Sensory Motor Integration and Cognition

When

26 Jul 2007 - 27 Jul 2007
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Asia/Singapore

Where

Melbourne - Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, 380 William Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000

Event Tag

Recent Brain research indicates that thinking and moving are very closely linked.  Through sensory motor activities, connections are made that provide the framework for cognition and more advanced brain development.

Brain research also indicates that when a child’s motor skills are highly developed, the level of self-esteem increase dramatically.  Children become confident movers and learners.  Workshop participants will learn many practical hands-on activities that will promote healthier, happier, more successful learning for young children.

Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Define Sensory Motor Integration
  • Define the windows of opportunity for maximizing development of various components of sensory integration
  • Identify the characteristics of several common sensory motor disorders
  • Provide workshop participants with critical sensory motor movement patterns and skills that have a positive impact on brain development
  • Replicate games, movement patterns and activities that will aid in mentally energizing and focusing children’s attention for cognitive applications
  • Develop classroom strategies to create cognitive success in fun supportive ways

Outline
Day 1:

  • Introduction:  What’s Sensory Motor Integration All About
    • What is sensory motor integration
    • What is the tactile system
    • What is the vestibular system
    • What is motor planning
    • What is visual perception
    • What is auditory processing
  • Defining working terms
    • Body control
    • Laterality
    • Midline and midline crossing
    • Form perception
    • Gross motor skills
    • Fine perceptual motor skills
    • Psychomotor skills
    • Manipulative skills
    • Locomotor skills
    • Our senses and how they work
    • Windows of opportunity
    • Constructing thought
    • Building memory from sensory information
    • Self conceptHow Does Sensory Integration Develop
  • Factors That Interfere with Normal Sensory Development
    • Reflexes that interfere with learning
      • Assymetrical tonic neck reflex
      • Symmetrical tonic neck reflex and protective arm reflex
      • Vestibular reflex
  • Factors That Block or Inhibit Learning
    • Misguided tactile cues
    • Vestibular disorientation
    • Motor planning confusion

Day 2:

  • Review of Sensory Motor Concepts
  • Calming/refocusing techniques for children
  • Emotions and their Effect on Learning
    • Influence of emotions on memory
    • Past experiences
    • Some suggestions and solutions
  • Adapting the Physical Environment
    • Classroom accommodations
  • Brain Fitness
    • Movement activities that facilitate cognition
    • Neurobic exercises to activate neurons
    • Determining your sensory preferences
    • Kinesthetic learners and how to engage them
  • Nourishing the Brain
    • Nutritional demands of the growing brain
    • Food and its effect on mood
  • Nurturing the Brain
    • Making sense of the senses
    • Games and activities that support cognitive and sensory development
    • Multi-path learning
    • Thinking on your feet

Trainer’s Profile
Nicki G. is an Education Consultant with 36 years of teaching experience.  She is a published author with two new books and music CD’s to come out in 2006.

Nicki has an M.S. Ed. in curriculum design and development from National University in San Diego California, a B.S. from Washington State University as a physical education specialist, and other post-graduate work from Colorado State University and University of California, Berkeley, in early childhood sensory motor dysfunction.  Her extensive work in early childhood education and program development has been focused on motor skill development, new research in brain based psychomotor learning and sensory motor development.

Nicki has been conducting workshops on the national level for National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) along with state associations such as Washington and California AEYC annually for the past several years. Additionally, Nicki was the 2002 General Conference Director for the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI), and also has presented workshops for that organization.

Methodology
Multi-media including video clips, power point, group discussion, pair and share, music and movement activities.  Come prepared to participate, get up and move, and construct your own web of knowledge.

Target Audience
Early childhood educators, assistants, administrators, special needs specialists, physical education teachers, coordinators, support staff, and parents.

Duration: 2 days, 12 hours
Closing Date: 1 Jul 07



Other Available Sessions
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