
Nov 21, 2024
1 hr 1 min

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Nov 17, 2024
9 min

Play Move Improve Podcast: Understanding and Managing Transitions for Neurodivergent Children
Episode Summary
In this insightful episode, Robyn Packworth, an exercise physiologist and developmental educator, discusses the challenges that neurodivergent children face with transitions and offers practical strategies to help.
The cerebellum and prefrontal cortex play crucial roles in managing transitions
Neurodivergent children may struggle with sensory processing and predicting what happens next
Internal time management systems can be affected in neurodivergent individuals
Transitions can be particularly stressful for children who have masked their behaviors all day
Provide warnings before transitions
Use transition objects (e.g., favorite toys, fidgets)
Implement visual schedules
Offer comforting routines (e.g., favorite snacks, songs)
Create a predictable after-school routine
Visual schedules for transitions
Comfort toy handout
Vagus nerve drop-off handout
Robyn Packworth is a mother of three, an exercise physiologist, developmental educator, and early learning speaker. She works with the Beautiful Parents Hub in Victoria, supporting children with developmental delays, autism, anxiety, ADHD, and dyspraxia.
Join our free online community for more support and resources! Sign up here: Play Move Improve Online Community
Website: playmoveimprove.com.au
Leave a review on iTunes or Spotify
Remember, transitions can be challenging, but with understanding and the right strategies, we can make them easier for our children!
Sep 7, 2024
9 min

Play Move Improve Podcast: Beyond Emotion Cards - The Foundations of Emotional Development
Episode Summary
In this insightful episode, Robyn Papworth, an exercise physiologist and developmental educator, discusses the importance of foundational emotional development in children, especially those born during the social pandemic of 2020-2021.
She explains why emotion cards might not be the best first approach and offers practical strategies for supporting children's emotional growth.
The impact of the social pandemic on children's emotional development
The importance of joint attention and social connection in early emotional development
Why emotion cards may not be effective for young children without foundational skills
The role of play in developing emotional regulation and brain function
The significance of interoception in understanding and expressing emotions
Provide opportunities for eye contact and joint attention
Engage in shared activities (e.g., singing, playing games, household tasks)
Encourage community involvement and social interactions
Prioritize play with real 3D objects to stimulate brain development
Create experiences that develop interoception (awareness of internal bodily sensations)
Robyn Papworth is a mother of three, an exercise physiologist, developmental educator, and early learning speaker. She is passionate about empowering parents and educators to set up engaging play activities that improve children's development, health, and learning outcomes.
Robyn mentions an upcoming program focused on foundational skills for emotional development. Stay tuned for more information!
Join our free online community for more support and resources! Sign up here: Play Move Improve Online Community
Website: playmoveimprove.com.au
Leave a review on iTunes or Spotify
Remember, building strong foundations for emotional development through play, connection, and sensory experiences is crucial for our children's growth and well-being!
Sep 5, 2024
9 min

Play Move Improve Podcast: A Special Q&A with Robyn and Hugh Papworth
Episode Summary
In this delightful episode, Robyn Papworth is joined by her son Hugh for a fun and insightful Q&A session. They take turns asking each other questions about Robyn's career, Hugh's love for basketball, and their shared interests in the brain and sports.
Favorite part of the brain: Amygdala, for its role in personal growth through anxiety and fear
Career aspirations: Originally wanted to be a biomechanist for tennis, switched to rehab after a personal experience
Top tip for a successful business: Be yourself and embrace your quirks
Estimated number of children helped: Thousands, with a focus on making a difference one child at a time
Discovery of exercise physiology: Through university studies in exercise science
Bonus Basketball Question: Robyn named five Melbourne United players, showcasing her growing knowledge of the sport thanks to Hugh's influence
Motivation for starting a podcast: To share knowledge about basketball and compete with mom's podcast
Love for basketball: 10 out of 10
When basketball passion began: After a pickup game at school
Favorite NBA team and player: Split between Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies; favorite player is GG Jackson
Preference between NBA and NBL: Appreciates both for different reasons
Bonus Brain Question: Hugh named three parts of the brain: hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum
Hugh's own podcast: "Hugh's NBA Highlights"
Robyn's journey from biomechanics to exercise physiology
The family's shared interest in Melbourne United (NBL team)
Hugh's passion for basketball and its positive impact on his life
The blend of sports and brain science in their family discussions
Robyn Papworth is an exercise physiologist, developmental educator, speaker, and mother of three. Hugh is Robyn's son and an enthusiastic basketball fan with his own podcast.
Check out Hugh's new podcast Hugh's NBA Highlights to share your support!
Share your questions for Hugh for potential future episodes
Join our free online community for more content and discussions: Play Move Improve Online Community
Website: playmoveimprove.com.au
Leave a review on iTunes or Spotify
This episode showcases the fun and educational dynamics of the Papworth family, blending professional insights with personal passions!
Jan 17, 2024
9 min

Play Move Improve Podcast: Essential Sensory Skills for Children's Development
Episode Summary
In this informative episode, Robyn Papworth, an exercise physiologist and developmental educator, discusses the importance of sensory skills in children's development. She highlights eight essential sensations and provides practical activities to enhance these skills.
Many children today struggle with basic sensory skills that weren't a concern a decade ago.
Eight essential sensations: visual, auditory, taste, smell, touch, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.
Modern lifestyle changes, including increased screen time and reduced outdoor play, are impacting children's sensory development.
Sensory integration is crucial for fine motor skills, self-regulation, and overall learning.
Visual: 3D objects, natural light, searching for hidden objects
Auditory: Various sounds, music, guessing games with different noises
Taste: Encourage trying different foods (consult professionals if concerned)
Smell: Use herbs, essential oils, and everyday scents to stimulate memory and calm
Touch: Provide various textures through sensory tubs, gardening, and cooking activities
Vestibular: Head movement activities like dancing, spinning, and looking up/down
Proprioception: Jumping, hopping, crawling, and other pressure-inducing movements
Interoception: Awareness of internal bodily sensations like hunger, thirst, and temperature
Create sensory tubs with various materials (sand, water, corn flour, etc.)
Use recycled shampoo bottles for smell activities
Incorporate outdoor play to experience different temperatures and textures
Discuss bodily sensations during meals and drinks
Engage in gross motor activities to stimulate the vestibular system and proprioception
Proper sensory development is crucial for:
Self-regulation and emotional control
Focus and attention in class
Fine motor skills development
Overall learning and development
Robyn Papworth is an exercise physiologist, developmental educator, speaker, author, and mother of three. She is passionate about empowering parents and educators to support children's development through engaging play activities.
Try one of the suggested activities and share your experience
Reach out to Robyn for more ideas or support
Join our free online community for more resources and discussions: Play Move Improve Online Community
Website: playmoveimprove.com.au
Leave a review on iTunes or Spotify
Remember, supporting your child's sensory development can be fun and easy with these simple, everyday activities!
Dec 6, 2023
13 min
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