Archive for the ‘Pre-School’ Category

 MANY CHANCES FOR SUCCESS

One thing we are finding more and more of these days with our preschool, and kindergarten children are that many display symptoms of having lower level brain disorganization. Organization of the brain is a naturally occurring developmental step, provided our infants were given the opportunity to be on the floor, on their tummies most of their waking hours.  Sadly, most of our children in the U.S. are being brought home in infant/car seats and they are spending most of their waking hours on their backs, waving their hands and feet in the air which doesn’t do anything to help the brain and body develop required neuro-pathways.  Without the stimulation of being on a hard surface where they can push, pull, feel,they need in order to create connections, help the brain learn the stimuli from the limbs, fingers, and toes and actually “map” their bodily systems, these little people are placed in a deficit learning position.  Another problem of sitting too much in seats, jumpers, swings, walkers, is the neuro-muscular strength-building process goes missing, too.  Am infant who is not pushing against hard surfaces which provides the neck and back muscles to gain strength and control will de destined to other probelms with their eyes (tracking, central detail vision, to name a few). The same is true for the extremities, their muscles will remain in a flaccid state, rather than develop strength, and tactility abilities.  All muscle impulses must be experienced by the brain so it can develop and organize the body’s system. Unfortunately for too many little ones, it just isn’t happening as our divine creator has designed with our new off-spring! The good news is that you can help develop these lacking abilitiesand bring them up to speed by working consistantly as directed by the Little Giant Steps’ Programs.  See this article about Teaching Babies.

 First things first

Regardless of the age of the individual, we first must get the brain and the body communicating efficiently. Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND., has created a terrific video training called the Neuro-developmental Approach DVD.  If you watch it, follow what she teaches; you will see functional lagging or lack of function being developed as you work with your child both congnitively and physically through activities that stimulate the brain in just the ways it needs to be stimulated.

The next thing we see is the need to make sure your child’s processing abilities are at appropriate age or grade level.  If a child can’t process information, then their short-term memory can’t retain information long enough for them to learn effectively.  If the short-term memory is impaired, then the long-term memory is impacted, which makes for a serious life of struggling with learning, comprehending, retaining, and recalling information. A very sad state for too many of our kids these days.  How do you change that situation?  First order the Auditory and Visual Test Kits.  Please read the information on that page, as well.  By doing this test you will get a snapshot of your child’s, or family member’s current processing level or abilities.  It’s amazing how when whole families increase their processing abilities, there are fewer misunderstandings, frustrating times, and a more peaceful interaction when everyone is functioning at “grade level” or age-appropriate.  Not only does it solve lots of stressed social interaction, but the benefits of the academic acheivements are really amazing.  At my next post, we’ll talk about what next steps you can do to move into a harmonious, successful, and confidence-building life. A life that you can set in motion to become a well organized brain (through our brain training programs) and when you have neuro-efficiency, it’s been discribed by our clients as a simular experience of going from an internet dial-up line to a high speed, high performance connection!  Until next time ~ Blessings.

Little Giant Steps ~ Ahead of the Research

For over twenty years, Jan Bedell, our Brain Coach®, has been that voice in the dark  alerting parents to practices we, as a society, were doing with our children that was leaving them with gaps in their neuro-development. She also informed them there are ways to remedy these learning disabilities, issues, and deficits in function due to these practices.  Finally, the world of academia is pronouncing all this to be true.  Disturbingly true.  Please read the release of this body of research.  Then see our articles at our website

Science Daily, Your Source of Latest Research News:

Early Brain Stimulation Is Key In Development

 Little Giant Steps is dedicated to provide the most comprehensive and research-based services possible. The study I’m sharing confirms our philosophy and validity of the services we provide. It confirms the knowledge we share and the basis for all the learning tools, aides and curriculum developed.  See what we have to offer to Infants and Preschoolers

Twenty-year research project shows that most critical aspect of cortex development in late teens was stimulation at age four.

An early childhood surrounded by books and educational toys will leave positive fingerprints on a person’s brain well into their late teens, a two-decade-long research study has shown.

Scientists found that the more mental stimulation a child gets around the age of four, the more developed the parts of their brains dedicated to language and cognition will be in the decades ahead.

It is known that childhood experience influences brain development but the only evidence scientists have had for this has usually come from extreme cases such as children who had been abused or suffered trauma. Martha Farah, director of the centre for neuroscience and society at the University of Pennsylvania, who led the latest study, wanted to find out how a normal range of experiences in childhood.

