Ready Bodies, Learning Minds; Cultivating the Complete Child

Concepts, Strategies, and Motor Labs for All Children

What is the sensory-motor connection to the academic success of children?

Why do they fall out of chairs, hold their pencils tightly, chew their shirts?

How can a motor lab help? We recognize physical activity is important to learning, but why?

RBLM explores our physiological systems within the context of the dynamics systems theory of development and our current culture of education.

This program was created to support the developmental, motor, sensory, and academic growth of all students—special education, at-risk, and regular education. In a pro-active manner this research-based strategy is also being used as a Response to Intervention resource and program. This presentation will highlight intrinsic movements (also known as reflexes), developmental and educational theories, classroom strategies, handwriting, and behavior.

The Ready Bodies Motor Labs will be demonstrated by classroom participants and videos of school students. The activities are designed to be implemented as an individual intervention to be used by a therapist, as a classroom center or activity, as an adaptive physical education, or as a campus-wide curriculum. The program is simple to administer and can be used for all students.

What Others are Saying about the Course

“I loved how easy it was to follow the material even prior to having the book. It was also very interactive which held my attention…I would definitely recommend this course….Thank you so much for the wonderful course. Athena, you are an amazing instructor.” ~Patrice G., Physical Therapist
“I liked the RBLM online seminar because I could go at my own pace. The seminar was very easy to access. I have already recommended it to one of teachers on our campus.” ~Pam T., Special Education Teacher
“The online seminar was great to fit in when I had the time and easy to go back to my spot on the videos. I have already recommended the course to others!” ~ Caitlin A., Physical Therapist
“I appreciated the explanations and discussions of research; but what was most helpful were the videos and demonstrations, showing exactly what the activities should look like, what they shouldn’t look like, how to correct them when needed” ~Elizabeth C., Special Education Teacher
“I enjoyed being able to go at my own pace. I especially liked the video case studies. I learned a lot!” ~ Kim Philbrick, Occupational Therapist


Your Instructor


Athena Oden, PT
Athena Oden, PT

Athena Oden, PT, graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and has spent the last 40 years in pediatrics, working in public and private school settings including schools for the blind and deaf and early childhood, residential facilities, and non-profit organizations for children. She has created and implemented successful motor programs for schools throughout the U.S., headed Assistive Technology teams, designed accessible playgrounds, and served on the founding Board of Directors for a private school. She presents both nationwide and internationally on childhood development and its importance in an academic setting.

Her newest book, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: Cultivating the Complete Child, is written for therapists, teachers and parents, and gives insight into the sensory and motor systems necessary for learning and success for students of all ages and abilities, incorporating research and references while outlining the curriculum for school-based motor lab programs. As a companion tool, The Manual for Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Screening Report assists therapists in identifying specific intervention strategies.

Athena was privileged to participate in the creation of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) White paper for The Role of School-Based Physical Therapy: Successful Participation for All Students, and to serve for six years as the Regional Representative for the South Central US States for the School Based SIG of the APTA. As the owner of Ready Bodies, Learning Minds, LLC., Athena is known for practical, compassionate, and down-to-earth training. She and her husband David, raised their 3 children in the Texas Hill Country, where she loves to garden, feed the cows, and sit with a cup of hot tea and a musty, old classic book.


Continuing Education Credit

This course meets the criteria for 12 contact hours or 1.2 CEUs (as applicable). It is recommended for PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, Regular Ed and Special Ed Teachers, Counselors, Diagnosticians, Behavioral Specialists, Administrators, and Parents. All successfully completing the course will receive a certificate for 12 contact hours. The professions listed below will receive CE units as stated. No credit will be given for partial participation.

Physical Therapy.
This course has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 12 CCUs for PTs and PTAs – Approval # 76065TX. This approval by the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA), a chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) expires 6/1/24.

The physical therapy boards in AK, AZ, DE, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MS, MO, NC, ND, RI, SC, OR, TN, UT, VA, WI, and WY accept courses approved by APTA chapters. The following state boards of physical therapy accept other states’ approval: AK, AR, AZ, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, MI, MO, MS, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VA, VT, WI, WY

Occupational Therapy
Ready Bodies, Learning Minds is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 04705. This distance learning-independent course is offered at 12 CEUs for intermediate OT Service Delivery. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: Cultivating the Complete Child is a Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA) Approved Course from July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2023 – Course #172-08

Speech-Language Pathology
This course has not been registered with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and therefore, Ready Bodies Learning Minds cannot directly provide ASHA CEUs. However, the content of this course may be used to satisfy some state licensure requirements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Please check with your state board to determine eligibility.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction and Registration
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. Our expectation is that RBLM students will complete the course within one year of purchasing the class.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own as long as teachable.com exists. It is the expectation that RBLM students will complete the course within one year of purchasing the class.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will contact you promptly.

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