal Cortex are brain areas involved. Rhythmic motor activities that strengthen neural networks connecting these brain areas allow for quicker shifting of attention and focus.

Speech and language have improved. Those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, Parkinsons, and Sensory Integration Disorders have benefited in various ways. Interactive Metronome offers research and case studies on their website showing the functional neural plasticity involved.

STNR, ATNR, TLR Learning Activities

Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior

Billye Ann Cheatum and Allison A. Hammond have coauthored a highly useful book for parents and teachers interested in helping their children be more successful in school. 99 physical activities are offered to help reduce the effects of sensory motor problems. Primitive reflexes are addressed with many fun activities designed to enhance the visual, auditory and kinesthetic systems called upon to read, write and relate well to others Read sections of Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior. This book is one of my favorites!

Jeff Haebig