WHAT DOES A SESSION LOOK LIKE? We begin our 2 hour journey, with 45 mins of movement exploration. These are story and play based and include yoga, dance, relaxation/self regulation activities and perceptual motor activities (PMA). PMA require children to use their brain and body together to accomplish tasks, eg. Singing and balancing at the same time.
‘Children with strong perceptual motor sk
ills are better coordinated, have greater body awareness, stronger intellectual skills and more positive self image’. Perceptual Motor Activities for Children- An evidence based Guide to Building Physical and Cognitive Skills. Johnstone and Molly Ramon. As part of developing confidence and independence, all children help to prepare morning tea and take a well-earned break. The second half of the session focuses on listening to and telling stories, singing songs and creative arts. Emerging literacy experiences help to prepare children to learn to read and write in later years, while creative arts are a way for children to express their thinking, knowledge and ideas, to explore, try out, experiment and create. All activities help develop children mentally, socially and emotionally. We close the Journey with some ‘quiet time’ and reflection. Children share in foot massage, play games that involve the development of listening, concentration and breathing such as ‘Breath and Smile’, ‘Sniff and Smell’, ‘Pass the Bell’ (without letting it ring!) and ‘Tibeten Bowl Statues’ (move around the room quietly and when you hear the Tibetan bowl music, freeze in your favourite position until you can no longer hear it ringing).
