TEACHER/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTION IN BRAIN DANCE I: BIRTH TO 5 YEARS

Date/Time: Aug 17, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Price: $89 + online processing fees (contact kzook@lakemichigancollege.edu for scholarship information)

Instructor: Nancy Mattner

Location: Deckmann Studio, Mendel Center

Learn about the important connections that movement, touch, and bonding have on the developing brains of infants and young children. The foundation for learning and school readiness is laid during these early years. Find out why floor-time is important in the first year of life and why providing a rich, multi-sensory world for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and primary grade children to explore supports brain and body development. The BrainDance is based on fundamental movement patterns infants move through in the first year of life and continue refining through childhood. Learn how to create an environment in which infants and young children can move with ease through these patterns, becoming integrated, grounded, self-reliant movers and explorers ready for a lifetime of learning. We will cover BrainDances that can be done in the classroom, at home, in a childcare setting, and in dance studios. The BrainDance is an adaptable movement tool that can be tailored for all abilities and disabilities. We will practice seated and standing variations of the BrainDance using rhymes, rhythmic chants, childrens songs, and music as accompaniment. Variations will be taught that vary in length so even teachers with limited time for movement in the classroom will take away options to share with students. Daycare providers, early childhood specialists, elementary teachers, paraeducators, parents, caregivers, OTs, PTs, and dance teachers are all welcome.

Professional Development hours may be available for educators, contact kzook@lakemichigancollege.edu for more information. This series may be taken individually or in any order.