The "Steady Beat" Hack: 5-Minute Games to Boost Focus & Math With Dr. Debby Mitchell
Release Date: 11/11/2025
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info_outlineWhat if a simple clapping game could make your child better at math and reading? 💡 In this super hands-on workshop episode of Raising Innovators, Marnie Forestieri sits down with kinesthetic learning specialist and author, Dr. Debby Mitchell, to unpack the power of "Steady Beat."
Discover the powerful, research-backed correlation between a child's ability to keep a simple beat and their future academic success. This isn't just about music—it's a foundational brain-building skill that starts in the womb and enhances everything from problem-solving to emotional regulation.
Learn how to use everyday household items to:
✨ Build the foundational brain pathways for math and literacy 🧠 Send direct signals to your child's brain to improve focus (especially for short attention spans) 👏 Use simple tools like paper plates, bean bags, and cups as brain-boosters 🧘 Teach patience, social skills, and even leadership through fun "copy me" games
Whether your child is a toddler or in first grade, this episode provides practical, fun, and free activities to build a smarter, more focused brain.
🔖 EPISODE MENU (CHAPTERS)
0:00 Intro: The research behind movement, music, and academic achievement
0:45 Welcoming "Steady Beat" expert Dr. Debby Mitchell
1:24 What is "Steady Beat"? (It's not just rhythm)
1:32 The "Steady Beat" is your heartbeat, your breathing, and windshield wipers
2:00 Why Dr. Mitchell built her dissertation on Steady Beat
2:30 The proven correlation: Steady Beat, Math, and Reading success in first-graders
2:54 When does Steady Beat start? (Spoiler: In the womb)
3:05 How to build Steady Beat in infants (rocking, patting, etc.)
4:05 Why are some people "off-beat"? (The 'Aerobics Class' problem)
4:20 It’s not natural ability, it’s a "foundational skill" that was missed
4:50 HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: Let's Do It!
4:55 Demo 1: Why we use paper plates (They make noise!)
5:10 Steady Beat vs. Rhythm (Irregular Beat) Explained
5:25 Game 1: "Copy Me" with different speeds
6:10 Why noise (like a paper bag) "sends a signal to the brain"
6:25 When to start these games with your toddler
7:00 How to add counting to build math skills
7:15 Demo 2: Using DIY Rhythm Sticks (from paper bags)
8:20 The 3 Main Benefits: Mathematical patterns, repetition, and problem-solving
8:42 The hidden benefit: Teaching children "to wait"
8:50 How this builds social skills and language development
9:20 Demo 3: Using Bean Bags (for short attention spans)
9:50 Demo 4: Using Steady Beat to teach body parts
10:35 Demo 5: Using cups for different sounds
11:30 Why you MUST let your child be the leader 12:20 When is a child ready for rhythm? (Hint: After age 4)
13:00 How to use nursery rhymes ("Twinkle Twinkle") to teach beat
13:30 The power of being a "mindful and immersive" parent
14:30 Are some kids just "natural" drummers?
15:10 Why musically-inclined children often excel in math 16:00 "I'm good at math, but bad at aerobics!" Why?
16:15 The difference between fine motor, gross motor, and movement experience
18:00 How many minutes a day? (Dr. Mitchell's #1 Rule)
18:15 "I always stop when they're having fun."
19:45 Dr. Mitchell's final advice: "Be creative" and "Make it a family affair"
20:20 Final thoughts & How to support the podcast
👩💻 Hosted by Marnie Forestieri
Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/
Facebook: /marnieforestieri
LinkedIn: /marnie-forestieri
Instagram: /marnie_forestieri
🎙️ Guest: Dr. Debby Mitchell (Puedes agregar aquí los links de la Dra. Mitchell si los tienes)
🏫 Connect with Young Innovators Schools Website: https://yiaschools.com
Facebook: /younginnovatorsSchools
Instagram: /younginnovatorsSchools
YouTube: /younginnovatorsSchools
🎧 Raising Innovators Podcast 💡 Helping parents raise resilient, confident, future-ready kids.