What is Conductive Education
Conductive Education (CE) is a holistic learning approach which originated in Hungary in the 1940s on the philosophy of Dr. Andras Peto. It was originally designed to support children with movement disorders of neurological origin, such as Cerebra Palsy, however, it has now expanded to work with a wide range of Children and Adults.
CE is a unique method of learning that brings together education, play, psychology, and physical tasks to facilitate learning and development.
CE looks beyond simply developing gross and fine motor skills. Instead, the focus is on building their personality and encourages children to become active learners.
In CE we recognises that every child has distinct learning needs. We support and guide them to accomplish tasks and empower their unique personality to truly shine through
What are the benefits of Conductive Education?
CE is all about potential and the person as a whole, it's educational system focuses on developing children as active participants in their learning. Furthermore, it support and encourages children and adults to become active learners, achieve greater independence and developing their personality.
How it differs from other therapies
Conductive Education may look like Pysiotherapy but it integrates parts of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Education into a unique method of learning.
For example, during a task focused on independent sitting, we aren't just working on physical posture. We may simultaneously be targeting educational goals, such as colour sorting or problem-solving.
Who can benefit?
CE was originally designed for children with Cerebral Palsy, however over time it has expanded to work with a wide range of Children and Adults, these include;
- Dyspraxia
- Down Syndrome
- Spinal Bifida
- Ataxia
- Complex Medical Needs
- Acquired brain injury
- Global develop delay
- Genetic conditions
- Stroke
- Other Neurological movement disorders or syndromes.
What we work on
CE sessions follow a flexible routine with specifically designed tasks. In sessions, we work on a variety of skills simultaneously, including:
- Gross motor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Educational goals - including colours and numbers
- Play skills
- Social skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
I am Level 4 Makaton trained and I use various communication methods, such as visuals in my sessions to help support their communication.
The core elements of Conductive Education
The Conductor
Is the name of the qualified person delivering the session.
In our training, we gain knowledge and understanding of different educational philosophy’s and understanding of how people learn, the impact of their condition and how to teach and guide them in a way which develops and facilitates their own learning. It is a unique combination of skills.
The Group
Is a supportive environment where they learn and develop social skills by working with and motivating each other.
The group is an important aspect of CE to not only help facilitate learning but provide support for not just the child but also the whole family.
The Daily Routine
Is a carefully planned timetable of tasks and activities tailored to the age and ability of the person.
CE's comprehensive method of learning takes into account that everyone has different learning needs to accomplish tasks. Therefore, sessions are flexible and can be more sensory orientated If needed, or be more focused on play skills, fine or gross motor skills or developing interaction. However, we do work on many skills simultaneously.
Task Series
Is a series of small, achievable, and functional movements performed in various positions (e.g., lying, sitting, standing) and children will learn to intend, plan and execute movement in a conscious action.
Rhythmical Intention
Is a specific language, counting, and songs to support each learning activity. It acts as a bridge between the participants thought and their physical action.
In a session, we use these vocal cues to help the brain plan and execute a task. For example, during a lying programme task series, a goal might be for the participant to bend their left leg and place it flat. Depending on the their age and understanding, we use different levels of Rhythmic Intention:
Musical Cues: Using the same song every time to signal a specific movement.
Repetition: "I bend my left leg and put my left foot flat, flat, flat."
Counting: "I bend my left leg and put my left foot flat: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5."
Rhythmical Intention does more than just support movement. It supports the develop of;
Communication: It builds vocabulary and links language to physical task.
Strengthens Motor Planning: It teaches the brain how to sequence a task from start to finish.
Facilitation
We use techniques such as verbal prompts and physical guidance to support the learning process.
Observation
Is a continuous process used to track progress and further refine learning goals
The Learning Environment
Is a supportive environmenet designed to build motivation and encourage success, with the goal of transferring learned skills to new situations.
In sessions we provide an environment to;
Develop and improve gross and fine motor skills
Develop communication
Support sensory needs
Develop play and academic skills
Develop social skills
What happens in a Conductive Education session?
CE sessions follow a flexible routine with specifically designed tasks and activities.
A standard Individual Conductive Education session last 1 hour and costs £55 and this can be at your house or child's Nursery/School.
A group session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and costs £30.
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