“Sit still and listen.”

It’s a phrase heard in many early learning environments. Yet some children seem unable to do it. They slump in their chairs, W-sit on the floor, lean on furniture, fidget constantly or avoid sitting upright during group time.

For many of these children, the issue is not behaviour. Their bodies may simply not yet have the physical foundations needed to stabilise, regulate movement and sustain attention.

This workshop connects the science of physical development with everyday early childhood practice, exploring the often overlooked relationship between primitive reflexes, core strength and children’s ability to participate in group learning experiences.

Understanding this connection can help educators reframe what they see in the learning environment and respond in ways that better support children’s physical readiness for learning.

During the session, we will explore:

• how retained primitive reflexes and core strength influence posture, movement and attention
• why some children struggle with sitting, group time expectations and sustained focus
• practical movement games and “heavy work” activities such as pushing, pulling and carrying that build core stability and support reflex integration
• simple environmental adjustments, including more floor-based learning opportunities, that support children’s physical readiness for learning

You will leave with practical strategies that help children build the physical foundations needed to sit, focus and engage in learning experiences when their bodies are developmentally ready.