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Today’s episode is answering a question that we received from a student inside of our Primitive Reflex Digital Course. This person is an OT working in the schools and wants to know if it’s beneficial to complete primitive reflex exercises once or twice a week. We chat about the pros and cons, as well as other ways to incorporate primitive reflexes into the classroom.
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As we gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of incorporating primitive reflex exercises into daily routines, we recognize their crucial role in developing confident children of all abilities. These exercises are particularly advantageous for children with ADHD and learning disabilities, making a significant impact when integrated into a school setting.
Thank you for your invaluable digital course and podcasts on primitive reflexes. As a school-based Occupational Therapist, I've observed many students exhibiting retained reflexes.
Despite the challenges, including limited staff and my own time constraints, which allow for a maximum of twice-weekly sessions with select students, I'm committed to helping them. Given these limitations, is it beneficial to continue the integration exercises, even if we can only manage a few times weekly?
Incorporating primitive reflex integration exercises into a school's routine can significantly benefit students' development, especially when these exercises are integrated consistently, even if only twice a week. Here are some practical strategies for occupational therapists, educators, and parents to implement these exercises effectively within a school setting.
A simple yet effective strategy is to have students lay on their stomachs (prone position) while practicing handwriting or other visual-motor activities. For instance, during occupational therapy (OT) sessions, students could lie on their stomachs instead of sitting at a desk, promoting the engagement of core muscles and reflex integration.
Incorporating scooter boards into activities can make learning more dynamic and physically engaging. For example, students can use scooter boards to navigate the classroom to find letters or other items.
Educators can incorporate quick, reflex-integration exercises into their daily routines. Simple activities like crawling around the room, crossing midline movements, windmills, or having students lay on their tummies during circle time can be very effective.
Encourage teachers to implement short sensory and movement breaks, including primitive reflex exercises. These breaks can involve cat-cow stretches, Superman and Banana poses, or downward-facing dog into cobra stretches.
Providing visual aids and sensory tools can be incredibly beneficial. For example, create keyring tools, visual schedules, and sensory diet cards with reflex integration exercises for teachers and staff to reference quickly.
Physical education teachers and sports coaches can be crucial in integrating these exercises into their programs. Specific activities can be included in warm-ups or cool-downs during sports practice, ensuring students receive these benefits regularly.
Teach students to advocate for their needs using words, picture cards, and prompts for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Additionally, visual reminders such as keyrings with exercise cards can assist students in remembering to perform their reflex integration exercises daily.
During handwriting practice in OT sessions, students can work on a scooter board or prone position. This makes the task more engaging and helps with reflex integration while completing necessary academic work.
Even if the exercises are performed only once or twice a week, they are still beneficial. Consistency, creativity, and collaboration are vital to making these interventions successful. By integrating these exercises into various parts of the school day, the cumulative effect can significantly enhance students' motor development and overall well-being.
Introducing primitive reflex exercises into school schedules, even if it's just twice a week, can significantly enhance students' motor skills and academic performance. This method helps students with specific needs and benefits the entire student body, fostering a healthier and more active learning environment.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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