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Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR)

Queensland University of Technology

Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) is a program that supports young children’s attention skills and emotional regulation through a series of rhythmic activities.

Overview

Alignment with Be You Domains

  • Mentally Healthy Communities

  • Family Partnerships

  • Learning Resilience

  • Early Support

Alignment with Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

  • Children are confident and involved learners
  • Children are connected with and contribute to their world
  • Children have a strong sense of identity
  • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

Alignment with Australian Curriculum

  • Health and PE
  • The Arts

Target audience

  • Early learning
  • Primary school

Target groups

  • Individual
  • Small group
  • Whole class

Program delivery

The program can be taught by any educator working with children aged 2 to 8 years in any group or individual setting.

Aims

The Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program aims to develop educators’ capacity to engage children aged 3 to 8 years in playful and purposeful rhythmic movement activities that support their self-regulation, overall social-emotional capability and wellbeing, and school readiness.

Program theory

Theories informing the program include the neuroscience of beat synchronisation and rhythmic entrainment; the cognitive benefits of coordinated movement, music participation and relaxation; neurocognitive evidence from music therapy and music training (the musician's advantage) and the developmental psychobiology of self-regulation development.

Topics

Topics include brain games, memory, attention shifting, impulse control, aerobic exercise and relaxation. The instructor training also includes practical demonstrations of the theoretical aspects that will help educators apply the program in their own context; topics include the developmental course of self-regulation and social-emotional development in early childhood, and how to leverage the neurological benefits of coordinated rhythm and movement in children.

Cost

Online, self-paced, instructor training can be completed at two levels: 1. The 90-minute introduction course is $90 (incl. GST) per person. 2. The full 6-week module course is $430 (incl. GST) per person. Bespoke face-to-face training is available: email ramsr@qut.edu.au for information. Once the instructor training has been completed, the program is free to deliver to children.

Program structure

The full 6-week module course provides 4 full session plans to create an 8-week program, or a program across a whole year according to the context of the learning community. Sessions involve rhythmic movements that challenge children's ability to plan and self-regulate in a fun and engaging way. Activities are supported by sound cues and working memory games. Sessions end with a series of calming movements to improve emotional regulation. Extension activities are also provided.

Instructor

  • External facilitator
  • Educator

Instructor training

Instructor training is available at two levels: 1. The 90-minute introductory course includes 11 activities ready for immediate use. 2. The full 6-week module provides all resource materials and involves 1 hour of online learning each week for 6 weeks, with 1 hour of recommended practice with children. Moderation is available over the initial 6 weeks, with 12 months of online access. This course is also available face-to-face for 5 hours over one day.

Supporting resources or materials available with program

  • Manual
  • Online webinars

Other materials

The full 6-week module course provides a 120-page printable teacher folder that includes all activity plans and visual cue cards, plus 28 original audio tracks to accompany activities.

Ongoing support

Community of practice; online support through webinars and email

Parent involvement

  • Written information provided to parents

Origin of program

Australia

Queensland University of Technology

Program authors

Kate E Williams, Rebecca Eager, Sally Savage, Cathy Nielson and Laura Bentley

Address
149 Victoria Park Road,Kelvin Grove QLD 4059 Australia
Phone
+61 07 3138 3080
Email
ramsr@qut.edu.au
website
Visit website

Ratings

3/4 Evidence
3/4 Implementation

Summary of evidence factors

This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.

Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people? Yes
Link between program description and theory of change Comprehensive
Study design Randomised control trial
Independence None

Summary of implementation factors

This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.

Feedback sought from participants Yes
Feedback sought from instructors Yes
Groups program is not suitable for Not assessed
Training provided during study Face to face, all instructors, in person
Ongoing instructor support provided during study Yes

Context

This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.

Study Participants

Early learning
Country of Study/s

Australia
Location of Study/s in Australia

QLD
Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations Yes
Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people Yes
Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups Yes
Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery Yes
Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference No

Last updated: 21 February 2023