This past Saturday, Therapro was thrilled to host a dynamic and highly attended professional development seminar at our headquarters, with over 80 enthusiastic participants in attendance.
Pamela Formosa, MA, OTR/L, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation exploring the benefits of Brain Gym®, a movement-based learning readiness program that supports children with a variety of challenges including sensory integration difficulties, attention issues, emotional regulation concerns, and learning differences. Her session focused on how Brain Gym can empower students to “solve their own puzzles” by using movement as a tool for self-regulation and improved focus.
Brain Gym® is an internationally recognized program that uses intentional movement to enhance brain function and prepare the body and mind for learning. Rooted in neuroscience and developmental movement, this approach integrates physical activity with goal setting and self-awareness to create a holistic framework for academic and personal success.
Formosa guided attendees through a range of Brain Gym activities that are designed to activate both hemispheres of the brain, improve body coordination, and promote cognitive development. These exercises can be seamlessly incorporated into classrooms, therapy sessions, or home routines to support readiness for learning and overall engagement.
Why Movement Matters in Learning
Movement is a critical component of brain development, particularly in early childhood and for individuals with diverse learning needs. Programs like Brain Gym® help children access the neurological pathways required for attention, memory, and emotional regulation. When incorporated regularly, these movement-based learning readiness programs can make a meaningful difference in a child’s ability to process information and thrive in educational environments.
Check out this short clip from the workshop to see Brain Gym in action:
Explore More Movement-Based Resources
If you’re seeking more engaging and effective ways to support students’ sensory, motor, and cognitive development, be sure to explore Therapro’s Move to Learn collection. These resources offer therapists, educators, and parents a wide array of movement-based tools designed to enhance readiness for learning, support attention, and promote physical engagement in a fun and accessible way.
From balance and coordination tools to activities that target executive functioning and sensory regulation, our Move to Learn products align well with the principles of Brain Gym and other movement-based learning readiness programs.
Many children love to snuggle up in heavy and/or tight blankets. Weighted vests, toy animals, collars and other products increase body awareness and also have a calming affect. Gross motor activities (such as wrapping up inside a blanket while rolling across a mat, or rolling across cushions and pillows) combine heavy pressure and vestibular movement stimulation. This helps children interpret how their bodies are moving.
Filling socks or tights with sand creates “Sensory Socks.” (To increase length, you may sew several small socks together. To prevent sand leakage, place the sand in a plastic bag before placing inside the sock.)
Possible homemade adaptations include adding sand to stacking boxes and tossing/catching a “sensory pillow.” This pillow case filled with foam and small bags of sand is easy to grasp, fun to hug and won’t roll away.