 Farah took data from surveys of home life and brain scans of 64 participants carried out over the course of 20 years. Her results, presented on Sunday at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans, showed that cognitive stimulation from parents at the age of four was the key factor in predicting the development of several parts of the cortex – the layer of grey matter on the outside of the brain – 15 years later.   More…..

 Should Pre-schoolers Learn Academics Before School?

 Today there is much debate regarding this topic as there are some programs and parents that push pre-school children to gain and retain information at the expense of  a balanced childhood that requires for all modes of necessary development.  

Children’s brains (capabilities) develop more during the first five years of their lives than at any other time. Nature requires development of systems that will serve them the rest of their lives, i.e. neurological, cognitive, vision, hearing, balance, language and tactile capabilities.  So, pre-school children are poised to learn, however never should their brains be stimulated without a balance of accompanying physical activities.  It is the physical activities that are responsible for how well the brain is organized.  So, if you want your child to become a brainiac so you can feel good about yourself and believe their chances for future success is assured; you are fooling yourself and do a real disservice to your child.

We, at Little Giant Steps, (LGS) know there are valuable neuro-developmental learning activities that can enhance any individual’s learning abilities.  However, when we are talking about pre-school children, then we need to look to an appropriate program for early learners.  Jan Bedell, The Brain Coach®, understands the required balance due to her training and the fact she is an experienced professional educator with special designation /certification in early childhood neuro-development.  She has utilized her Master Neuro-Educational Specialist training to bring real possibilities for each child, teen or adult to reach their true God-given potential.

EARLY LEARNING FOUNDATIONS – LEVEL 1

Mrs. Bedell has developed a program for early learners that incorporates all required developmental activities to assure function in all developing areas in a young child’s early learning experiences.  It also provides a route to improved function for those individuals who suffer from disabilities regardless of age or I.Q.  A couple of days ago, I talked to a mother of a child with down syndrome.  She told me, “Your programs have made my daughter really come alive and she is able to read, speak, and now we’re working on the Rapid Recall System (a multi-sensory math facts program).”  She said her daughter, utilizing the Neuro-Educational Programs from LGS, has changed the entire family experience for the better.  “My daughter is so delighted that she can do things like other students – she’s confident!”

Early Learning Foundations,( ELF) is rich in all foundational  experiences, learning, and neuro-development.  In fact, the entire series ELF 1, 2, or 3 can assure better academic performance from a holistically foundational-based education.  Parents who utilize this program find it easy since each lesson is about two minutes (this could be a tactile, physical activity, or seeing, saying, or hearing).  Most of all, it is fun! 

Even parents report they have focused fun with their child because it’s over very quickly. In fact, the program is designed to leave them wanting more.  We also know a child learns best from their parents, providing the parent has been given the skills to make impoved function and fun being associated with learning, which ELF provides for parents.  Please review EARLY LEARNING FOUNDATIONS (ELF) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3). Contact us if you wish to know more about our services in evaluations, screenings, academic testing, consulting, writing individual programs.  Get acquainted with our Neuro-Educational Programs in the LGS Store.  Or, if you want to educate yourself about our methods (all natural) and learn, please see our articles.

Nature Plays A Big Part

It may or may not come to a surprise to you, but our children’s processing ability, short-term memory, and lower level brain organization is not up to par these days! Teachers are telling us, even day-care centers have contacted us, because of the “gaps” they are seeing in cognitive, language, fine motor skills, and comprehension difficulties in so many children! Up to par, means our children, would be effectively functioning at grade level. Especially their auditory processing abilities, which effects their learning ability globally.  Little Giant Steps (LGS) does screenings to give that information to parents and teachers throughout the State of Texas, and offers you a free opportunity to discover whether your child is functioning at grade level with our FREE AUDITORY TEST KIT! (ages 5-adult for the test).  Select Tiny Tots Auditory for Preschoolers. Little Giant Steps (LGS) has helped improve the lives of thousands of children, teens, and adults through the Neuro-Educational Approach. This methodology does not teach coping and compensating skills.  Instead, we work at the root level (foundational level) of function by following what nature has provided with the use of neuro-plasticity of the brain. We can change a struggling child labeled by the symptoms they display into an individual that functions at grade level or above.  We address the symptoms, we alleviate them and do away with the label and dysfunction permanently!

