Brain Gym®: Movement-Based Learning Readiness

Events & Conferences, Motor & Movement, Sensory, , ,

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.

Holiday Gift Wrapping: A Pre-Vocational Skills Project

Vocational Prep,

With the holidays quickly approaching, there are many opportunities for students to work on their pre-vocational skills while supporting their school community. One great idea I have had success with is a gift wrapping “business.” Staff throughout the building sign up for gift wrapping and are charged a small fee (typically $1-2 per gift, just enough to cover supply costs) to have students in the prevocational program wrap their holiday items.
Adult assisting student with a Holiday Gift Wrapping Project        Adults and a student putting a bow on a present during the Holiday Gift Wrapping Project

  1. Start by having students create posters to hang around the school building. This is a great way for students to work on their computer skills as well as learn about marketing for a business. Build on this exposure by guiding the process of what to include on the poster (i.e. cost, location, time frame for completion).After the posters are completed, have students walk throughout the building and determine the best locations for exposure. Encourage this discussion and problem solving. Be sure to have the students work in pairs or a small group and hang all of the posters together. It is all a part of the process!
  2. After the word has gotten out, have students create a flyer with an order form attached to the bottom. Be sure to include the necessary ordering information (such as name, room number and contact information) as well as how many packages are being dropped off for wrapping.If you have wrapping options (i.e. styles of wrapping paper, ribbon, bow) be sure to have an easy way for customers to designate their preference when signing up. With permission, place the order forms in staff mailboxes and just wait for the orders to come flying through the door!
  3. While waiting for orders to come in, create a supply list with the students. Have them think about what is needed to wrap a gift (paper, tape, scissors) and build from there. If possible, have students take inventory of what items have already been purchased for the program and if more are needed.

Examples of the My Shopping List Visual
You can even take it further and buy rolls of craft paper and have the students make their own wrapping paper using shape sponges/stamps (i.e. stars, trees, snowflakes) and paint!
Painting gift paper as part of the Pre-Vocational Skills Holiday Gift Wrapping ProjectFinished painted wrapping paper created during the Pre-Vocational Skills Holiday Gift Wrapping Project

Pre-cut ribbon is a great way to have materials ready for orders as well as build on measuring and cutting skills. Additionally, this task is a great partner task. Partner tasks help students learn how to work with others by practicing communication, pace and consistency.
Child measuring ribbon as part of the Pre-Vocational Skills Holiday Gift Wrapping Project     Children measuring and cutting ribbon

To me, the gift wrapping “business” is a win-win! Busy staff members do not have to worry about wrapping all of those holiday gifts and students expand their pre-vocational skills and are exposed to the basics of running a business. Happy Holidays to all, and keep those creative and engaging pre-vocational tasks happening!

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Guest Blogger: Angela Mahoney

Angela Mahoney currently works as a special education case manager at the Middle School in Danbury, Connecticut. She has worked with students of all ages in a variety of settings for the past thirteen years. Her career includes a private school where she worked with over seventy-five middle school and high school-aged students on a weekly basis, running an inclusion-based elementary program for students with autism, as well as co-teaching core academic classes as part of a team comprised of fellow middle school educators.

The I Can Work! Program was created by Angela Mahoney. I Can Work! serves to introduce and educate young adults with special needs and who are interested in working in their community. This program is geared toward middle school and high school students. Additionally, this program can support recent graduates ages twenty-one through twenty-five who are transitioning from school to the workplace.

To learn more or to purchase the I Can Work! Program, visit Therapro.com! 

17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference

Events & Conferences

Banner for the 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference
Therapro was proud to once again participate in the 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference held on Friday, October 25th, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

“The Great Beginnings Conference brings experts and professionals together to discuss research and explore implications for appropriate practice, policy and services for children birth to six years old and their families.”

Supporting Early Childhood Professionals

The 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference featured a wide variety of sessions aimed at empowering educators and therapists working with young children. With a strong focus on evidence-based strategies and inclusive practices, the workshops addressed areas such as behavior support, sensory integration, social-emotional development, and communication skills.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with presenters who offered practical tools and real-world insights to help them better support children across diverse learning environments. The event emphasized collaborative, child-centered approaches that align with current best practices in early childhood education and intervention.

Therapro’s Exhibit: Practical Tools for Young Learners

Therapro’s exhibit table was a highlight for many attendees. Our team showcased a curated selection of products designed to promote motor development, sensory processing, communication, and classroom participation. Popular items included:

Featured products include:

Attendees were enthusiastic about discovering new resources and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and explore products in person.

A Meaningful Day of Learning

The 17th Annual Great Beginnings Conference continues to be a valuable event for early childhood professionals throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The conference not only offers practical knowledge but also fosters a sense of community among those dedicated to supporting the youngest learners.

Therapro is honored to be a part of this impactful day and looks forward to continuing to support professionals with effective tools, expert guidance, and innovative solutions for early intervention and education.