What is Action Based Learning? Trend in schools nicknamed "Disneyland of Learning"

At first glance, this lab may look like Disneyland, but take a closer look and you will find student's are working on the critical foundations necessary to prepare their brain to learning. ABL Labs are based on brain research that supports the link between movement and learning. As academics and student success improve, the trend has taken off in schools across the US.

What is Action Based Learning?

ABL provides children learning environments that allow them to thrive academically and attain lifelong success. By understanding the brain based research, ABL is able to provide students and teachers an advantage, by preparing the brain for learning. This begins at the very early developmental stage and continues into adulthood. ABL is not a curriculum, and not a replacement for physical education or recess. ABL is a proven methodology based on brain research, to enhance learning in the classroom.

How does Action Based Learning help educators?

ABL training provides techniques and tools that can be implemented immediately, including simple brain breaks and specific movements to increase brain function in K-12th grade environments. With or without an Action Based Learning Lab, the concepts of the 12 foundations can be implemented into the classroom, and built into all areas of the school day to enhance learning, for all students.

Brain science shows that if a child is sitting all day long, 
they are missing out on vital movements to increase brain function
and activity. 

Research behind ABL: In order to achieve increased engagement in the classroom, decrease negative behaviors and increase academic success, it is critical to understand the benefits of the 12 foundations as they relate to positive classroom outcomes. For example a student who is having difficulty with cross lateralization skills will also have trouble with placing words on a page, reading from left to right and writing patterns in sequence. A child who is having trouble reading may not be able to crawl. ABL helps us to understand the connections between these concepts, so we can provide students with the tools they need to excel.

What are the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness?

Cross Lateralization, Body In Space, Balance, Motor Skills, Hand/Eye/Foot Coordination Physical Fitness, Visual Development, Tactile Learning, Rhythm, Cardiovascular Fitness, Problem Solving, Self Management

What is an Action Based Learning Lab?

ABL labs are shared spaces that are available to all students throughout the year, and for teachers to sign their class up for throughout the week for 20-30 min sessions.

The lab is designed to anchor learning and reinforce academic content being taught in the classroom.

Each station in the lab focuses on the strengthening the 12 foundations of learning readiness. Specific foundations that are strengthened at these stations include fine motor, visual tracking, vestibular development and cross lateralization. Strengthening these foundations, assist the child in placing words on a page, reading words from left to right, writing patterns in sequence, and improve the overall cognitive development of the student.

Inside the ABL Lab

The lab is comprised of these 12 foundations and their developmentally appropriate progressions. Lab facilitators are taught how to identify and fill in developmental gaps that may be hindering a child from reaching their full potential. By working on these critical foundations, the child is provided an advantage to learn and an opportunity to maximize their full learning potential.

Students who require positive behavioral interventions and support, have access for redirection through the use of ABL equipment and Brain-based teaching strategies within the school’s lab.Labs are currently being implemented nationwide at the Elem, Middle, and HS level.

For more info on Action Based Learning Labs & Professional Development, visit www.abllab.com