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Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you learning is all in your head.  It is NOT!  This presentation connects the way children use their bodies in big physical play for cognitive, social, and emotional development. It further ties brain science and logic with anecdotal experiences to demonstrate learning and cognitive development are dependent on a strong body that has had ample time to move allowing for the practice of motor-based patterns and skills needed to calm the body and mind for a positive learning experience. Will we see you in New Orleans?  Learn more here.

Sedentary behavior leads to wiggly bodies as the brain screams for information from the body about where it is, what it is doing and how it can use it to learn and behave.  Outsmart the Wiggles has inspired educators around the globe with the brain science of moving for improved self-regulation, self-control, and behavior.  Join us in Bloomington!  Get more information here.

When we are sedentary, the impact reaches far beyond our health, and we fail to build strengths, skills, and motor patterns needed for a successful classroom journey, school is harder than it should be.  Reading, writing, attending, listening, speaking, and seeing all depend on a strong body-brain connection that is built in big-body, physical play.  The logic and brain science behind this presentation will inspire with mind-blowing stats, unbelievable anecdotes of success, and games to put to use immediately.  Learn more here.

These two sessions examine the root of many classroom challenges.  Outsmart the Wiggles digs into the direct connection between big-body, physical play, self-regulation, self-control, and behavior while Play Matters takes a closer look at all 18 of the Pivot to Play® Strengths and Skills and examines their connection to a calm classroom and an improved learning journey.  Learn more here.

These two sessions examine the root of many classroom challenges.  Outsmart the Wiggles digs into the direct connection between big-body, physical play, self-regulation, self-control, and behavior while Movement Powers Learning dives into the direct connection between communication skills, essential for learning, and physicality.  Learn more here.

Proudly chosen as only one of 10 sessions of hundreds presented at the national NAEYC conference in Nashville, Outsmart the Wiggles can be accessed through NAEYC’s Learning Lab.  We touched a nerve in Nashville with more than 600 educators signed up for the session where the room could only seat 350.  About 100 brave educators sat on the floor and despite the close quarters, the group was unstoppable.   Gain access here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

Children love to move and are designed to spend most of their day moving in big-body physical play.  But today’s children do not play as much as their ancestors did and it is taking a toll on their ability to communicate.  In this presentation, we will examine the connection between communication and big-body physical play as we consider the hidden connection between the vestibular and proprioceptive systems to auditory and visual awareness, then look at the more obvious connection between play and core, grip, and upper body strength.  Learn more about the conference here.

Children love to move and are designed to spend most of their day moving in big-body physical play.  But today’s children do not play as much as their ancestors did and it is taking a toll on their ability to communicate.  In this presentation, we will examine the connection between communication and big-body physical play as we consider the hidden connection between the vestibular and proprioceptive systems to auditory and visual awareness, then look at the more obvious connection between play and core, grip, and upper body strength.  Learn more about the conference here.

Children love to move and are designed to spend most of their day moving in big-body physical play.  But today’s children do not play as much as their ancestors did and it is taking a toll on their ability to communicate.  In this presentation, we will examine the connection between communication and big-body physical play as we consider the hidden connection between the vestibular and proprioceptive systems to auditory and visual awareness, then look at the more obvious connection between play and core, grip, and upper body strength.  Learn more about the conference here.

Children love to move and are designed to spend most of their day moving in big-body physical play.  But today’s children do not play as much as their ancestors did and it is taking a toll on their ability to communicate.  In this presentation, we will examine the connection between communication and big-body physical play as we consider the hidden connection between the vestibular and proprioceptive systems to auditory and visual awareness, then look at the more obvious connection between play and core, grip, and upper body strength.  Learn more about the conference here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about Thrive Birth to Five here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

Communication is key to learning.  Whether we are reading, writing, speaking gesturing, using body language or facial expressions.  But every one of these skills relies on a physical movement. If our bodies are weak, how can we have success communicating?  In this session we will take a peek at two sensory systems that are foundational to communicating and take a peek at three strengths that are vital to communicating, then connect all of them to big body physical play. Learn more about the conference here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

Communication is key to learning.  Whether we are reading, writing, speaking gesturing, using body language or facial expressions.  But every one of these skills relies on a physical movement. If our bodies are weak, how can we have success communicating?  In this session we will take a peek at two sensory systems that are foundational to communicating and take a peek at three strengths that are vital to communicating, then connect all of them to big-body physical play.  Learn more about the conference here.

Toddlers: No, it isn’t the 70’s again, but dialing it back in time to build a foundation for learning starts early.  A frank discussion on the vital importance of play to preparing even our youngest learners for elementary school and beyond.

Older Preschoolers:  The proof is in the pudding, kids need to be physical in order to control both their bodies and their minds.  So how do we achieve that in today’s educational culture?

Three simple, organic things kids need to build a foundation for success in elementary school and beyond.  A coffee and conversation with parents on the power of three simple, vital tools for social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive success.  Preston takes a deep dive into one of the three to expose the logical and magical resources parents have at their fingertips to build a stable and secure foundation for learning and behavior.  She couples that deep dive with two other simple tools, all tools that work together and support each other to reach that golden egg: the 3R’s.

When kids wiggle, act distracted, and can’t control their bodies, it is hard for them to focus and learn. More often than not, however, it is movement, in the form of big body physical play, that helps kids sit still and attend. Through play and physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and self-control as well as how to control their bodies so when it is time to sit in school, at their desk, in circle time, or transition smoothly they can. And when we give kids the chance to build all kinds of strengths and skills through physical play, they build confidence in what they can do on the playground, in the classroom, and in life.  Learn more about the conference here.

