Brain Gym: Educational Kinesiology Presented by: Laura Robison

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Brain Gym Educational KinesiologyPresented
byLaura Robison
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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 1970s

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Brain Gym

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 .

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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

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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

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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

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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 Teachers edition revised. Ventura, CA
  EDdu-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.