PERTH · FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE
School Readiness and Movement Skills
School readiness is about much more than letters and numbers. Sitting on the mat, holding a pencil, managing belongings and getting through a full school day all rely on developmental skills that build up throughout the early years. When these foundations are still developing, children may find classroom routines, handwriting, concentration and everyday tasks more challenging than expected.
Movement plays an important role in developing postural control, coordination, balance and body awareness. Through my work, I explore these underlying developmental skills, including primitive reflex patterns where relevant, to identify areas that may benefit from additional support. Using targeted, movement-based activities, I help children build the foundations they need to approach school with greater confidence and independence.
Is your little one starting school soon, or are you noticing they are struggling with some of the everyday demands of the classroom?
Let’s explore their developmental foundations and how I can help them feel more confident and ready to learn. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. I am also a qualified primary school teacher, and I taught for 15 years before moving into this work. This page looks at the physical side of being ready for school, what to look for, and what helps.
The physical side of school readiness
The Western Australian Department of Education describes physical readiness for school in terms of motor coordination. Gross motor skills underpin a child’s ability to sit in a classroom, core muscle strength supports their endurance and focus, and fine motor skills let them hold a pencil and cut with scissors.
This is where primitive reflexes come in. Having integrated reflexes is the first step in a child’s overall development. If reflexes are not integrated as babies and toddlers, it can affect how children learn later in a classroom.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs to look for before school starts
Finding it hard to sit on the mat, or slumping and wriggling at a table
W sitting, or tiring quickly when sitting
A very tight or awkward pencil grip, or avoiding drawing and colouring
Trouble with buttons, zips, shoelaces or cutlery
Poor balance, tripping or seeming clumsy
Toe walking most of the time
Being easily overwhelmed by noise or busy places
Seeing one or two of these does not mean something is wrong, and children develop at different rates. If several sound familiar, an assessment can show whether retained reflexes are part of the picture. I also work with children under 5, and before 5 is ideal because it is more preventative and prepares children for school.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Crawling games: tunnels, obstacle courses and chasing on hands and knees
- Animal walks such as bear walks and crab walks
- Plenty of time at the playground: climbing, swinging, hanging and balancing
- Play that builds hand strength: playdough, pegs, tongs, threading and building blocks
- Lying on the tummy to read, draw or do puzzles
- Balance play: stepping stones, low beams and one-leg games
When it is worth getting it checked
If you are worried about whether your child is ready for school, talk to their kindy or pre-primary teacher, and check in with your GP or child health nurse if you have concerns about their development. My work is movement based and sits alongside that support, not instead of it.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks, and sooner when the home play is done regularly.
READ MORE
Related challenges
Primitive reflexes: Primitive reflexes are one piece of the developmental puzzle. In some children, ongoing reflex activity may contribute to difficulties with balance, coordination, handwriting, posture, body awareness or emotional regulation.
Handwriting and fine motor skills: You might notice messy or slow handwriting, difficulty holding a pencil, poor letter formation or a child avoiding drawing, colouring and other tasks requiring precise hand movements.
Coordination, balance and clumsiness: Coordination and balance rely on several underlying skills, including body awareness, postural control, muscle coordination and the integration of early movement patterns. When these foundations are less developed, children may struggle with sport, playground activities, handwriting or other everyday tasks.
Moro reflex: When this reflex remains active beyond infancy, some children may appear particularly sensitive to sudden noises, bright lights or unexpected touch. They may startle easily, become overwhelmed in busy environments or have strong emotional reactions to situations that other children seem to manage more comfortably.
Fidgeting, focus and sitting still: Sitting still requires postural control, core stability, body awareness and the ability to regulate movement. When these underlying skills are still developing, children may move constantly to help their bodies feel more stable and organised.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
What age do children start school in WA?
In Western Australia children can start Kindergarten if they are 4 years old by 30 June that year. Pre-primary is the first year of compulsory school, for children who are 5 by 30 June.
Does my child need to read and write before starting school?
No. The WA Department of Education says formal reading and writing are not prerequisites for starting school.
Can retained reflexes affect how a child copes at school?
They can be part of the picture. When a reflex is retained, the body keeps reacting automatically in situations where a child needs calm, controlled movement, and that can make everyday things like sitting still, writing or catching a ball harder than they should be.
What age do you work with?
Children of all ages from 2.5 years, and preventative exercises for babies from birth up to 2.5 years.
How long before we see a difference?
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks. Practising the exercises at home between sessions helps the new pathways strengthen faster.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments.
Is there research behind it?
Yes. Primitive reflex integration exercises are researched for their effect on childhood motor and neurological patterns. See the research.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.