(Little Rock, Ark.) -- Students at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary School in Sherwood have a new resource to learn through movement. A group of Pulaski County Special School District therapists created the “Eagle Pass” to give students an indoor movement path that can be adapted depending on the student’s grade and skill level.

The “Eagle Pass” was created to provide movement and self-regulation opportunities during the school day that is structured and accessible by all students. The pathway includes motor skill movements like tip-toeing along an “s” shaped line, hopscotch and wall push-ups.

“Participating in these sensory motor movement activities is one of the most beneficial ways for all children to engage with and retain the information they are being taught in school,” said PCSSD occupational therapist Michelle Keaton. “It makes lessons more engaging and memorable, helps them focus, regulates behaviors and emotions and helps foster an inclusive environment for all children to participate in.”

Specifically, the movement path encourages sensory processing, executive functioning, motor coordination, whole body strengthening, gross motor skills, visual motor processing, emotional regulation, increased focus, body awareness, and positive behavior.

Self-regulation is an evidence-based practice that helps students learn to independently regulate their own behaviors and act appropriately in a variety of home, school, and community-based situations. Movement is an important component in a self-regulation program.

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William Jefferson Clinton Elementary

“Eagle Pass” Offers Clinton Students Opportunities to Learn Movement and Self-Regulation