Action Based Learning LAB
The Action Based Learning™ Lab is a series of progressions and stations, each designed to prepare the brain for input and processing. Sensory components of balance, coordination, spatial awareness, directionality, and visual literacy are developed as the child rolls, creeps, crawls, spins, twirls, bounces, balances, walks, jumps, juggles, and supports his/her own weight in space. Levels of physical fitness are increased and academic concepts are reinforced. As students move from station to station with a partner or partners, their self awareness, self esteem, and social skills are enhanced. Each progression and station allows the student to experience challenge, feedback, and physical activity, three components that are necessary for optimal brain function.
The Action Based Learning™ Lab is so unique that some of the equipment is patented. The ABC Pathways Mat comprises one of the Stations and is used to help encode the symbols of the alphabet, practice letter sounds, recognize numbers, identify colors, recognize shapes, and teach clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Physical Education standards include spatial awareness, motor skill development, eye-hand and eye foot coordination, upper and lower body strength, cardiovascular strength and endurance, rhythm competency, and social interaction. Other stations have common equipment found in most schools: bean bags, scooter boards, balls, hula hoops, juggling scarves, streamers, gym mats, monkey bars, and chin up bars.
The unique, innovative Action Based Learning™ Lab is research-based, brain and body compatible, kid-friendly, teacher-friendly, and time efficient. The comprehensive program will include a curriculum based on national academic standards for Pre-K through second grade levels. Explanations, directions, supporting research, videos, DVDs, music CDs, equipment lists, and training support are included in the program package.
The Action Based Learning™ Lab is a motor development program based on the brain research that supports how movement improves brain function. The concepts in the ABL Lab meet the Physical Education National Standards and the Action Academic Content Cards used with the Learning Ladders meet the National Standards in reading and math. Although the underlying concepts remain constant, the program’s design is flexible and can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of every student. The Lab may be used in a physical education setting or in a classroom or in any other designated space. The Lab may be used in whole or in part. With the exception of the ABC Pathways Mat , the Action Based Learning™ Ladder , the Action Based Learning™ First Steps Ladder and the Action Academic Content Cards , the equipment used is common to most Physical Education programs. Substitutions for the PE equipment may be made as needed.
The above concepts are described in detail in the book, Thinking on Your Feet, by Jean Blaydes Madigan.