Name:Elnaz Ghorbani

School/Affiliation:University of Oklahoma

Co-Authors:Vickie E. Lake

Virtual or In-person:Virtual

Short Bio:

Elnaz Ghorbani is a Ph.D. student in Early Childhood Education at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on trauma in children and posttraumatic growth in teachers, exploring how educators can foster resilience and healing within classroom environments. She is particularly interested in the role of rhythmic and movement-based interventions, such as Bal-A-Vis-X (BAVX), in supporting emotional regulation, connection, and learning for both children and teachers. Elnaz’s work integrates trauma-informed practices, relational theories, and embodied learning to promote holistic well-being in early childhood education settings.

Abstract:

Balance, Auditory, Visual, eXercise (BAVX) is a movement-based education program designed to enhance cognitive, social, and academic development by embedding rhythm into every activity. Originating from Bill Hubert’s (1999) insight that physical rhythm and coordination support learning, BAVX is defined by its use of precise, repetitive, patterned movement, mimicking the natural pendulum, to foster steady, self-generated rhythms rather than relying on external cues, such as music or a metronome.
This qualitative study explored how embedding rhythmic movement in BAVX impacts attention, regulation, and readiness, utilizing an online survey with 32 participants, an administrator interview, and a teacher focus group with 5 teachers. Rhythm emerged as BAVX’s core mechanism, manifesting through synchronized beanbag and ball exercises that require cross-midline coordination and a constant auditory-motor feedback loop. Educators consistently linked these rhythmic routines to improvements in attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive integration, especially for students with attentional or trauma-related challenges.
Teachers described rhythm not just as an element, but as the “scaffold” enabling improvements in phonemic awareness, self-regulation, and readiness for academic tasks. Additionally, BAVX’s structured rhythmic group work cultivated peer leadership, class cohesion, and adaptability to individual needs.
Findings indicate that BAVX’s rhythmic, movement-centered system provides therapeutic and educational benefits, uniquely integrating motor, cognitive, and social development for children's growth.