Presented by Bellaire Elementary School December 2008

Why Brain Gym? I. Social and Emotional Development A. Self Concept Skills I.A.1 Child is aware of where own body is in space, respects personal boundaries. I.A.2 Child shows awareness of areas of competence and describes self positively in what he is able to do. I.A.3 Child shows reasonable opinion of his own abilities and limitations. I.A.4 Child shows initiative in independent situations and persists in attempting to solve problems. III. Emergent Literacy: Reading Domain A. Motivation to Read Skills III.A.1. Child engages in pre- reading and reading- related activities. IV. Emergent Literacy Writing Domain Motivation to Write Skills IV.A.1. Child intentionally uses scribbles/writing to convey meaning. X. Physical Development Domain A. Gross-Motor Development Skills IX.A.1. Child demonstrates coordination and balance in isolation (may not yet coordinate consistently with a partner). IX.A.2. Child coordinates sequence of movements to perform tasks. B. Fine-Motor Development Skills IX.B.1. Child shows control of tasks that require small-muscle strength and control. IX.B.2. Child shows increasing control of tasks that require eye-hand coordination. Texas Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines, 2008

What is Brain Gym? Carla Hannaford, Ph.D., author of Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head, states that our bodies are very much a part of all our learning, and learning is not an isolated "brain" function. Every nerve and cell is a network contributing to our intelligence and our learning capability. Many educators have found this work quite helpful in improving overall concentration in class. Brain Gym activities work in conjunction with drinking plenty of WATER and activating the BRAIN BUTTONS!!

Carla Hannaford says, "Water comprises more of the brain (with estimates of 90%) than of any other organ of the body." Having students drink some water before and during class can help "grease the wheel". Drinking water is very important before any stressful situation - tests! - as we tend to perspire under stress, and de- hydration can effect our concentration negatively. "Brain Buttons” This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain before a lesson begins. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.

Cross Clap

Cross Crawl

Skip Across

Cross Grab

Crazy Eights

Eye Exercises

Neck Rolls

Thinking Caps

Energy Yawns

Resources: Brain Gym by Paul E. Dennison, Ph. D. & Gail E. Dennison Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head by Carla Hannaford, Ph. D. presentation