1. Brain Gym, Yoga, and MeditationBy
Sandra Shepherd

2. WELCOME

3. Miss Shepherd’s Interview

4. Food for Thought
Quote: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
-Albert Einstein

5. Why Brain Gym?
Brain gym movements help to improve blood flow to the brain to “switch on” the entire brain before a lesson begins
The increased blood flow helps to improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.

6. Why Brain Gym?
Learning blocks can be released by brain gym because the movements activate the whole mind/body system
Brain gym allows students to learn naturally because they have the freedom to move, explore and engage with the world

7. Cross Crawl
Promotes memory, creative and abstract thinking.

8. Brain Buttons Assists with number and letter reversals
Assists with consonant blending
Assists in keeping place while reading

9. Why Yoga?
Research suggests that yoga improves motor, communication, and social skills
Yoga can improve IQ
Benefits include better concentration, reduced anxiety and stress
Gives proprioceptive input for students needing sensory integration

10. The Warrior Pose

11. The Cat Pose

12. Shoulderstand Pose

13. BRAIN GYM & YOGA

14. Why Meditation? Can reduce anxiety and aggression
Improve ability to focus
Improve memory and concentration
Improve creativity
Promotes a calmer sense of being

15. Meditation

16. Meditation

17. So I ask again…
Why brain gym, yoga and meditation? With the infinite benefits that all these systems provide in the learning process…Why not brain gym, yoga and meditation?

18. STUDENT INTERVIEWS

19. STUDENT INTERVIEWS

20. STUDENT INTERVIEWS

21. Final Thought
Quote: Our challenge is not to educate the children we used to have or want to have, but to educate the children who come to the schoolhouse door."  H. G. Wells

22. Special Thanks
Special thanks go to Mr. Hemler for creating this video presentation
And to all my students who participate in this program and make coming to work a joyful experience

23. References
Betts, Dion, and Betts, Stacey, W. Yoga for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
(New York:Vintage, 2006), 46.
Boyajian, Paula. (2004). Yoga for the child with special needs. The Exceptional Parent,
34,

24. References (cont.) Motivations, Inc www.motivationsceu.com
Brain gym