Caught by the camera, Jenny, 11 and a half months old, lets go and reaches out in her first independent steps, an early milestone in a lifetime of reaching out in learning-growing.

Even these first steps in rhythmic movement, using opposition of arms and legs, help develop right-left brain linkage.

Example: walking steps with arms swinging at sides; as left foot steps forward, right arm swings forward.

The nerve endings of sense organs feed the brain information for analysis and reflection through hearing, seeing, feeling on skin, tasting, and smelling.

Allowing the toddler-preschooler to learn with as many senses as possible instills new concepts most smoothly.

It is okay to give a child support and encouragement, especially if there are issues with learning or physical disabilities. And, remember to, that all children progress in some areas faster than others.

"Body to Mind
By receiving through the sense organs; analyzing
Then Mind to Body for action.
By moving exuberantly
In rhythms, patterns
Body-mind harmony develops."

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Article by Susan Kramer