ABL COMPLETE LABS

Action Based Learning K-2 Lab

Why the Action Based Learning Lab?

Research shows children are not reaching their full potential if they are sitting all day. When children are active, the brain makes connections needed for anchoring information, memory, and recall.

ABL uses purposeful movement strategies to the child's advantage, resulting in healthier, happier students who test higher. 

Movement not only grows new brain cells and prepares the brain for learning, but it works to enhance development, and helps close learning gaps in students who are struggling. Simply put, ABL Labs are designed to prepare the brain for learning.

What is the brain body connection?

Research shows the strong connection between the brain and body and the link to overall cognitive development.

What is the purpose of the lab?

To prepare the brain for learning!

Brain science strongly supports the link between movement and learning. The brain and body's movement and learning systems are interdependent and interactive. For example, the body's vestibular system controls balance and spatial awareness and facilitates the student's ability to place words on a page! The body's motor, balance, and vestibular systems must be developed properly in order for the brain to have the mechanisms necessary to process information. If a child skipped crawling, for example, the brain may have missed a step in practicing processing information. If the child is given the opportunity to practice and rewire those systems, then the brain is able to develop the foundations necessary for learning readiness. Proper development and remediation of these systems are critical to a childs’ success in the classroom. Learn more 

What are the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness?

Each active learning station in the lab, applies what we know about the brain body connection by focusing on the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness.

There are 12 core foundational skills that help students build the framework (and prepare their brains) for learning: cross lateralization, body in space, balance, visual development, tactile learning, motor skills, visual tracking, hand/eye/foot coordination, cardiovascular and physical fitness, rhythm, problem solving, and mindfulness. Practicing these foundations helps us close learning gaps and help students reach their maximum learning potential.

ABL K-2nd Complete Lab Package:

ABL Labs come with formal training and classroom certifications for schools and after school learning centers. ABL Lab packages are customized to fit individual needs, budgets, and spaces. All ABL Labs include stations to target all 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness. 

Keep in mind, since Action Based Learning Labs are customized and based on the needs of the school, your lab can be built slowly over time. It is not required to start with the complete lab package. We often work with schools who begin with little to no budget, providing long term planning and support, as well as assistance in grants and funding. 

Request a free needs assessment for your school, and receive a custom quote same day. For funding and grant opportunities, check out the ABL grants page.

Is the ABL lab sold in a package or by individual stations?

Both! Many schools opt for the entire lab package, which includes staff training, lab manuals, support materials, activity guides, as well as all of the stations necessary to focus on the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness. However, not all schools will have the resources to implement a complete lab package immediately. Action Based Learning Labs can be customized to fit the specific needs of the school. The first (and highly recommended) step is to attend an Action Based Learning training. Trainings provide an in depth understanding of ABL, the brain research behind the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness, and allow educators to leave with a vision of what ABL looks like in the school setting!

Who runs the lab?

Typically, classes are scheduled 2-5 times a week for 20-30 minute lab sessions. The lab may be facilitated by the individual teacher during the scheduled time. Ideally, the school designates a lab coordinator to facilitate the ABL Lab. Many times, the physical educator or health and wellness coordinator takes the initiative to lead ABL within their own school and/or districtwide.

Recommended to include in  K-2 Lab:

(1) Numeracy Noggin Wall Mount 
(1) Letter Learning Wall Mount 
(1) Keyboard Mat 
(1) Platform Steps 
(1) Veggies Boxes 
(1) Add-On Incline Crawl Ladder for Veggie Boxes 
(1) Whaler Sensory Board 
(1) Green Rockin' Turtle Shell 
(1) Telephone Math Mat 
(1) ABL Ladder Package w/ Academic Cards 
(5) Balance Boards 
(1) Roll & Crawl Mat Package
(1) Balance Rope 
(1) Balance Beam 
(1) Ele-Fun Eye Tracker 
(1) Monkey See Eye Tracker
(1) Rainbow River Stones Set
(1) Helicopter Spin
(1) Frog Hop Number Line Mat
(1) Geo Color Hop Mat 
(1) High Five Jungle Cross-Lateralization Wall Mount 
(1) Calming Poses Wall Mount 
(1) Animal Round-Up Wall Mount
(1) Tactile Stepping Pathway
(1) BBA Graphics Package 
(1) ABC Pathways Mat w/ Teacher & Student Cards 
(1) Eye Tracking & Balance Surfboard 
(1) Super Small Swim N Spin

