FOCUS, ATTENTION
& PROCESSING SKILLS
Have you been told your child is easily distracted? Has trouble focusing and paying attention in class? Has trouble processing multiple-step directions?
In our world today, it is increasingly difficult to stay focused and attentive. We are often in situations that require us to process multiple channels of information all at once. Simultaneously processing information from multiple channels can be frustrating. Often times feelings of anxiety, of thoughts being scattered, or having difficulty staying on task can result. Finding a sense of calm and internal rhythmic predictability is essential for improved focus, attention and processing.
A series of exercises performed with bags and balls can provide relief. Exercises are performed from the very simplest form to the most complex form. In order to have success with the exercises, children must be able to work within limits, share joint attention with their partner, track the balls/bags with their visual system, match the rhythm of their partner with their auditory system, and control impulsive desires in order to be in rhythm/have success with their partner. The midline of the body is crossed thousands of times in three dimensions in a steady, rhythmic manner. This way, the exercises enable the whole brain-body system to experience asymmetrical flow which can increase neural processing in the brain.
Using the exercises will increase proficiency with the following skills:
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Joint attention
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Ability to work within limits
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Focusing skills
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Processing skills
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Physical regulation
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Emotional regulation
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Visual tracking skills
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Auditory processing skills
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Eye-hand coordination
