Sylvia Shordike, a distinguished expert in child development with nearly 30 years of experience, offers profound insights into the natural learning process of children, especially those with special needs. Her approach, deeply influenced by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, emphasizes the importance of honoring each child’s unique developmental journey by fostering an environment that supports natural learning and growth.
The Natural Learning Process of Children
Children learn from birth through movement and sensory experiences. Equipped with innate reflexes and responses, they navigate their environment and begin mapping spatial orientation, which contributes to developing a sense of self. Sylvia Shordike’s work builds on the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. She emphasizes the significance of small, intentional movements and the role of a caregiver’s embodied awareness in enhancing a child’s learning and development.
Sylvia advocates for allowing children to explore their abilities at their own pace rather than adhering to rigid developmental timelines. By providing time and space for natural exploration, we help children build confidence, develop a genuine sense of identity, and create a strong foundation for future learning.
Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment
A core aspect of Sylvia’s approach is creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore and grow. She believes that all children, regardless of their developmental challenges, have the potential to thrive when given the right conditions. This involves not forcing children into milestones or imposing unrealistic expectations, which can hinder their natural learning process. Instead, Sylvia encourages parents and caregivers to meet children where they are, allowing their abilities to unfold organically.
By fostering an environment where children feel safe to explore, sense, and move, caregivers support the holistic development of the child—integrating emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. This approach helps children develop a strong sense of self and a genuine curiosity about the world around them.
Supporting Children with Developmental Challenges
For children who face developmental challenges or have restricted movement, Sylvia offers strategies to foster neural development without rushing progress. She highlights the importance of using small, intentional movements to engage the child’s nervous system and the profound impact a caregiver’s embodied awareness can have on this process.
Central to Sylvia’s methodology is the concept of “embodied relational presence,” which involves being fully present and attuned to the child’s needs. This shared experience of learning and development fosters new neural connections and strengthens the emotional bond between the child and the caregiver, supporting holistic growth.
The Role of Embodiment for Parents and Caregivers
Sylvia emphasizes the importance of embodiment for parents and caregivers, stressing that understanding and experiencing their movements can significantly impact how they nurture a child’s development. By embodying a sense of awareness and presence, caregivers can create a more responsive and supportive environment for the child.
Self-care and emotional regulation are crucial for caregivers, as their state of mind and body directly influences the child’s experience and development. By maintaining a calm, supportive presence, parents can navigate challenges more effectively and provide a nurturing environment that promotes growth and learning.
Embracing Each Child’s Unique Journey
At the heart of Sylvia Shordike’s approach is the belief that every child’s journey is unique and should be respected. Her guiding principles—Embody, Envision, Elicit, Empower—emphasize meeting each child where they are and fostering an environment where they can meaningfully explore and expand their abilities. By focusing on natural learning processes and relational presence, Sylvia helps families redefine child development and embrace each child’s unique path.
Sylvia’s NeuroHorizons® Fundamentals of Experiential Movement® seminars offer valuable insights and practical tools for parents, caregivers, and professionals to support every child’s journey. By embracing these principles, we can help our children thrive in their own unique ways.