Music to my ears! 🎶 We had a great time in our ABL lab singing a song about our multiples of 7. @LiestmanES @Kidsfit_ABL @AliefABL pic.twitter.com/LkxFl4HAao

— Stephanie Ramos (@MissSRamos__) October 20, 2022

Action Based Learning Body Brain Adventure Lab for Elementary School Students 

View School Spotlights of ABL Labs in Action

Action Based Learning Labs are designed to prepare the brain for learning. Each active learning station in the lab, applies what we know about the brain body connection by focusing on the 12 foundations of Learning Readiness. For example, the body’s vestibular system controls balance and spatial awareness. Strengthening these foundations facilitates the students ability to place words and letters on a page. When a student walks or crawls in specific patterns, the brain’s ability to encode symbols is increased. Proper development and remediation of these systems are critical to a childs’ ability to learn.

Benefits

Students engaged in Action Based Learning improve memory retention, reinforce academic concepts, balance brain chemicals while experiencing whole-brain, whole body learning.

Day to Day

Typically students will spend 2-5 minutes at each station in the lab, rotating at the sound of a buzzer. Some of the stations include flip-chart holders, the content of the flip chart can be customized based on the curriculum for that day. This is great for students reviewing facts before tests! Students can also pair up and work with partners - one student will be moving while the other student is quizzing them.

Packages

ABL equipment comes with formal training and classroom certifications for schools and after school learning centers. ABL lab packages are customized to fit individual needs, budget, and space. All ABL labs include stations to target all 12 foundations of learning readiness.

Request a free needs assessment for your school, and receive a custom quote same day! For funding and grant opportunities, check out our grants page!

@yamilets777 loved working with Ms. Carmago’s 4th graders this morning in the @Martin_Mustangs @Kidsfit_ABL lab! pic.twitter.com/MsVJ1GHBt7

— Alief ISD Action Based Learning (@AliefABL) September 28, 2022

Action Based Learning Neuronasium Labs for Middle and High School Students

Movement is a critical factor for the developing teen brain, and has been proven to positively influence the way the adolescent brain is structured, enhance cognition, and impact brain function throughout the adolescent years. All Action Based Learning Labs are based on the brain research that shows us how movement improves brain function. The lab is designed for 2 key purposes (1) to maximize cognitive capabilities (2) to provide adolescents an advantage to learning.

As students learn and move in the Neuronasium lab, they experience greater self awareness, heightened self esteem, and improved social skills. As a result of practicing purposeful movement throughout the learning process, students will experience challenge, feedback, and physical activity, three components that are necessary for optimal brain function.

REQUEST PROPOSAL

Although the underlying concepts in each lab remain constant, the program design is flexible and can be modified or adopted to meet the needs of every student, and adjusted to fit within each school's space and budget requirements. School's may request a need assessment call & custom proposal for Neuronasium Labs here.

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Action Based Learning Sensory Labs for Schools, OT/PT Facilities

This interactive lab introduces an active sensory environment with developmentally appropriate activities that assist children with body awareness, fine and gross motor skills, cross-lateralization, vestibular development, proprioception, strength, flexibility and mindfulness.

The Sensory Lab uses kinesthetic movement and playful activities to help students learn and master The 12 developmental foundations for success.

*The Sensory Lab is strongly based on the nationally recognized 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness skills. Lab Facilitators can incorporate academics and plan instruction based on developmental stages of reading, math, & spelling, utilizing the 12 foundations of learning readiness.