What’s Causing This?

I’ve said it so many times, mainly because it is true….With the invention of car seats, carriers, walkers, jumpers our infants have been left out of the required developmental stages.  Each stage creates significant neuro-pathways and connections between the brain and body. Developing strong connections is an important part of mapping the brain to the experiences of the body, limbs, vision, hearing, thinking, storing and recalling information.  God created the baby’s central nervous system to develop mostly after birth.  Initially there are just reflexes, and necessary bodily functions to live.  The brain doesn’t come with all the sensory system to manage all required bodily (visual, tactile, auditory) and cognitive (thinking) functions. The brain has to learn through experiencing their arms, legs, toes, fingers, all of their parts, sensations, and stimulation the world has to offer for the baby to grow and develop as intended.  Miss the foundational steps and stages, and there is gaps in function. Gaps that can be remedied!

One Of The Most Important Requirements

It is through the baby being on its tummy all waking hours that the grand scheme of development is to occur.  First, the baby must be allowed to “experience” the sensations, temperatures, movements, textures, pressure against its body, arms, legs, face.  It is in learning to raise their head the required muscles are strengthened to begin that long  journey to balance, eye tracking, rolling over, sitting up. It is through cross patterning by belly crawling and creeping (up on all 4 limbs) so the lower levels of the brain is organized, and eventually standing erect, walking, skipping, running, racing, playing competitive sports where coordinated thought and action can reach its fullest potential. It is in the fullest state of foundational development that the greatest abilities each person has can reach the maximum design created by God.

Jan Bedell, the Brain Coach®, has developed many tools and programs that will take what may appear as a learning issue, and turn a neuro-deficiency  into an asset of neuro-efficiency or “LEARNING MADE EASY”!  That’s what the Neuro-Educational Programs such as DEVELOPMENTAL FOUNDATIONS is all about.  It allows you, the parent, to change the course of your child’s academic life.  You can make things so much better for your child when you assist them to process information at their grade level, to have greater, faster, accurate cognitive abilities, motor skills (fine and gross), improved language skills, expression, retention of information, fast recall of events, memory, and mind/body integration with superior sensory integration!

Discover What’s Possible

Can you imagine when you can take your child from experiencing what it is like to be on a dial up Internet connection to a high speed line? Everything works so much better, the ability to function at a high capacity is available, and the brain and body can respond with full force in physical, cognitive and appropriate emotional response.  Leave behind the emotional component of frustration in learning, discouragement, anger, and lack of self-esteem, because all these symptoms go away for good!

When It Has A Bill, Web Feet, and Quacks…. Chances Are It’s A Duck

It’s amazing that parents, teachers, grandparents and others associated with our children can and do spot unique features in our children’s behavior, lack of the ability to carry through directions, inability to stay on task, lack of comprehension, yet many just “let it go” and don’t stop to really note and admit, “this child is struggling”.  In my opening statement…. chances are, if you are seeing these features or symptoms when you are with a child, then acknowledge it! When the brain and body are not functioning efficiently,  all the features I’ve mentioned above, plus more are in play.  Yes, usually there is something relatively easy in the area of developmental intervention that can resolve these issues.  But, first there has to be a straight forward acknowledgement that there is something amiss.

Learning struggles or difficulties are not a life sentence, unless you stick your head in the sand and pretend you don’t recognize what you are seeing!  Learning issues can be remedied fairly easily, IF there is attention paid to the child, questions asked, and a bit of time and resources given to assess the scope of the problem, and then investigate how to intervene!  I would suggest reading the information on our website “Little Giant Steps” for increasing your knowledge on how you could be instrumental at changing a problem into a solution!  The free Articles will help to increase your awareness, the tab labeled Evaluations can give you options, as well as learning about some of Little Giant Steps’ programs like Developmental Foundations.

All of this is to say, “There is an epidemic of children, teens and adults out there who struggle with learning issues who can (with help) discover their God-given potential, if given a chance.”  You may be that chance.  So…. Just Do It!  The life-changing advantages to be gained are truly amazing.  Listen to those who know:  Faith, Michele, Jeannie, and Kathy.  There are many more people we’ve helped.  If you wish to take some time and learn more about Little Giant Steps and the work in schools we’re doing, please visit this site.   Thanks!  Talk with you later!

 Why Do Neurodevelopmental Programs Succeed?

