An experiential applications workshop on developmental movement patterns and the whole child
Presenter: Catherine Burns

Goal of workshop
Introduce early childhood staff to developmental movement patterns, in utero through the first months, and how these specific early patterns affect development of physical structures of the body, brain and neurological system as well as the development of the mind and psyche with practical applications.

Tummy Time
The tummy time workshop provides an overview of the developmental movement patterns and their importance as a context for exploring specific developmental stages. Tummy Time incorporates in utero, newborn and spinal patterns in an experiential workshop with discussion of applications focused on newborn through 6 months.

Workshop outcomes
Staff participating in Tummy Time will learn:

• Why specific developmental movement activities are important
  
• Brain and neurological structures affected by movement in the first four months
  
• How core strength is affected by tummy time
  
• Impact of kinesthetic self awareness on motor coordination & neuro-muscular development
  
• In utero patterns, including naval radiation
  
• Newborn movement patterns and their contribution to self-organization
  
• Impact of movement on the tummy on early psychological development
  
• Reflexes underlying physical and emotional bonding & individuation
  
• Sense of self and other developing through activity and passivity
  
• Relationships of movement, mind and the brain for the baby
  
• Research on flow mind states as optimal for learning
  
• Impact of current practices on babies’ development and Consequent problems
  
• Recognizing developmental movement gaps many babies are experiencing
  
• Ways to facilitate babies’ learning developmental movement patterns and engaging the reflexes
  
• Working with reluctant tummy timers
  
• Presenting information to parents

Workshop activities
Overview of theory of developmental movement patterns and reflexes

• Demonstrations of movement patterns and their expressions
  
• Interactive movement activities and explorations by participants
  
• Facilitating developmental movement patterns and reflexes
  
• Visual aids & handouts
  
• Discussion of applications

Facility requirements include a large open space, clean floor, sufficient mats or blankets for all participants and CD/tape player.

Related offerings

Movement & Brain

Tummy Time

Transition Milestones

Articles