The Body is Key to Reading

There is more to reading success than meets the eye

Of course eye teaming, smooth eye pursuit across the midline, and visual accommodation near and far are important to reading success. Often overlooked is the body’s role in reading. For example, having good muscle tone in the core and leg muscles needed to sit still… integration of primary reflexes ATNR, and STNR allowing steady focus when the body or neck is moved… body awareness including a sense of laterality and directionality, allowing readers to distinguish between a ‘p’ and ‘q’ and ‘m’ and ‘w’ so ‘mom’ doesn’t become ‘wow’… and having a mature vestibular system unifying visual acuity, auditory discrimination and body-in-space skills.

How does one strengthen all of these body systems to assure reading success? Repetitive movement! Ample running, skipping, spinning, rowing, throwing, catching and other vibrant movement activities are essential.

Daily physical education with a focus on body awareness and movement exploration is a must to help young children mature all of the body brain systems involved with successful reading.

Not helping children mature their body brain networks will result in reading delays, dyslexia, and other challenges and learning disabilities we often hand over to Special Ed. Read Physical Activities for Improving Children's Learning and Behavior by Billye Ann Cheatum and Allison A. Hammond available from Human Kinetics for in depth understaning.

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