Veteran teachers report a rise in children’s inability to sit still and listen, control their bodies and attend.  Studies show a rise ADD and ADHD. What is going on?  Could it be children need more movement in order to sit still?  Could more activity lead to more stillness?  Could more big body play lead to more success in the classroom socially, emotionally, behaviorally and cognitively?

If you are interested in a training, please contact us at smartfun@pophopandrock.com.

Play comes naturally to children, it is the driving feature of their DNA after eating, comfort and sleep.  So why do we as a culture continue to ignore its intrinsic value to the academic process?  After a year of virtual school followed by enormous efforts to make up for “learning losses” perhaps we should consider that children’s innate need to move has been proven repeatedly to promote better learning, better behavior and better outcomes for all involved.  Using research, anecdotal experiences and real world applications, we will examine the organic need for physical activity to a child’s social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive success.

Register for the conference here.

We are excited to be working this training designed specifically for Bon Secours Family Centers.  If you are interested in a training, please contact us at smartfun@pophopandrock.com. 

When we think of literacy we think of academics but physical literacy plays a powerful role in a child’s learning trajectory.  In this session we will explore the direct connection between physical literacy and all forms of literacy.  As a matter of fact, we are going to show how physical literacy is the foundation on which all other forms of literacy sit.  Without a strong physical base, children cannot succeed.  Without lots of opportunity for movement and big body play, children are set up for failure because their brains need their bodies in order to make the classroom journey more successful socially, emotionally, behaviorally and cognitively.  NOTE:  This presentation is VIRTUAL.

Register for the conference here.

Play comes naturally to children, it is the driving feature of their DNA after eating, comfort and sleep.  So why do we as a culture continue to ignore its intrinsic value to the academic process?  After a year of virtual school followed by enormous efforts to make up for “learning losses” perhaps we should consider that children’s innate need to move has been proven repeatedly to promote better learning, better behavior and better outcomes for all involved.  Using research, anecdotal experiences and real world applications, we will examine the organic need for physical activity to a child’s social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive success.

Register for the conference here.

Veteran teachers report a rise in children’s inability to sit still and listen, control their bodies and attend.  Studies show a rise ADD and ADHD. What is going on?  Could it be children need more movement in order to sit still?  Could more activity lead to more stillness?  Could more big body play lead to more success in the classroom socially, emotionally, behaviorally and cognitively?  Join Preston in a fascinating look at the role physical activity plays in improved attention, self-control and self-regulation.

1:15-2:15 Friday, 3/18. Register for the conference here.

Everything we need for a successful classroom experience starts with a motor movement.  Without a strong body and well honed motor skills, children will struggle with learning.  So why wouldn’t we get kids moving as much as possible to support their academic, social, emotional and life journey?

Lunch Keynote 60 minutes.  Register for the conference here.

Self-control and self-regulation are the foundation to behavior and attention and learning.  Without it kids struggle to attend to tasks and control their bodies making learning and friendship development challenging.  Learn how big body play is the key to self-control and self-regulation in this fun and engaging presentation.  

60 minutes.  

Getting kids active means happier students, happier children.  Preston explores the tips and tricks needed to build the crucial skills kids need to thrive.  Then she backs it all up with take-aways that anyone can do!

30 minutes.  

Some kids enjoy yoga, some kids prefer soccer, very few kids love both.  But all kids love to play games that require some level of physicality.  Why?  Because this kind of big body play is what children are biologically designed to do.  Physical play helps kids become the best they can be socially, emotionally, behaviorally and cognitively.  Learn how big physical play directly supports happier kids who are better able to self-regulate and more successful in the classroom, then apply that to take home tools that can be used immediately.

60 minutes.  Register for the conference here.

Children are weaker and more sedentary than they have ever been yet biology designed them to move because movement wires their brains for social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive success.  With evidence drawn from studies and anecdotal stories of success, we will uncover the secrets of big body play.  We will examine how academic success is built on a foundation of physical movement and share studies proving that neural connections are built through physical activity.  Finally, we will examine how specific activities support the strengths and skills kids need and quite frankly, crave.

30 minutes.  Register for the conference here.

You cannot teach self-regulation without reinforcing self-control and ultimately, both are linked to behavior.  More importantly, they are best taught through play. Kids crave big body play and they want play to continue, so they will learn to resist the self-gratifying urges in order to continue the fun.  in other words, they will practice, hone and internalize self-regulation through play.

1 hour. 

Preston will speak to parents about the critical nature of movement and neural wiring-developing a foundation for social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive success through physical activity.

30 minutes.  

Children need lots of big physical play in order to build a foundation for maximum success in the classroom and beyond.  we want to make kindergarten achievable for all children, and in order to do so, preschools need to make sure they are working developmentally with children in an age appropriate way.  That means lots of big body play.  Learn the how’s and why’s in this presentation where we will get moving and active!

1 hour 15 minutes. Richmond Convention Center.  Learn more here.

Learn about the power of physical activity in this interactive session designed to deliver power packed information on the value of big body play coupled with take away strategies that can be put to use in the classroom on Monday morning.

1 hour. Charleston Convention Center.  Learn more here.

Each layer of our learning path must build on the one laid before it, but with a shaky foundation our children cannot be the best they can be socially, emotionally, behaviorally and cognitively.  In this presentation we will look at studies and anecdotal examples of what happens when kids get moving.  Then we will test drive some easy activities that will get kids moving to support well honed social, emotional and behavioral skills helping kids get ready to learn because they are strong enough to learn.

1 hour. Music City Center.  Learn more here.