It was discovered about 40 years ago that the brain was not hard wired as initially thought. It was also discovered by stimulating the brain through the use of specific activities, one could create new neuro-pathways or connections.  The brain is made up of 97%  connections and 3 % cell bodies.  It is the connections that allows the brain and body to communicate at lightening speed.  Normal growth and development requires certain vital steps to be completed in order for the person to reach their full potential academically.

One of the programs developed by Little Giant Steps is called Rapid Recall.  In the last year it’s been incorporated into our Early Learning Foundations program.  In fact, the kindergarten class at Summit Christian Academy utilized it beginning in November of 2010.  Rapid Recall System is a math facts program that works along side the regular math curriculum utilized by the school.  All Little Giant Steps’ neurodevelopmental programs help all students regardless of I.Q. or age to get their brains organized, improve their auditory and visual processing abilities , raise their academic performance and many other neuro-efficiency advantages.  See what a difference this program made to this kindergarten class:

See other research data from LGS Educational Services website.

Winning Over Learning Disabilities

Jan Bedell, The Brain Coach, Strives For Excellence

Over the years Jan Bedell, founder of Little Giant Steps and leader of the LGS Dream Team, has been inspired by God to create Neuro-Educational Programs.  Each year we change up and improve our educational curriculum that is richly embedded with neurodevelopmental activities, as a means not only to prepare the students to function academically, but to prepare the brain to receive, comprehend, process, store, and recall information in the most accurate and efficient way possible.

• This year is no exception.  The biggest change for 2011 has been the improvement in Early Learning Foundations (ELF).  Now, there are three levels (and expect a level 4 next year).

* Early Learning Foundations Level 1 – Serves preschoolers and helps them with becoming more school-ready with gaining neuro-efficiency in addition to getting them ready for reading, writing, and math. We’ve added a new DVD to teach you how to use this program more effectively! All facets of the activities within this program will stimulate the brain to improve and enhance your child’s Auditory, Visual, Tactile and Gross Motor abilities. You’ll be amazed at your child’s new found skills when they become neurologically organized. They will be able to stay on task, follow directions and they will enjoy learning. Here’s what one mom had to say about this program:
“I ordered Early Learning Foundations for my “just turned” 4 year old. This is the most incredible curriculum I’ve ever had!! It almost makes me have “momma guilt” for not having it for my two older children. I also ordered ABC’s in a Flash and look forward to using it.”  K. S. in Spring, TX

* Early Learning Foundations Level 2- Serves Kindergarten. ELF is a multi-sensory approach to teaching basic math skills to early learners as well as individuals with challenges. Level 2 begins where Level 1 leaves off.  Rapid Recall System is included in the Kindergarten Level 2 ELF.  This program is not only excellent with what it accomplishes educationally and neurologically, but it is fun! Watch this video and listen to this principal with what she witnesses in her classrooms.

* Early Learning Foundations Level 3- Serves 1st grade.  Again this program is innovative, educationally sound, and the children love it. Watch this classroom’s response to taking a one minute speed and accuracy test with the Rapid Recall math facts program.    More information on the research done in schools on Rapid Recall System is available on LGS Educational Services website.  Have a blessed day.

 Get Your Child’s Brain Ready to Learn

Little Giant Steps builds foundations for learning.  Jan Bedell, M.Ed., Certified Neuro-Educational Specialist created this Early Learning Program Level 1 that can be started as early as 2 years of age and serves up to age five, as well as helping those children with challenges.  There are 3 levels that not only get children’s brain and body communicating efficiently, but improves auditory and visual processing abilities.  It readies students for school success, as well as addressing what they will need in reading, writing and math.  Here’s just a few parent’s remarks concerning this fun and important program:

Early Learning Foundations

“The Early Learning Foundations” program is amazing! Thank you! When we put our son back in public school after home schooling him for a couple of years, he started off right away needing to learn his math facts. We are really hanging in there thanks to this program. He is also being timed in these areas and this has always been difficult for him. His first test he made a 68%; but the last four tests – 100%!!! K.M in Midland, TX

“My 3 year old grandson absolutely loves to do his Early Learning Foundations each day. In fact, he would like it if I’d let him continue past the two pages you recommend. Each day he wants to do more. He had terrible ear problems between ages 1 & 2. He missed a lot due to not hearing and his speech was distorted. It’s amazing how he’s picking up in his speech now that we’re doing some of the neurodevelopmental activities. Thank you for helping our children!” C.R.

