Revolutionize Your Learning Space for Student Success

1. Implement the latest evidence-based research on neuroplasticity and articulate the factors that support increased learning and growth.
2. Identify the 8 sensory systems through hands-on sensory learning labs, and utilize sensory strategies that meet students’ academic and emotional needs for increased school participation and improved learning outcomes.
3. Assess and modify various learning environments, by identifying environmental barriers in the space you work in and establish at least 10 environmental modifications that help support neuroplasticity and more efficient students.
4. Determine which physical factors hinder or support learning and uncover strategies/activities that will promote movement and neuroplasticity as a result of these factors.
5. Promote wellness in the classroom by pinpointing which educational tools or work behaviors can cause repetitive stress injuries and incorporate exercise routines and environmental modifications which can reduce or prevent injury.
6. Examine the role of stress (both physical and mental) on learning and neuroplasticity and identify treatment or classroom activities that reduce stress and promote neuroplasticity.

• Defining the environments of learning
• Movement and neuroplasticity – identify the crucial connection to learning
• Technology in the schools – the pros and cons
• Universal Design and ergonomics in the classroom
• Surveying the workspace/class space – Checklists and handouts

• Video demonstration and Learning Lab
• Recognizing the 8 senses in action
• Real-time assessment of the classroom
• Impact of technology
• Stressors of learning

STRATEGIES AND THE “HOW-TO”

Ergonomic Solutions for Optimal Learning Environments

• Simple DIY tricks for the classroom
• Seating solutions – tall vs. short, wiggle seats, and more!
• Reduce clutter and other classroom organization hacks
• Classroom design ideas that promote executive functioning skills
• How to incorporate light and color to promote learning
• The “20/20/20 Rule” and other ergonomic tips for better endurance and attention
• ”Common scents” – aromatherapy pointers for the class or student

• ”No need to interrupt instruction time”
• Put the hands back into “hands-on” learning – leave the computer out of this!
• ”Go-to exercises” for the whole classroom to:
  • Preserve health and wellness
  • Incorporate fun into the day
  • Increase endurance and efficiency
  • Foster movement and reduce dysregulation
  • And more!

• Multisensory approach for skill retention
• Proprioceptive strategies – letter recognition, formation, sizing and spacing
• Vestibular and visual connection – reading and note-taking outcomes
• Sensory suggestions – executive functioning skills (alerts and visual reminders)
• Sensory-based tools to get students engaged – gum chewing, mini-sensory stations and therapy balls …
• Visual-motor games and strategies – vision-based school tasks
• Group activities to build social learning skills and classroom connection
• Low-tech strategies (you don’t need an app for everything!)

• Fostering a “growth mindset”
• Breathing and muscle relaxation techniques
• Address the stress: “Go-to” mindfulness activities and guided imagery
• Language hints and tricks to manage challenging behaviors

• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Physical Therapists
• Educators
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• School Psychologists
• Marriage and Family Therapists