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

Brain Gym

Educational KinesiologyLearning through movement

Used in 80 countries in:Public and private schoolsCorporate programsPerforming artsAthletic training programs

Brain Gym Includes targeted activities that integrate

body and mind to bring about rapid and dramatic improvements in:ConcentrationMemoryReadingWritingOrganizingListeningPhysical coordination

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

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

Research

Carroll (1987).Pre-experimental design research with no

control groupindicates improvements in tests

performance on beginning reading skills 10 weeks of Brain Gym use for 15 min./day

by first graders

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 .

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

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

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

ResourcesAnderson, 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.