The Well Balanced Child: Movement and Early Learning (Early Years)

I heard Sally Blythe speak in the UK a few weeks ago, and was very taken with her message. As a teacher with over 40 years experience, I recognized many difficulties children had in learning, but never realized the extent to which infant development impacted children as they grew. I always wanted the children who wrote with their heads on the desks, and their arms outstretched to the paper, to "sit up straight" to do their best writing. I learned through this book that this child has not gone beyond infantile reflexes because she has not had the opportunity to crawl and creep and climb. So often infants and young children are placed in car seats or carried that it limits their physical growth and later their ability to be attentive in a classroom. All teachers of young children should be aware of what is at stake here, and parents may need to give their children more "floor time" in order to stimulate and develop these critical powers. I highly recommend this book because it also offers ideas for overcoming deficits which persist in older children.

This last year alone, I have spent many hundreds of hours researching the Vestibular System, and the effects of quality exercise and nutrition upon it, and the developing body. I wish I had discovered this book earlier - the majority of that time I could have utilised going deeper into the wide range of references Sally Goddard Blythe has also provided.I have been actively encourageing my colleagues in the High School situation, in different Martial Arts organizations, and in the Circular Strength Training groups, to purchase this text as a integral and very valuable resource.I would also love to meet this lady - what a absolute treasure house of ideas she would be, for stimulating new, exciting ways of instruction for all.

As a new mom I am always looking for smart reading about development- this book fits the bill! Loved every chapter - balance, movement, reflex, music - it has empowered me with backing for so much of my natural instinct as a parent. It is intelligent, but not needlessly technical, so it's an easy read for tired mom brains!

Liked

technical book not such an easy read as an occupational therapist I really like this book but need to focus a lot when reading. I wish there were more treatment ideas vs just explanations about babies/children reflexes. If you want to learn more about reflexes then this is a great book for you!

Nice pictures. Useful information about brain structure,

Education depends on a body that is able to receive it. Sally Goddard Blythe's book shows how children can be helped in this regard.

Exceptional book...I've worked in the educational system for 30+ years...never had so much good information in one book before. This book will open your eyes to "why" some kids behave the way do...just well written.

I'm finding this book fascinating. The content is pitched at the educated lay-person and / or professional working in child care. I fall into the former category, and highly recommend it. Once you know where your child's at, and what their bodies need to enhance their 'normal' developmental-stage-based progress, providing the tools for their healthy progress is straight forward. Most of it can be done in the kitchen and local park. With the summer holidays ahead, I shall certainly be putting some of the ideas into practice.

Amazing book and so well written. Easy for parents and professionals a like, to understand but not dumbed down. Great read for anyone working with children or a parent. Especially those who have children with retained primitive reflexes.

Makes you look at development differently

A serious read with mind-bending facts that make sense of everything. For some kids with issues that you cant quite put your finger on, this may be the answer you have been looking for.

Good for parents and teachers.Putting the emphasis back on to physical development as it is requiremed for all other areas of development.