Learning strategies-Simplifying the process

A normal school textbook of any school consists of many chapters. Each chapter if you notice has a lengthy introduction and too many details before arriving at the actual point.

For a child who has issues with absorbing too much of information all in one go,integrating it and reproducing it by memory in assessments  can be not only frustrating but also cause immense exam anxiety.

I always wondered why the same information could not be more concise and succint so that the child could simply find the one line answer to any question.

I decided to experiment using a text book. I broke down one chapter of 12 pages on Latitude-Longitude into 2 pages of simple objective questions and answers. Thats all it took. A 12 page chapter consolidated into a 2 page lesson. It worked brilliantly. Not only did my daughter find it easy to read and understand, she also found this method an easier way of recalling what she had read.

Along the way while doing this, I discovered I had learnt or relearnt a lot too.

If you were to look at it simply,all it means is a simple breaking-down of information.Breaking down a whole into smaller parts. If you cannot really break it down,try fill in the blanks or draw a tree or a mind-map. All work the same way.

Original Movement Therapy for Children with Challenges and for just about anyone

Anandita and I have recently started Original Movement therapy sessions with Devika Shekar. If you ask me,i am not too sure why i decided to go ahead with it-OMT sessions for Anandita and Body mapping for me. 4 sessions down and both of us have figured it out thats its a happy space to be in. Of  movement and tuning in . Of silent moments . Of a zone where we can simply be ourselves.
Am sharing more information on OMT and Devika here. She is keen to work one on one or in a group with special needs children and children with challenges . She is one of those rare few whose heart is in the right place( if you know what i mean :) )

http://originalmovementtherapy.wordpress.com/

Original Movement Therapy™ comes from the thought that all true movement comes from within. Devika Sekhar, trained and worked in Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the UK and now practices in India. Devika Sekhar is also an Associate International Member of the ADTA.

Original movement therapy comes from the thought that all true movement comes from within. This original movement is lost over time due to our hectic schedules and don’t have time to reembrace it.It is also a mean for those unable to speak or people who are dealing with clinical issues that are hidden within the subconscious ,beyond the reach of language.

Original Movement Therapy Sessions

This different approach to therapy is unlike ‘talking therapies’ as it worked through movement, art and sound. This is also not a dance class and prior knowledge of dance is not necessary. It is important to remember that the therapist will be working alongside you to be able to express yourself. Through this we will be looking, taking chances and experimentin  g together.

These original movement therapy sessions offer a welcoming and safe space for those wishing to explore themselves and wish to make a positive and lasting transformation in their lives in a creative way.

This reconnection between the mind and body gives way for ones own story and in turn acts like a bridge between the unconscious, possibly offering new insights.

Original movement therapy is suitable for both children and adults, both individually and in groups. It is especially recognised when working with families with children with special needs or families going through some form of emotional ordeal. For the child who could be at risk at being 'labelled' as a problem at school, this therapeutic help is a chance to break a probable cycle of negative behaviour and replace this with more positive alternatives.

This intervention during the childs early years can have a preventative effect - for example by helping a child with dealing with anger issues could prevent him from lashing out later on in life.

Some problems which can be worked through original movement therapy are;

Behavioural issues; anti-social children and adults

Those with Autism

Emotional issues

Relationship difficulties

Anger issues

Life crisises

Those who seem to be directionless in life.

Self awareness

It is also important to note that one doesn't have to have something 'wrong' with them to come for OMT sessions or want to take part in workshops. Goal specific workshops/sessions are designed for those in the corporate setting/organisations/centres, schools or NGOs. Kindly contact me if you'd like to know more

** NOTE: All  individual therapy sessions are adapted to suit the individuals needs and done after a prior consultation**

Check out the page on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/OrigMovementTherapy

omtpune@gmail.com - her email id

http://originalmovementtherapy.wordpress.com/

Support group in Pune for Cerebral Palsy

• Finally there is a support group in Pune for all parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.  Its purpose would be primarily to : * Our purpose in forming a support group would be to provide an ideal environment where parents-caregivers can receive emotional/physical support. * share information-medical, resources, life skill strategies * share feelings, how to deal with ones stress. * Essentially a zone where one has somebody to talk to who understands. * Information shared in support group remains within the support group Details of the 1st meeting are below. location: KPCTMALL,FATIMA NAGAR,PUNE on FEB 10th 4pm to 6 pm

• We are planning to get together to form a support group for all parents/care givers of children/young adults with cerebral palsy. Our focus for the 1st meeting would be on getting to know one another ,introductions and what exactly we are looking for from a support group.