Moving Readers Forward

NeuroDevelopmental Movement offers a unique approach to addressing reading difficulties by focusing on the foundational neurological systems that support learning. Here's how it benefits struggling readers:

1. Addresses Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms:

Traditional reading interventions often focus on phonics, sight words, and comprehension strategies. While these are important, they may not be effective if the underlying neurological systems responsible for processing and integrating information are not functioning optimally. NeuroDevelopmental Movement works to strengthen these foundational systems, addressing the root causes of reading struggles rather than simply treating the symptoms.

2. Strengthens Foundational Skills:

Specific movement patterns, such as crawling and creeping, play a crucial role in developing essential skills like:

• Vestibular System: This system is responsible for balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. Strengthening it through movement can improve a child's ability to track text, maintain focus, and coordinate eye movements during reading.

• Proprioceptive System: This system provides awareness of body position and movement in space. Enhancing it through movement activities can improve body awareness, posture, and fine motor skills, all of which are important for reading and writing.

• Integration of Primitive Reflexes: These automatic movements present in infancy should integrate as the child develops. If they persist, they can interfere with higher-level cognitive functions like reading. NeuroDevelopmental Movement helps integrate these reflexes, freeing up the brain for learning.

• Bilateral Coordination: Using both sides of the body in a coordinated way is essential for many academic tasks, including reading. Movement activities that cross the midline of the body help strengthen communication between the brain hemispheres, improving coordination and cognitive processing.

3. Improves Focus, Attention, and Cognitive Function:

By strengthening the foundational neurological systems, NeuroDevelopmental Movement can lead to significant improvements in:

• Focus and Attention: Children with underdeveloped neurological systems may struggle to focus and maintain attention, making reading a challenging task. Movement activities can help improve these essential skills.

• Cognitive Processing: Movement helps integrate sensory information and improve cognitive processing speed, making it easier for children to decode words, comprehend text, and remember what they have read.

4. Creates a Solid Foundation for Learning:

NeuroDevelopmental Movement helps build a solid foundation for all types of learning, not just reading. By addressing underlying neurological challenges, it creates a more stable and efficient learning platform, allowing children to:

• Process information more effectively: This makes it easier for them to learn and retain new information.

• Regulate their emotions and behavior: This creates a more positive and productive learning environment.

• Develop greater confidence and self-esteem: As children experience success in reading and other areas, their confidence grows, leading to a more positive attitude towards learning.

In summary:

NeuroDevelopmental Movement offers a powerful approach to supporting struggling readers by addressing the underlying neurological factors that contribute to reading difficulties. By strengthening foundational skills, improving focus and attention, and creating a solid base for learning, it empowers children to overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and experience the joy of reading.