Brain Gym: Educational Kinesiology Presented by: Laura Robison

1. Brain Gym: Educational KinesiologyPresented by:Laura Robison

2. Brain Gym • A program of physical movements that enhance learning and performance in all areas through whole brain learning in the field of Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K) • Developed by Dr. Paul Dennison and Gail E. Dennison beginning with research in the 1970’s

3. Brain Gym • Educational Kinesiology • Learning through movement • Used in 80 countries in: • Public and private schools • Corporate programs • Performing arts • Athletic training programs

4. Brain Gym • Includes targeted activities that integrate body and mind to bring about rapid and dramatic improvements in: • Concentration • Memory • Reading • Writing • Organizing • Listening • Physical coordination

5. Three premises of Brain Gym • Learning in a natural, joyous activity that continues throughout life • Learning blocks are the inability to move through the stress and uncertainty of a new task • We are all “learning blocked” to the extent that we have learned not to move

6. Brain Gym Helps Children, Adults, and Seniors • Learn anything faster and more easily • Perform better at sports • Be more focused and organized • Start and finish projects with ease • Overcome learning challenges • Reach new levels of excellence

7. Research • Carroll (1987). • Pre-experimental design research with no control group • indicates improvements in tests performance on beginning reading skills • 10 weeks of Brain Gym use for 15 min./day by first graders

8. Research (cont.) • G. Dennison and Lehman (1996) • Qualitative and descriptive research • Resulted in observable improvements in 15 preschoolers in the areas of drawing, reading and writing .

9. When to use Brain Gym • Beginning of the day • Transition times (esp. between active and inactive lessons) • Before lunch • Before rest time • At the end of the day

10. Adaptations of the concept • Use a selection from the Brain Gym CD • Use alternative music and do the Brain Gym exercises • Embed movements that cross the midline into routines and lessons throughout the day. • Use action songs with movements that cross the midline

11. Action Music Alternatives • Macarena Months by Dr. Jean • Five Little Monkeys by Dr. Jean • Five Green and Speckled Frogs by C. J. • Touch by Hap Palmer • Shake Something by Hap Palmer

12. Resources Anderson, N., & Meiser, F. (2007). The smart brain train: How to keep your brain healthy and wise. Sheffield, MA: Safe Goods. Carroll, D. H. (1988). Positive activities. Brain Gym Magazine, 2 (2). CJ. (1993). Fundamentals. Hilmar, CA: Suit A Records. Dennison, G. E. (2001). Brain gym for preschoolsers in a Headstart program. Brain Gym Journal, 1 & 2. Dennison, P. E., & Dennison, G. E. (1994). Brain gym: Teacher’s edition revised. Ventura, CA: ED=du-Kinesthtics, Inc. Feldman, J. (1998). Dr. Jean and friends. Tampa, FL: Progressive Music. Palmer, H. (2001). Getting to know myself. Freeport, NY: Educational Activities, Inc. Tessarose Productions (n.d.). Brain gym: Music for encouraging brain gym movements. Christchurch, NZ: Tessarose Productions.