

When students are introduced to Brain Gym, they seem to love it, request it, teach it to their friends, and integrate it into their lives without any coaching or supervision. Now let your arms hang comfortably by your sides.Īccomplishes – An increased attention span and fine motor control for written work improved focus and concentration (without over focus) improved breathing and a relaxed attitude an enhanced ability to express ideas and increased energy in hands and fingers.


Now isometrically activate your left arm for a eight seconds in each of four positions away from your head, forward, backward, and toward your ear. Hold your arm just below the elbow with your right hand.
#BRAIN GYM FOR KIDS HOW TO#
Here are some sample exercises, how to perform them, and the benefits achieved:Īrm Activation – Reach up above your head with your left arm, feeling the arm lengthen from your rib cage. They also see positive results, which is a driving force for continuing to do them on a regular basis. Those who practice the exercises enjoy doing them, so they want to do them consistently. The concept is so simple, yet so effective. The lessons taught are profoundly simple, can be done anywhere, and work well for all ages.
#BRAIN GYM FOR KIDS SERIES#
The Brain Gym program provides a series of simple movement activities that optimize learning and performance, while integrating the mind and body. Teachers who incorporate the Brain Gym movements within their daily classroom routine rediscover that joy of teaching for which they originally chose their profession. The principles in the program are so widely accepted that the Brain Gym program is now the standard in many schools around the world and is recommended by tutors and teachers and those looking for a more functional, satisfying lifestyle and sense well being. The Dennisons wish to awaken students, parents, and educators to an understanding of the interdependence of balance, movement, and learning. Paul Dennison with his wife and partner Gail Dennison, and is based on Educational Kinesiology which is the study of enhanced learning through movement. The program was developed by former classroom instructor and authority on reading, Dr. The Brain Gym program ( ) is enabling students throughout the world to be better prepared to learn. When the structural, physical, foundation for learning is in place the student is liberated from the tension and stress that for so many inhibits the flow of learning and creative communication of ideas and information can become a joyful reality. Specific movement activities prepare children to master the physical skills required for the more mental, cognitive, language skills necessary for higher order thinking. A good time to do brain gym is right before learning activities.Brain Gym is an innovative program designed to help students to “ learn how to learn” by stabilizing their vestibular balance, grounding their physical structure, and providing effective tools for self-calming and self-management. Many teachers have found that starting the day with Brain Gym movements helps children to calm down, focus, and perform better. Her ideas are specifically targeted to school age children. Hannaford maintains that learning occurs in every part of our bodies, not just our brains and the intentional body movements can contribute to our learning. Carla Hannaford, a neurophysiologist and educator with about 30 years of teaching experience. Brain gym exercises are based on the work of Dr. Paddling Handimproves blood circulation and improves the memory and attention of your child.Įlephant Trunk stimulates the brain, and improves the child's thinking ability, short- and long-term memory, and attention.īrain gym movements is used to connect both brain hemispheres (right and left), with the final aim of improving the brain functions, balancing the effects of daily stress and tension and, helping one reach an optimal state to help them stay in shape, to think, learn and concentrate at any time. Hook Ups is a calming exercise that helps students focus.

Cross Crawls also help with comprehension, as the movement engages both halves of the brain and force them to work together. The Cross Crawl helps burn excess energy, making it easier for students to concentrate on the teacher's lesson. Thinking Cap helps in improving the child's hearing, peripheral vision, and short-term memory. Brain Buttonsare meant to stimulate blood flow to the brain and helps the child to concentrate and focus.