“My three year old really enjoys working on the activities. One day I got some other activity books out that I had bought at the department store, my little guy said, “no mommy, I want my big school book (meaning the Early Learning Foundations notebook)” Mom in TX.

Read all about the curriculum, loaded with embedded neurodevelopmental brain-based techniques.  It’s fun, it’s easy, and it only takes 2 minutes twice a day to see you child gain skills far beyond your imagine!  Here’s one of the reviews provided by publisher Old School House.  Here’s a private school’s end of year test scores in Math Facts for their Kindergarten.  Notice how they scored compared to the third grade who did not have the advantage of Early Learning Foundations, and the Rapid Recall that is a part of it!

 Everything Begins With Gaining Knowledge

Little Giant Steps has many free articles that can give you insight into sound brain-based methodology to  assure improved learning abilities. The premise of this is that God’s natural order is perfect. However, in an infant’s early experiences, there can be vital steps missed, or distorted due to environmental conditions, health issues, trauma, or just plain lack of stimulation that was needed.  In the case of most of our children today, they are placed in seats, jumpers, walkers instead of having enough “tummy” time, which is how God intended for the brain and body to become neurologically wired for efficient communication between the brain and body.  If a baby does not receive enough stimulation to all the parts of his body (trunk, limbs, eyes, ears, mouth, muscles, hands, and feet) then they continue to develop, but they carry with them unfinished connections between their brain and body. Sometimes parents are aware of these “glitches” as early as two or three years of age. Some just think, “Oh, this is just the personality of this particular child,” and ignore it. But, typically these “unique” features are usually revisited after they get into school and it surfaces that they are struggling for some mystifying reason! These children also learn to cope and compensate in order to perform in a way the world is telling them they need to do, either by example or language. Some of these coping skills are very sophisticated and almost genius by design, but they all take additional energy (emotional and physical) to run. Typically we see the gaps showing up when they are in their first or second year of school. Some children reach the “wall” or limits of their coping and compensating skills at age 9 as the complexity of their curriculum will no longer work, therefore we see them “falling” off academically.

What Can Be Done?

First, gain knowledge of the problem.  I would suggest you read Learning Disabilities in our article library.  Next, read about the Neurodevelopmental Approach.  I would encourage you to spend some time with our videos.  Our Heroes is an excellent place to start.  Next is to understand what we have to offer.  Check out Evaluations on our website.

What If I Can’t Afford A Professional Evaluation?

Jan Be-dell, M.Ed., Certified Neuro-Educational Specialist, understands many families have limited resources.  With a heart for those who home school and have only one income, or for those who have different circumstances, she has developed two programs that can provide remedies from Tiny Tots to Seniors.  Remember, improving function by training our brain is always possible regardless of I.Q. or age.  The three programs to serve needs at-home are as follows:

• Early Learning Foundations (used in Pre-schools-Level 1, Kindergarten-Level 2, and First Grades- Level 3) typically for 2-5 years of age. It is also very effective for challenged individuals whether brain trauma, physiological limitations, or mentally challenged. This program provides brain stimulation, plus addresses readying the individual for reading, writing and math.
• Developmental Foundations- (used for school age through college) It is based on The Neurodevelopmental Approach and is beneficial for people of all ages but especially for families with children who are struggling academically, behaviorally, or with low self-esteem. The activities included in the Developmental Foundations program are a very fundamental level of neurodevelopment, chosen from thousands of neurodevelopmental activities proven to address brain inefficiencies. Working on root causes of inefficiencies, these brain stimulating activities advance many areas, from fundamental brain organization which controls what we are able to do, to increasing abilities in short term memory, as well as reading and math.  For an overview of Developmental Foundations benefits — click here.  Unfortunately, there is no “magic pill.” It takes consistent effort to reap the rewards that The Neurodevelopmental Approach has to offer. Developmental Foundations may be only the first step toward academic success for some individuals. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

• Memory & Motion - by Ruth Young,ND,  An Adult/ Senior ND Program. Keep It Simple ~ Keep It Fun. We are healthier when our lives are balanced and the confidence in our abilities is strong. Little Giant Steps (LGS) is an organization that has worked, for close to two decades, in helping individuals discover improved brain function, better long term retention of information, accelerated short term memory skills and most importantly a reduction in stress and anxiety that often robs our dignity and confidence.