Online course Cortex Kids
Prepare Your Preschooler for School: A Smooth Transition into First Grade
This online course is tailored for preschool-aged children because many of the challenges we see in school-aged kids can actually be addressed during the preschool years. The program is ideal for children one or two years before starting school, as well as for those with deferred school entry.
In my 2020 doctoral research at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, I found that around 55% of children aged 5 to 8 still exhibit some level of persistent primary reflexes. While these reflexes may naturally fade over time for most children, they can still complicate the start of formal schooling. The research also showed that in 12% of children, these reflexes persist to such a significant degree that they are unlikely to disappear without intervention, potentially leading to school-related difficulties. These may include challenges with motor skills (e.g., handwriting), focus, and visual or auditory processing. In children with learning difficulties, primary reflexes always remain present.
How Do Persistent Primary Reflexes Affect School Performance?
(Grapho) motor skills
Primary reflexes can negatively impact both fine and gross motor skills, including coordination and handwriting.
Concentration
Good concentration is essential for easily understanding and retaining what is being taught.
Visual Perception
This skill helps children, for example, distinguish between letters like “b” and “d.”
Auditory Perception
Auditory perception is crucial for correctly hearing and processing what the teacher dictates.
Children with persistent primary reflexes may also struggle with spatial perception, which is necessary for understanding spatial relationships (such as knowing what is up, down, left, or right). This also lays the foundation for grasping more complex concepts like first and last, more and less, multiplication and division—skills that are critical for understanding mathematical operations.
The Cortex Kids program is designed to support and develop all of these key areas.
Who Will Guide You Through the Course?
PhDr. Marja Voleman, PhD.
-
I am originally from the Netherlands.
-
My academic background includes studying Physiotherapy and Special education at Charles University in Prague, where I also defended my dissertation titled "Neuro-Developmental Stimulation in the work of a special education teacher" in 2020.
-
Since 2009, I have been operating my own consulting facility, where my focus has primarily been on Neuro-Developmental Stimulation, Special education, and Physiotherapy.
-
In 2015, I established the Institute of Neuro-Developmental Therapy and Stimulation, which has grown and been renamed as Cortex Academy in 2022.
-
I regularly organize courses and lectures on persistent primary reflexes, providing insights and knowledge to those interested.
-
My work in this area has also led me to write three books and several scientific articles related to persistent primary reflexes.
The idea for the Cortex Kids program came to me during the Covid lockdowns, when we were suddenly unable to see children in our practice, and school preparation classes and physical activities were put on hold. I felt a strong need to offer something to parents so they could know how to effectively support their child at home.
How the Course Works
The program spans 30 weeks, with new activities introduced each week for you to complete with your child. Each task is clearly explained in writing, and you can also watch accompanying videos where I demonstrate the activities with a preschooler.
At the start, the focus is on developing gross motor skills, improving coordination, and helping your child understand spatial relationships. As the program progresses, we’ll gradually incorporate exercises for fine motor skills, handwriting, visual and auditory perception, concentration, and memory.
I’ve ensured the activities are enjoyable and engaging, so you can look forward to spending quality time with your child. You’ll be jumping, rolling, making necklaces, throwing balls, drawing, and playing a variety of games—all designed to keep you active throughout the (pre)school year, while helping your child steadily develop the key skills they’ll need for a smooth and successful start to school.
How the Course Works (Introduction in czech language)
1. Weekly Clear Instructions (written descriptions, videos, worksheets, and more)
2. We inhibit primary reflexes, improve handwriting skills, visual and auditory perception, concentration, and early math concepts—all within a single comprehensive program.
3. You can do it all from the comfort of your home—and in a fun way!
The price of the entire 30-week course is 4900 CZK/ 215 Euro (including VAT)
Enjoy around 10 minutes of playtime with your preschooler each day, and give them a smooth start to their first year of school!
Want to learn even more about primary reflexes?
Order my book Persistent Primary Reflexes. In the Czech environment, it is a unique publication about persistent primary reflexes and is intended for a wide range of readers and especially for those who are trying to solve the cause of the exponentially increasing problems with learning and behavior of today's children.
The price of the book is 490 CZK
Postage in the czech republic: 90 CZK, postage to abroad depends on the country
