There's more to a plait.........?

The RDA sessions have been buzzing this term which is great, I have parents and carers asking how we are making a difference, and some new parents a little sceptical. which is natural,  so I decided rather than bombard people with facts which usually is info overload, maybe I should start a blog with a little info every so often about what we do and why.  I should probably do some sort of disclaimer that I'm not Einstein, a neuro scientist or whatever else but we do work from approved and researched resources.

Firstly about me,  Ali one of the coaches here at Parklands RDA & HunnyBeez.  I'm actually a chiropractor - yep I fix backs.....most peoples perceptions, but actually we do much more than that.  For me personally, I  have an interest in movement and how we can use movement to improve.....just about anything - that will become clearer over time.  Anyhow I spent 5 long years at Uni for the chiro degree, before getting my post graduate in veterinary chiropractic.  I am continuing training in paediatric care and neuro rehab (yep through movement of course!) and this helps me a lot in our work within the RDA & HunnyBeez.  I've also run a stud for many years competing to high levels (that's where the horses come in).

There was one amazing participant who really stood out for me this week and this because she made cupcake look beautiful, and thanks to Rosie our volunteer, she also learnt to plait.
So what is so exciting about a plait?  Well, firstly it was the fact that is was with the help of Rosie and not myself, working with someone else was a big step for this young lady.  
And the plait?  -   
Firstly there was listening and communication involved, following instructions and simply having a go! 
That's listening, processing and trying.  Three important but sometimes challenging tasks for some of our participants. 
Resilience - did it work, no...well ok lets go again.   If it goes wrong, which inevitably will happen when learning a new skill, how we react is important.
Plaiting requires both hands, so that's bilateral integration engaging both limbs and using fine motor skills and planning.
Hand - eye co-ordination 
Patterning/ a sense of routine - one strand over the other.
That's a lot going on!
Who would have thought turning a pony into a Princess could involve so much.