• Sensory Lab stations use hands-on activities that teach students how to cross the midline, body awareness, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, self
• management and locomotor skills.
• Includes staff training to understand the connection between the 12 Foundations of learning readiness and how the foundations pertain to classroom success.
• Use multi-sensory activities to fill developmental gaps in reading,
• writing, math, & spelling.
• Lab facilitators utilize the ABL manual to scale activities to meet the unique needs of each individual student.

All Sensory Labs are custom and designed to fit the needs, space, and budget of each facility. To request a custom proposal, submit the below form or email customerservice@kidsfit.com directly for more details. 

Action Based Learning Math Immersion Labs are designed to prepare the brain for learning. Each active learning station in the lab, applies what we know about the brain body connection, supporting the link between movement and learning to improved academics.  The immersion lab uses purposeful movement layered with mathematics to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom.

Benefits of the lab:

+ Ability to focus for longer periods of time on difficult math problems (CDC)

+ Increased confidence & lower test taking anxiety (CDC)

+ Increased ability to problem solve  (CDC)

+ Improved memory, recall & problem solving ability (CDC)

= Improved Math Scores (CDC)

Ways to use the Lab:

 + To reinforce math concepts & anchor learning in the classroom

+ To prepare the brain for learning new concepts

+ To prepare the brain for testing

+  To improve mood & boost student confidence 

+ To help students reset, refocus, and re-enter the classroom
Day to Day

Typically students will spend 2-5 minutes at each station in the lab, rotating at the sound of a buzzer. Some of the stations include flip-chart holders, the content of the flip chart can be customized based on the math curriculum for that day. Lab can be utilized to review what is currently being taught in the classroom to anchor learning, as well as pre-test review. Students can also pair up and work with partners - one student will be moving while the other student is quizzing them. Immersion labs often serve as an additional place for students to reset, refocus, and re-enter the classroom. 

Packages

ABL immersion labs include formal training and classroom certifications for schools and wellness centers. ABL lab packages are customized to fit individual needs, budget, and space. All ABL labs include stations to target all 12 foundations of learning readiness.

Request a free needs assessment for your school, and receive a custom quote same day! For funding and grant opportunities, view ABL Grants Page.

Elementary Classroom Circuit

Elementary Carts are portable and assist in creating a school-wide environment of Action Based Learning!

ABL offers 2 types of Circuits:

•  Elementary ELA Circuit 
•  Elementary Math Circuit
• Click here to view the ABL Calming Cart

Action Based Learning Mobile Circuits offer schools more flexibility to implement Action Based Learning Strategies without compromising space and budget. Circuits provide ABL equipment and support materials content specific for the elementary level to assist educators in integrating academics with purposeful movement.

Support materials provide over 120 Activities and 35+ tools and equipment stations on board the mobile classroom circuit. The provided activities can be easily modified and adapted to provide hundreds of additional activities for students as they progress. Circuits include 141 page ABL Manual, Academic Charts, Cue Cards, Activity Guides, Academic Mats, Wall Mounts, and ABL accessories/equipment that can be quickly pulled off the circuit and used in the hallways, classrooms, or common areas for quick purposeful movement activities that prepare the brain to learn throughout the day.

All circuits include: 

• ABL Academic Mats 
• ABL Wall Mounts
• Boomerboard(s)
• Student Academic Cards
• ABL Manual
• Activity Guides & Activity stations/equipment to support all 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness. 
• Intro phone consultation w/ ABL Master Trainer: FREE

+ ABL Academy Online Course!

Each circuit includes a free course to provide instructor training on how to use the ABL cart and strategies to integrate academics with cart activities - free with order provided by ABL Online Academy!

Why are purposeful movement activities important?

Neuroscience shows the relationship between the brain and body plays a critical role in the child's overall development and ability to learn. Research shows, practicing specific movements, can strengthen these connections and improve reading, writing, memory tasks, & allow children to absorb & retain information more efficiently.

What types of purposeful movement activities are critical to learning?

