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May 01, 2007
Conductive Education is a system of learning that
improves motor skills for those with motor disorders resulting from damage
or disease to the central nervous system. It is not a cure. It is not a
major medical breakthrough. It is not even a therapy, but a series of
repetitive tasks and education that addresses basic functional movements in
a small group setting.
The goal of Conductive Education is to give the child with motor
disabilities greater independence in the activities of daily life.
Conductive Education looks for ways in which each child can develop
purposeful movement, operating on the premise that, although the human body
may have limitations, the human mind does not.
Accordingly, Conductive Education addresses skills in dressing, eating, and
hygiene as well as play and learning. Conductive Education strives to equip
children with the opportunity to actively experience childhood as other
children do.
History:
Conductive Education was developed in 1948 by Dr. Andras Petö at the Petö
Institute in Budapest, Hungary and is founded on the belief that motor
disabled children can learn and develop physical movement through repetitive
skill exercises. While "healthy children" learn physical movement through
assimilation within their peer groups, the motor disabled child must be
taught to develop these same movements as a skill set. Petö's intricately
devised learning program utilizes specially trained Conductors who guide and
motivate the child through active moving patterns that are eventually
integrated into the daily activities of life.
Today, Conductive Education is widely established in Australia, Canada,
Germany, Hungary, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati (CLCGC) is the only
program in our area.
How Does It Work?
Conductive Education approaches problems of movement as problems of
learning. The learning and development of movement, speech, and mental
ability are approached simultaneously over a period to achieve recognized
goals. Conductive Education's intensive group approach is aimed at creating
new neurological pathways to overcome significant damage.
Using music, devices, and apparatus that aid movement, repetition, and the
student's desire to achieve simple tasks, children develop and maximize
functional independence through goal-directed activity, verbal regulation,
and group dynamics. A child uses speech or inner speech to express an
intention, and then carries it out through rhythmic movement. This use of
language facilitates and regulates motor activity and focuses attention on
the movement.
Benefits:
Conductive Education allows a child with motor disabilities to practice and
learn new cognitive organizational skills in a motivating and compassionate
environment. The child is encouraged to use new and active problem solving
to direct their movements. Over time, the child's brain creates new
connections between thought and physical action.
The emotional security and positive atmosphere of Conductive Education
classes at the Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati allows the
child to express individual creativity and build their self-esteem. As they
observe other children solving similar problems, they are encouraged to
become ambitious, seek help when it is needed, and explore individual
strategies for problem solving related to daily living.
Classes:
Children are screened for placement based upon their age and ability.
Placement provides an optimal environment for learning and facilitates
motivation and socialization. These social groups are task-oriented,
encouraging, and affirming of each individual's effort. The Conductive
Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati classes currently serve children from
sixteen months to six years old, expanding over time to include other age
groups as demand warrants. For more information visit
http://www.clcgc.org/
Contributors have pledged with the Child Wellness Community Fund to
expand healthcare initiatives for the children they serve. Learn more about
Wellness Experts by visiting
>www.childwellnesscenter.com
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