Brain Gym Movement is the Door to Learning

Brain Gym® “Movement is the Door to Learning. ” -Paul E. Dennison, Ph. D.

Agenda n n n n Brain Gym®-What is it? Brain Gym®-History/Research Breathing/Owl Arm Activation PACE Lazy Eight/Skull Tapping Catch a Brain Wave Song

Brain Gym®: n n Is 26 simple enjoyable movements that are used to enhance our ability to learn and process information in an ease –filled way. Bring fresh oxygen to the brain. Release stress and restore energy. Empowers individuals to utilize there own brain power more effectively.

Brain Gym®-History Developed in the 1970 -to 1980’s by learning specialist Paul E. Dennison, PH. D. and his wife Gail. n Brain Gym® grew out of more than 25 years of experience with clients and students, as the Dennisons searched for more effective ways of helping those with learning disabilities. n

The breath should expand the rib cage. n Breathing correctly allows abundant oxygen for higher brain functions. n Inhale to the count of six, hold breath for four, exhale slowly. n

Owl

Arm Activation

n Four basic “Brain Gym®”movements to calm, energize and get the mind and body ready to learn. n n Hook-ups for Positive Cross Crawl for Active Brain buttons for Clear Water for Energy

Water

Brain Buttons

Cross Crawl

Hook-Ups, Pretzel

Hook-Ups Part 2

Lazy Eight

Lazy Eight on Paper

Lazy Eight, Stickers

Skull Tapping Organized stimulation of the nerves of the head promotes a sense of timing, rhythm and flow within the brain/body system.

Thinking Caps n n Helps to focus attention on hearing. Stimulates over 400 acupuncture points in the ears. These points are related to every function of the brain and body. Helps to integrate speech and language.

Resources § § § History: Brain Gym and Me. Paul E. Dennison. Ventura: Edu-Kinesthetics, 2006. www. Braingym. org Brain Gym® Research: Jerry V. Teplitz. www. teplitz. com/Brain. Gym. Research. htm (Click on the left side of page near bottom). Educational Kinesiology Foundation (Many articles on facebook. Article below posted 3/1/16). Building Body-Brain Connections in Our School System www. lavalfamilies. ca/articles. asp? a=499

Resources cont. § § § § Testimonials: Educate Your Brain. Kathy Brown. Balance Point Publishing, 2012. www. Educate. Your. Brain. com (See Kathy’s Blog) www. heartsatplay. com articles/testimonials (facebook) Educational Kinesiology Foundation articles/testimonials (facebook) Catch a Brain Wave/Smart Fitness Smart foods www. Ronno. Song. com Brain Gym Music: www. tessarose. co. nz

Energize yourself with movement! Have fun. Patricia Urban Brain Gym® Consultant (315) 635 -7736 sabharp@att. net

Water n n n Makes up 70% of body weight (55% in women), 90% of brain. We need about 1/3 oz. per pound. Flushes toxins out of body. Increases energy. Sends more oxygenated molecules to the brain to improve production and concentration. Improves test taking ability and all academic skills.

Brain Buttons n n Buttons are located near carotid arteries, which supply fresh oxygenated blood to the brain. Hands on the navel brings attention to gravitational center of body. Increases clarity for visual activities or thinking skills. Increases relaxation.

Cross Crawl n n n Activates both hemispheres of neocortex simultaneously. Done slowly, activates the vestibular system for balance. Improves reading, writing, spelling, listening comprehension; improves left/right coordination.

Hook-Ups n Connects the electrical circuits in the body. The mind and body relax as energy circulates through areas blocked by tension. The figure 8 pattern of the arms and legs follow the energy flow lines of the body. The touching of the fingertips balances and connects the two brain hemispheres.

Lazy Eight n n Crosses the visual midline without interruption thus activating both right and left eyes and integrating the right and left visual fields. Ability to recognize and distinguish symbols. Ability to write without stress. Improves sense of balance & coordination.