Did you know that intellectual learning is directly affected by sensory motor-skills? If the motor skills are not fully developed, this directly impacts how well we learn. For some, body in space may have not fully developed. If this is occurring, students are unable to comprehend what they read and are many times unable to read at all.
Research shows that information needs to be processed in both the left and right hemispheres in order for the process to be efficient and automatic. One needs to have physical exercises which stimulate the brain and facilitate dual processing in both hemispheres of the brain.
Sensory-Motor Skills consist of:
- Body In Space
- Crossing the Midline of the Body
- Balance
- Directionality
- Laterality
- Centering
Let us explore each of these areas and how they can affect the learning process and performance.
BODY IN SPACE:
Many of us have learned to understand where our body stands in space. If this area is weak, it attributes to poor integration between small motor and visual skills. Students who are susceptible will want to touch everything. They perceive others to always be in their space. They are “tuned” in to adult conversation. Physical writing is a problem and they like to use the wrong pencil grip. As they get older and wish to drive a vehicle, they are known to be the worst drivers as they perceive others to be in their space.
CROSSING THE MIDLINE OF THE BODY`
The ability to cross the midline of the body must be established in order for one to fully understand how to follow a sequence of activities. If this sensory-motor skill is not developed, a student will have difficulty with word/letter orientation and /or letter reversals. Students will like to sit sideways in their desk or chair next to a table. The inability to cross the midline will result in labels such as “learning disabled or dyslexic.”
BALANCE
When balance is not fully developed, cognitive (intellectual) learning will be affected. When we do balance stimulation, all the systems in the brain are involved through the ear’s vestibular sense. As the balance demands are increased, the number of neurons in each of the involved systems increases as well. These activities requiring a higher level of balance stimulate the growth and enlargement of the neural networks. They, in turn, cause the communication systems to grow and become more efficient.
DIRECTIONALITY
Showing or relating to the management or control of somebody's work, behavior, or way of thinking.
LATERALITY
Laterality is the ability to cross the midline, to work in the infield, such as moving the eyes left to right when reading. This skill is crucial for academic success. Our Sensory-Motor Integration exercises stimulate the brain to function laterally in a proficient manner to assist the learning process.
CENTERING
Centering is the ability to cross the midline top to bottom. If centering is not developed, a student will walk completely disconnected, as though the legs are working independently of the rest of this body. This leads to poor coordination in sports; disorganization in his room and classroom desk; messy personal appearance; he is overwhelmed
Resources: Dr. Paul Dennison, Structure of Intellect, and Dr. Frank Belgua, The Learning Breakthrough Program
