Maven of Movement Bibliography

Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (S.M.A.R.T.) is a program that helps children's brains and bodies get ready to learn. It provides the foundation for the required basic readiness skills, so critical for successful learners. The program consists of fun physical activities for developing and/or enhancing large and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, visual efficiency, eye-hand coordination and much more. Once these readiness skills are in place, children have the necessary tools to be able to attend and learn, making them ready for school and ready to become to become life-long learners. This 300 page book is the manual for the S.M.A.R.T. program. (Available from  mlrc@actg.org)

mlrc@actg.org

This book adapts the S.M.A.R.T. Program for preschool children. It is a valuable resource for those working with preschool children who want to include brain stimulation as a part of their preschool curriculum or day care services. 134 pages

mlrc@actg.org

MORE  Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training  (S.M.A.R.T.) Pre-K, the second book in this series, is designed to help  children's brains and bodies get ready to learn. It provides the next level of foundation skills for the required basic readiness skills, so critical for successful learners.

Bill Hubert developed an effective and fun movement program using sand filled bags and racquet balls that supports healthy neurological  development. Students participating in these activities have shown  improvement in academics and social/emotional maturity. An instructional DVD is available on the website. (For a demonstration:  Youtube- https://youtu.be/_mbQv34Zs-w)

Teacher Katie Johnson explains that many student behaviors are actually “red  flags” that indicate possible unfinished developmental patterns in our students. She clearly describes behaviors to look for and then provides lots of fun, easy and effective activities that teachers can use in their classrooms to help students to fill in the gaps in their developmental foundations. (Available on Amazon.)

This 110 page book provides teachers, therapists and parents with all the information they need to understand the critical relationships between reflexes, sensory systems, motor systems and children's performance in school and daily life.  Each system is explained, as is the interaction of the body systems and how they affect a child's ability to learn and perform.  Basic exercises are illustrated in the book.  (Available from  the website.)

This 120 page companion guide is an important follow up to Ready Bodies, Learning Minds.  It provides everything a teacher, therapist or parent needs to create a Ready Bodies Motor Lab. The activities are clearly illustrated. Note: this Activity Guide is meant to be used with the  Ready Bodies, Learning Minds manual. (Available from the website.)

The Children's Songbook, The F# Music Co., Victoria, Australia, 2003  

The Energy Exercises from Brain Gym® are set to lively Australian songs sung by Brendan O'Hara. The author also explains some “brain basics” and how these movements benefit children (and all of us). These songs and activities are great “brain breaks” in school.
(available at braingym.com)

The F# Music Co., Victoria, Australia, 2003 (available at braingym.com) 

The activity book explains the Brain Gym® activities and their benefits for children. Through song and dance, the CD leads 3 – 8 year olds through many fun and beneficial dances and activities. And adding to the fun is getting to learn about some unique Australian animals. These songs and activities are also good for “brain breaks” during the school day.  

(available at braingym.com)

The original one hour DVD contains three segments. The first chapter clearly explains the critical stages of physical development children need to be ready for school. Chapter two shows lots of activities that help preschool children meet their developmental needs and the last chapter focuses on activities for 5-7 year old children. Lots of fun activities kids love that foster healthy development.  This DVD can be purchased for $30 with shipping and handling from: 

         Nancy Peterson
         22129 Maverick Rd.
         Oronogo, MO  64855
         417-292-2667
         thecorelearning@yahoo.com