ActEi
Developing the whole child

By Simon Olding

All the resources have been created to enable not only the specialists and trained PE teachers to deliver the program but in particular the non-specialists. The children experience every activity in the ActEi programme as a game - some loud and hilarious, some quiet and reflective, some drama-rich, some challenging, all fun.

The most unique and magical contributions of ActEi into the field of movement and learning is its 3 step process

The term ActEi is an abbreviation of the three steps that form the building blocks of each area and indeed the whole program; Activation, Exploration and Integration. Each of the nine areas follows a sequence of games/activities beginning with Step 1, Activation, followed by Step 2, Exploration, and finally Step 3, Integration. The three steps each reflect hierarchical structures of the brain and mechanisms of assimilating and processing sensory and motor sensory information.

The initial games/activities used are from Step 1, Activation. The Activation games have been created to stimulate the area you're working on, co-ordination, visual, tactile etc., in a general, non-specific way. The nature of these games focuses attention on the body management areas of the lower areas of the brain, and the central nervous system. The games are fun and dynamic and will awaken and stimulate the area being developed.

The next activities used are from step 2, Exploration. The Exploration activities work with the emotional intelligence of the mid and high brain centres. In essence these activities provide children with the opportunity to experience a drama-like activity, finding their own internal rhythms and personal sense of balance, co-ordination, vision, sense of calm etc. The Exploration activities combine a balance of imagination and movement in a self-exploration framework.

Finally step 3, the Integration activities. These movement activities are more specific and are based on techniques used by movement and physical therapist. These are purposeful consciously sequenced and planned movements stimulating activity in the higher brain regions of the cerebral cortex.

The structure and sequence of the activities provides a natural progression that reflects a deeper mind-body process. This unique system enables the teacher to use classic games and activities, freedom of movement experiences and focused activities in a way never presented before.

Five Star Benefits:

1. Linked to the National Curriculum and progressive from reception to year 6, ActEi is suitable for pupils in mainstream schools and of any age within special needs.
2. Develops the fundamental physiological building blocks necessary for skilled movement, ease of learning and emotional intelligence.
3. Integrates games, drama, imagination, co-operative play and skilled movement in a seamless and exciting way.
4. Increases and develops awareness and confidence of self and an understanding and respect of others.
5. Self contained, highly enjoyable and simple to deliver.

The one day ActEi training session will cover the basis, dive into the processes involved and enable you to comfortably deliver the activities in the manual to your kids the very next day.

The day is active, fun, highly informative and will give you tools and knowledge to transform your teaching and life of every child that comes under your care.