There are 12 critical areas necessary for a child to develop in order to achieve their full academic potential. These are called the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness:

• 1- Crossing the Midline - Cross Lateralization

• 2- Body in Space - Vestibular/Proprioception

• 3- Balance - Spatial Orientation

• 4- Visual Development - Encoding Symbols

• 5- Rhythm - Beat Awareness and Beat Competency

• 6- Tactile Learning- Sensory Motor and Fine Motor Skills

• 7- Motor Skills - Locomotor and Nonlocomotor Skills

• 8- Eye/Hand Eye/Foot Coordination - Manipulative Skills

• 9- Physical Fitness- Strength and Flexibility

• 10- Cardiovascular Fitness- Aerobic 

• 11- Problem Solving: Embodied Cognition

• 12- Self Management: Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

https://vimeo.com/436223515

ABL® Calming Cart

The ABL® Calming Cart provides schools with a flexible, portable solution to integrate Action Based Learning® strategies while supporting student self-regulation and emotional wellness. Designed for elementary classrooms (K–5), this mobile cart equips educators with over 35 tools, 10+ stations, and 120+ activities to help students reset, focus, and prepare their brains for learning.

Purpose and Benefits

The Calming Cart is designed to help students manage emotions, reduce stress, and regain focus. Students learn to recognize which tools work best for them and when to use them, promoting self-awareness, mindfulness, and independent regulation. The cart can be used individually, in small groups, or as a whole-class activity, creating a structured yet flexible system for purposeful movement and emotional support.

How It Works

• Set up up to 10 stations using the included cones, and place the corresponding station cards at the tip of each cone.

• Model expectations and proper use of each activity for students.

• Rotate students through stations using the included timers, adjusting duration based on the number of stations and group size.

• Activities can be used in classrooms, hallways, or common areas to provide quick, purposeful movement breaks that prepare the brain to learn.

• Additional wall mounts allow for a consistent setup and easy access to equipment in various locations.

Included Equipment and Tools

• 2 Boomerboards

• 2 Balance Boards

• Balance Rope

• 5 Sensory Seat Cushions

• Turtle Shell

• Standing Eye Tracker

• Handheld Eye Tracker

• Learning Ladder and Cards

• 2 Stability Fitness Balls

• Padded Scooter Board

• 10 Assorted Cones

• 9 Juggling Scarves

• Ribbon Wands

• Tactile Domes

• Raindrop Body Sock

• Peacewalk Mat

• Activity Card Sets, Station Cards, and Product Guide

• And more

Who Benefits

The Calming Cart is ideal for classrooms with or without a dedicated ABL® Lab. It supports students of varying abilities and grade levels, allowing all learners to practice the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness® while promoting focus, self-regulation, and emotional balance.

The Importance of Purposeful Movement

Research shows a direct link between physical activity and brain function. Purposeful movement strengthens neural connections, improves memory, reading, writing, and problem-solving, and enhances overall learning efficiency.

12 Foundations of Learning Readiness®

The activities on the Calming Cart help students develop critical skills in the following areas:

1. Crossing the Midline – Cross Lateralization

2. Body in Space – Vestibular/Proprioception

3. Balance – Spatial Orientation

4. Visual Development – Encoding Symbols

5. Rhythm – Beat Awareness and Beat Competency

6. Tactile Learning – Sensory Motor and Fine Motor Skills

7. Motor Skills – Locomotor and Nonlocomotor Skills

8. Eye/Hand/Eye/Foot Coordination – Manipulative Skills

9. Physical Fitness – Strength and Flexibility

10. Cardiovascular Fitness – Aerobic Activity

11. Problem Solving – Embodied Cognition

12. Self-Management – Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

The ABL® Calming Cart is more than a piece of equipment—it is a comprehensive, mobile classroom solution that encourages purposeful movement, emotional regulation, and active learning for elementary students.

Action Based Learning Pre-K Lab

Why the Action Based Learning Lab?

Research shows children are not reaching their full potential if they are sitting all day. When children are active, the brain makes connections needed for anchoring information, memory, and recall.

ABL uses purposeful movement strategies to the child's advantage, resulting in healthier, happier students who test higher. 

Movement not only grows new brain cells and prepares the brain for learning, but it works to enhance development, and helps close learning gaps in students who are struggling. Simply put, ABL Labs are designed to prepare the brain for learning.

