Stress  can block successful learning, emotional self-management, and memory.  Neuroscience research has spotlighted stressors that cause learners to  “act out” or “zone out” or give up resulting in decreased learning and  reduction in emotional self-management. The most frequent stressors  directly linked to learning experiences are boredom (already mastered  the information) or frustration from repeated goal failure in a skill,  topic, or subject (with the goal ranging from not getting the desired outcome to not achieving mastery).  The research also reveals that these stresses, when recurrent, can  change the brain’s neural networks and promote a “fixed mindset” with  decreased effort and motivation.

   As  you guide students and clients in building emotional self-control,  persevering through challenge, and recognizing their incremental  progress, their growth mindset builds along with their academic,  emotional, and cognitive success.

Learn more about both of these keynote presenters

What  is true physical education, and what is its role in developing capable,  integrated, connected human beings? In this presentation, "historical kinesiologist" Ron Jones will  begin by sharing the fascinating origins of “classical physical  education,” which was widely valued and practiced from about 1885 to 1920, as a form not only of physical preparation, but whole-brain integration. After more recent decades of P.E. programs focused  primarily on sports participation, Ron is on the forefront of bringing  awareness back to the the historical emphasis on the postural, movement,  balance, and body-awareness skills needed, so that sports participation  can be accomplished with skill, focus, and coordination, with the added  bonus of diminished chance of injury. In this age of increased postural  and mental stresses from over-use of technology (and for kids,  especially hyper-focus from intense video gaming), a new awareness and  set of practices are needed more than ever. Ron will share his  experiences with students and clients of all ages, from kindergarteners  through professional athletes, and share some basic body-balance and  grounding techniques that you can benefit from every day. 

Mari Miyoshi, Breakthroughs International Board Chair, will lead a whole-group balance as part of the Opening Ceremony. 

Paul E. Dennison, Brain Gym® Co-Founder, will lead a group balance, emphasizing awareness gained through is new focus on somatic studies, in the Closing Ceremony.