Jane Swain has studied and worked with the primitive reflexes for many years. When all goes well, the primitive reflexes spontaneously become integrated during the natural course of the infant’s self-initiated gross motor sequence and also during classic childhood play activities up through kindergarten. We will explore and learn to see what the child is working on during their movement explorations and play. 

In the past two years Jane has deepened her research regarding the developmental sequence of reflex integration, and she will present this new material. Specifically, we will study how to identify the “milestones” of reflex integration from birth to six years, and what to do when there are challenges.

It is expected that students have a basic understanding of this topic, however, one does not need to be an expert.

Janene Ping, a Kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, will weave in presentation and discussion of meeting children who are dysregulated in the social/emotional realm.

Parallel to primitive reflexes, which, if not worked through by the age of 5 or 6, need support to be free, the children's reactive and impulsive behavioral patterns also need support in order for them to master developmentally appropriate social skills. 

As teachers, we need to overcome reactivity in response to the challenges that arise, and deepen our reflective practice to meet these children. 

Janene will share some meditational explorations for the teacher, parent work, and pedagogical and therapeutic practices that support children's healthy social-emotional development.

Additionally, participants will gain capacities regarding:

• the spatial nature of the primitive reflexes, how to identify how a child is living in their space, and how to offer a child opportunities to balance out their spatial gestalt.

• testing the primitive reflexes for first grade readiness.

• skills to support the child's reactive and impulsive behavior patterns.

There will be an artistic class offered these four days. Please come ready to discuss your experiences in working with the primitive reflexes. Experiential activity and video will be included.