The Extra Lesson® is an assessment and intervention program for learning and behavioural difficulties. The Extra Lesson supports the needs of people with the following: ADHD, autism, physical coordination, dyspraxia, as well reading, maths and spelling difficulties. The neuro developmental program involves a weekly session that works with a holistic approach combining movement, concentration exercises, rhythm and painting. 

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The Extra Lesson program is based on the premise that learning difficulties are often due to disruptions in the developmental stages of the first seven years of life. This can result in poor spatial orientation and body awareness, sensory processing challenges, retained reflexes (early movement patterns) and co-ordination problems. Research supports the connection between learning difficulties and early childhood development. It shows that regular movement and physical activity can help develop neural pathways in the brain through neuroplasticity.       

 

The program addresses underlying developmental issues to enhance learning in all areas. It works on literacy and numeracy skills, concentration and memory, motivation, sense of self, behaviour and social skills, handwriting skills and co-ordination and balance. The program helps to get the body to operate in the most efficient way it can, so that movement happens automatically and the brain is then free to learn. Extra Lesson works with the lower part of the brain system to create a healthy foundation from which learning can proceed unimpeded. 

 

A typical Extra Lesson program involves a thorough assessment followed by weekly session tailored to each individual’s needs. The initial assessment involves: 

- A neuro-developmental assessment, including reflexes 

- Dominance and laterality assessment 

- Fine motor skills (eg. Handwriting, drawing), hand eye co-ordination 

- Overall co-ordination, balance, and rhythm 

- Spatial awareness 

- Eye movements 

- Memory and basic auditory processing skills 

- Sensory processing, behavioural checklist and early developmental history completed by parents 

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The weekly sessions include fine and gross motor exercises, rhythmic movement, hand eye coordination activities and painting. There are also short daily exercises to be completed at home which involve recapitulating the gross motor skills from birth which give the brain a second chance to develop crucial brain and body neural pathways.