1. An Introduction to S.M.A.R.T./BOOST-UP Megan Vander Haar Michelle Rist Paula Gordon

2. Parents Wonder… Is he ready to start school? Is she performing well? Does he pay attention? Does she listen? Does he follow directions? Is she keeping up with other kids? Does he fit-in with others?

3. Teachers Wonder… Why can’t he sit still? Why can’t she keep her hands and feet to herself? Why can’t he take notes from the board? Why can’t she swing a jump rope? Why can’t he keep a beat? Why is this she unorganized?

4. Maybe…. Maybe they have Readiness Skill Deficits By the way… “If you spin around on your chair really fast, things around here will make a lot more sense.” ~Stik-Withit Brand Notes

5. Maybe… We Can Help…by understanding how a child normally develops learning readiness

6. Motor Development Primitive Reflexes Primitive Reflexes Postural Reflexes Postural Reflexes

7. What is a Reflex? “Reflex action is the deputy of the brain, and directs myriad movements, thus leaving the higher powers free to attend to weightier things.” ~Halleck, 1898

8. Primitive Reflexes Dictate early movement Signposts of development

9. The Moro Reflex Purpose: Arousal- breathing first breath.  Symptoms of Retained Moro: Hypersensitivity, poor adaptability and dislike of change.

10. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex Function of TLR: Provide the basis for head control, balance, postural stability Symptoms of Retained TLR: Postural instability arising from head position

11. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) Functions of ATNR: turn head to one side so breathing can take place on tummy Symptoms of Retained ATNR: Problems crossing the midline of the body if the head is turned to one side,

12. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) STNR-(same on each side) Causes upper and lower sections of the body to perform opposite movements (arms bend, legs straight, visa versa) Symptoms of Retained STNR: Poor upper and lower body integration

13. Rooting and Sucking Reflexes The Mouth is the first practice ground for sensory and motor experience.

14. Rooting and Sucking Reflexes Functions: Initiates searching, suck and swallowing Ensures early feeding Symptoms of Retained Suck Reflex Hypersensitivity in the oral region Continued desire for oral stimulation- Speech and articulation difficulties

15. Palmar and Plantar Reflexes Functions: Palmar connected to early feeding Plantar should be present when the baby learns to “commando” crawl, Symptoms of Retained: Thumb and finger opposition difficulty Writing grip Speech and articulation- tend to ‘talk with their hands, write with their mouth’ Tendency to ‘toe walk’

16. Spinal Galant Reflex Functions: Facilitate movement of baby during birth. Appears to be connected to urinary and intestinal functioning. If Retained: A need to move, fidget; bedwetting

17. So…How Does Movement Help? Movement is our first language!

18. Movement Stimulates our Senses How many senses can you name?

19. Balance: ‘the art of not moving’

20. Balance Through Movement

21. How Balance is Trained

22. Signs and Symptoms of Balance Problems:

23. Music Our Second Language

24. Ok…How do I help all these kids?

25. Maybe it’s time to try… S.M.A.R.T. Stimulating Maturity through through Accelerated Readiness Training

26. What Do You Need?

27. Resources  Minnesota Learning and Resource Center  Goddard Blythe, Sally. “The Well Balanced Child”  Goddard Blythe, Sally. “Reflexes, Learning and Behavior A Window Into the Child’s Mind”  www.google.com (images galore…) www.google.com