Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Quantitative Research on Cross-Lateral Movement, Corpus Callosum, and Cognitive Skills

    Posted 01-14-2020 09:22 AM
    Hi all! I am looking for guidance on where to find quantitative, scientific research that shows a causal (or even correlative) link between cross-lateral movement in the early childhood years, increased synaptic development in the corpus callosum, and the effect this movement has on school-readiness skill development, especially early literacy.

    Know that I am an avid proponent of movement in early childhood! I am familiar with Smart Moves by Dr. Carla Hannaford, A Moving Child is a Learning Child by Gill McCarthy, and the work of Rae Pica. I am a big fan of these educators, but what I am looking for is something different than their work. I am specifically looking for individual quantitative studies comparing a variable group and a control group that PROVES that preschool children who regularly engage in cross-lateral movement have (a) stronger connections or better developed corpus callosum AND/OR (b) significantly better early literacy outcomes.

    I have recently been challenge by a skeptic that the importance of cross-lateral movement in early childhood is a "neuromyth" because of a lack of the kind of studies that I have described above. I would LOVE to be able to come back with some rigorous, quantitative studies that show a significant difference between variable groups and control groups. To give an idea of what this skeptic is referring to as problematic, this article was referenced: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/ask-neuroscientist-how-train-your-brain.

    Thank you all in advance for your help finding the kinds of research I am looking for and your wonderful work educating children every day! 



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    Katie Scherrer
    Owner, Connected Communities, LLC
    Founder, Stories, Songs, and Stretches!®
    Lexington KY
    www.storiessongsandstretches.com
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  • 2.  RE: Quantitative Research on Cross-Lateral Movement, Corpus Callosum, and Cognitive Skills

    Posted 01-15-2020 06:45 AM
    Hi Katie,
    I just saw your post on NAEYC! You might try looking at the Children and Nature Network's amazing research database. You can search relevant terms with ease! These studies are from a lens of nature-based education, but there is a lot of overlap in our field regarding the importance of movement through outdoor learning.
    There is a great book called Barefoot and Balanced: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom as well. She cites research from the perspective of an occupational therapist throughout the book - you may glean some useful info there, too!
    Best of luck!
    Warmly,


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    Monica Wiedel-Lubinski
    Executive Director
    Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
    Glen Arm MD
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  • 3.  RE: Quantitative Research on Cross-Lateral Movement, Corpus Callosum, and Cognitive Skills

    Posted 01-17-2020 07:51 PM

    Hello,

    I see like minds are working here!  I also would recommend directing your search towards occupational therapy research.  I hope you will find your evidence there.  I have been to trainings that both support your theory and also that deny it. 

    Good Luck!



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    Joanne Ensign
    San Diego CA
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  • 4.  RE: Quantitative Research on Cross-Lateral Movement, Corpus Callosum, and Cognitive Skills

    Posted 01-19-2020 03:59 PM
    Hello, 
    I am doing research in preschool education. There is a gap in the research of preschool. More research is needed. 
    Most of the research is qualitative analysis. 
    Also, research on the brain is relatively new, while there are many affects on the brain. A lot is still unknown. 
    Thank you 
    Melanie

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    Melanie Smith
    The Preschool Doctor
    thepreschooldoctor.com
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