The Well Balanced Child: Movement and Early Learning

by Sally Goddard Blythe

The Well Balanced Child is a passionate manifesto for a "whole body" approach to learning which integrates the brain, senses, movement and play. This fully revised edition includes a new chapter with a story and movement exercise that parents can use to help children reach their potential.

Genres: Parenting, Childrens, Nonfiction, Education

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2004

Reviews

[Catherine Mikkelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Goddard Blythe is director for the institute of neuro-physiological psychology in England. She's researched and written extensively on the role of movement in brain development. This book explains why both doctors and parents should realize that (as Anat Baniel puts it) "Movement in a baby is the brain learning."

This book also explains the concept of retained infant reflexes, something which parents of LD children in particular should know. (Babies are born with reflexes, which are two or more connected movements. One example is the startle reflex. If you're startled, your hands jerk. Some of these reflexes disappear relatively quickly -- integrated into regular brain development. Other reflexes are used as the basis for development. Studies show that 70% of children with learning disabilities still have reflexes that should have disappeared with regular brain maturity. There are exercises that children can do to "integrate" these reflexes, presumably helping the child hit a higher level of development.)

This book not only contains great introductory information, but it tells you why movement is so integral to the brain, and explains why development of the vestibular system, the proprioceptive system (the sense where the brain knows where its body is, even if eyes are closed), and other systems, must be mature before a child can succeed in school.

Finally, it contains all sorts of exercises and drawings to illustrate every concept. Not cheap, but awesomely informative.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very prescriptive book. It would suit early childhood teachers and mothers who may be feeling completely lost with regard to movement in early childhood.

The book goes into great detail about the benefits of movement for the "whole body".

To be honest, while I can see the value of this book, and it was well written, it wasn't for me. I didn't learn anything that I didn't already understand, which made it a bit tedious to read through all the information.

This book would be great for someone... just not me.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

David got this book after the first Restorative Breathing conference. I wish I had it three years ago when Simeon was going through a tough time (or perhaps it was just me going through a tough time with him!). It would have added another good perspective to the other books I was reading about sensory integration issues in children.

[DauphineOT · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written and would be good for parents or those newly interested in the ideas or reflexes and movement and learning. As a therapist I was looking for more information but I am glad I read it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads of late.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written for the layman or any aspiring or current mother, especially in understanding oneself and the critical connection we have with our enviroment.

[Pruitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. Dry at times. As a parent, best part was the exercise suggestions at the end.