What is the brain body connection?

Research shows the strong connection between the brain and body and the link to overall cognitive development.

What is the purpose of the lab?

To prepare the brain for learning!

Brain science strongly supports the link between movement and learning. The brain and body's movement and learning systems are interdependent and interactive. For example, the body's vestibular system controls balance and spatial awareness and facilitates the student's ability to place words on a page! The body's motor, balance, and vestibular systems must be developed properly in order for the brain to have the mechanisms necessary to process information. If a child skipped crawling, for example, the brain may have missed a step in practicing processing information. If the child is given the opportunity to practice and rewire those systems, then the brain is able to develop the foundations necessary for learning readiness. Proper development and remediation of these systems are critical to a childs’ success in the classroom. Learn more 

What are the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness?

Each active learning station in the lab, applies what we know about the brain body connection by focusing on the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness.

There are 12 core foundational skills that help students build the framework (and prepare their brains) for learning: cross lateralization, body in space, balance, visual development, tactile learning, motor skills, visual tracking, hand/eye/foot coordination, cardiovascular and physical fitness, rhythm, problem solving, and mindfulness. Practicing these foundations helps us close learning gaps and help students reach their maximum learning potential.

ABL Pre-K Complete Lab Package:

ABL Labs come with formal training and classroom certifications for schools and after school learning centers. ABL Lab packages are customized to fit individual needs, budgets, and spaces. All ABL Labs include stations to target all 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness. 

Keep in mind, since Action Based Learning Labs are customized and based on the needs of the school, your lab can be built slowly over time. It is not required to start with the complete lab package. We often work with schools who begin with little to no budget, providing long term planning and support, as well as assistance in grants and funding. 

Request a free needs assessment for your school, and receive a custom quote same day. For funding and grant opportunities, check out the ABL grants page.

Is the ABL lab sold in a package or by individual stations?

Both! Many schools opt for the entire lab package, which includes staff training, lab manuals, support materials, activity guides, as well as all of the stations necessary to focus on the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness. However, not all schools will have the resources to implement a complete lab package immediately. Action Based Learning Labs can be customized to fit the specific needs of the school. The first (and highly recommended) step is to attend an Action Based Learning training. Trainings provide an in depth understanding of ABL, the brain research behind the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness, and allow educators to leave with a vision of what ABL looks like in the school setting!

Who runs the lab?

Typically, classes are scheduled 2-5 times a week for 20-30 minute lab sessions. The lab may be facilitated by the individual teacher during the scheduled time. Ideally, the school designates a lab coordinator to facilitate the ABL Lab. Many times, the physical educator or health and wellness coordinator takes the initiative to lead ABL within their own school and/or districtwide.

Recommended to include in Pre-K Lab:

• Sensory Stepping Stones
• Lily Bridge Set
• Learning Letter Wall Station
• Animal Round Up Wall Station
• Hundreds Wall Chart
• Calming Wall Station
• Balance Bean
• Frog Hop Number Line
• ABC Pathways Surfboard
• Healthy Body, Healthy Brain Set
• Reading Balance Boards Set
• ABL Math Telephone Mat
• ABC Pathways Mat
• Tactile Stepping Pathway
• Helicopter Spin
• Padded Scooter Board
• Over the Hills Climber
• Reef Rescue
• Kinesthetic Shape Tracers
• ABL Keyboard Mat
• ABL Pattern Walking Mat
• Whaler Sensory Board
• ABL Ladder Package
• Over Under Cross Lateralization Bars Set with Mat
• Cardio Kids Boomerboard
• Cardio Kids Moonwalker
• Ele-Fun Eye Tracker Station
• High Five Jungle Wall Station
• ABL Learn n Move Mat
• Veggie Box and Neuroconnector Set
• Numeracy Noggin Wall Station
• Youth Balance Rope
• Geo Color Hop Mat
• ABL Learning Assessment Platform Steps
• Green Rocking Turtle Shell
• Monkey See Eye Tracker Station