Supporting Learning Through Movement: A Quick Guide for Improving Classroom Success

Supporting Learning Through Movement: A Quick Guide for Improving Classroom Success

In today’s fast-paced learning environments, many children are expected to sit still, focus, and perform academically, often before their brains and bodies are fully ready. This practical, 1.5-hour course is designed to help parents and teachers understand the powerful connection between movement and learning, and how simple, intentional strategies can dramatically improve attention, behavior, and academic success. Participants will explore how the developing nervous system, sensory processing, and retained primitive reflexes impact a child’s ability to sit, focus, read, write, and regulate emotions in the classroom. Through easy-to-implement, research-based strategies, you’ll learn how to incorporate movement into daily routines, without adding more stress or time to your already busy day. This course provides quick wins you can use immediately, whether at home or in the classroom, to support children who struggle with attention, coordination, emotional regulation, or learning challenges. Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of why movement matters, how to recognize when a child needs it, and exactly what to do to help them feel more regulated, engaged, and ready to learn.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the relationship between movement, the nervous system, sensory processing, and primitive reflexes in supporting attention, behavior, and academic performance.
2. List key signs that indicate a child may benefit from movement-based strategies to support regulation, focus, and classroom participation.
3. State three practical, movement-based strategies that can be easily integrated into home or classroom routines to improve engagement and learning readiness.

Course Information

• Target Audience: parents, caregivers, educators, and others supporting classroom academics
• Course Instructor:  Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS
• View Agenda

This course is NOT approved for AOTA continuing education units (CEUs). This distance learning, independent activity offers 1.5 hours of training targeted to parents, caregivers, and educators. For state licensing or other credential renewal, contact your specific agency for guidance.

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, is a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, passionate about sensory integration, primitive reflexes, and early intervention. In October 2020, Rachel took over Sensational Brain, previously owned by Gwen Wild, MOT, OTR/L, in which she has rebranded and expanded into new courses, products, and more!

In addition to Sensational Brain, Rachel founded The Sensory Project, which shares simple sensory strategies and tips and handmade sensory tools on Etsy. She works part-time with Harkla to create sensory-related content for parents and therapists through a podcast, courses, and more.

Rachel is passionate about sharing her knowledge of sensory integration by participating in speaking engagements with nonprofit organizations, schools, childcare centers, and community events to increase early identification of sensory processing challenges.

Rachel lives in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, two young children and golden retriever, where they are always hiking, exploring or spending time with family.

Disclosures

• Financial: Rachel is the owner of Sensational Brain LLC and receives proceeds from all sales and co-hosts All Things Sensory by Harkla Podcast.
• Nonfinancial: Rachel works part-time with Harkla Co.

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• Questions? Email celeste@sensationalbrain.com