Customer Reviews

Learn to Move: Dinosaurs

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This is a basic overview of the curriculum in Jenny Clark Brack's corresponding book, but it can also stand alone. In this DVD she explains clearly and concisely how to create a program of activities for children with sensory integration disorders in a pre-school, early elementary classroom with typical peers. These are fun interesting activities with a common Dinosaur theme that all children can benefit from because it helps improve sensory skills such as balance and coordination, among others. As she explains the activities and their purpose, it shows examples of children of various skill levels participating together and enjoying themselves. For example, children are passing "dinosaur eggs" that are actually balls of various weights. One of the benefits of this activitiy is that they cross the midline as it goes in a circle, the practice coordination by trying not to drop it (they are sitting on the floor) and there is a fun social element to it as well. An example of a little more difficult activity would be the children walking across a balance beam that is on floor level (a 2X4) and bending to pick up "Dinosaur bones" without falling. In this activity, as in all of those demonstrated, it also gives pointers for adapting the program and giving appropriate support to allow children of all abilities to participate. For example, using tape on the floor instead of a beam, or holding a child's hand to help them with balance. I particularly like the inclusion message that is subtle because it is so obvious that of course everyone can participate!

Another benefit of this DVD is that it's only 19 minutes, a selling point when sharing it with teachers who have limited time. It would be an excellent DVD to donate or lend to your school to be passed between the teachers. In fact, that is exactly where my copy of the DVD will go now that I'm finished viewing it. It would be a great addition to any therapy center library or organization for parents.

Although the presenter refers to pre-school aged children, these activities could easily be used for children in early elementary school. It would be a wonderful addition to any curriculum! I'm now planning to run out and buy the book!

Kristi Sakai, parent of 3 with ASD and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family