What is Brain Gym®?

Brain Gym® is the registered name given to the sensory motor movement program of Educational Kinesiology. It is a gentle and energizing program which includes movement to switch on and coordinate the brain and body for greater productivity and learning. Brain Gym promotes efficient communication among the many nerve cells and functional centers located throughout the brain and body.

The exciting thing about Brain Gym is that it shows results in a short period of time, in most cases immediately.

One of Brain Gym’s strongest features is that it is not just for those people who have learning difficulties. Its benefits have been apparent to those who have never seen themselves as having learning problems. It allows the person not only to relax and improve their performance and skills but also believe in themselves and their ability to learn.

Use of Brain Gym in Schools and Educational Institutions

Brain Gym has been taught in schools worldwide, and is used in corporate, business, institutional, and athletic programs. Brain Gym is currently used in over 100 countries and has been translated into over 40 languages.

Clinical experience, field studies and published research reports have shown that Brain Gym prepares the brain and the nervous system for optimal performance in the intellectual, sporting, creative and personal areas at every stage of life.

What does Brain Gym Do?

· Activates your brain and body for optimal functioning and learning

· Releases stress and anxiety from your system

· Builds confidence and self esteem

· Increases vitality and energy

· Improves memory, communication, organisation, academic and study skills, and performance

· Helps develop mind/body awareness so you can recognize the physical, emotional and mental
signs that you are switching off and getting stressed.

How Does Brain Gym work?

Movement is needed to stimulate learning and thinking. When we move, we activate and switch on areas in the same parts of the brain that are used for learning and thinking. Brain Gym specifically switches on the different parts of the brain used in learning.

Who can experience Brain Gym?

Brain Gym can be safely and effectively used by people of all ages:

o Babies & Toddllers

o Pre-schoolers

o School Children

o Students

o Parents

o Teachers/ Educators

o Professional and Business People

o Musicians

o Athletes

o Elderly People

o Disabled People

Why use Brain Gym?

Recognise any of the following?

· Stress and anxiety

· Burnout or low energy levels

· Workaholic behaviour

· Mood swings

· Difficulty expressing thoughts

· Poor concentration

· Difficulty to stay with a task to the finish

· Hyper- or hypo- activity (ADD/ADHD)

· Poor posture

· Poor coordination and balance

· Difficulty knowing left and right

· Inability to sit still

· Clumsiness

· Poor memory

· Forgetting what has just been learnt

· Daydreaming or not paying attention

· Losing your place when reading

· Poor handwriting

· Poor reading

· Poor spelling

· Poor maths

· Dyslexic behaviours

· Letter or word reversal

· Austic/Asperger’s syndrome

Can anything be done to help?....

YES It can! Brain Gym can make a difference

Brain Gym May Help to Improve

· Concentration & Complex Thinking

· Memory

· Auditory Processing & Listening

· Language and Communication

· Speech

· Vision

· Academic Skills: Reading, Writing, Spelling & Maths

· Comprehnsion

· Positive Thinking and Self Esteem

· Creativity and the Generation of New Ideas

· Coordination and Athletic Performance

· Stress Release

The Brain Gym Movement Program is

· Easy and Safe as they are natural movements that prepare people of all ages to practice and master the skills required for everyday living and functioning. Brain Gym requires no special talents or coordination skills.

Brain Gym requires no special talents or coordination skills and is a good warm-up for all mental activities and exercise programs.

· Distinctive as Brain Gym addresses the physical, rather than the mental components of learning which are so relevant and vital to the learning situation. When you switch on the physical functioning of your brain and central nervous system through neurological stimulation, your learning, behaviour and abilities improve, along with self esteem and confidence.

· Flexible in its application. There are times when a short session is all that is required to other situations when there is a need to devote more time. The Brain Gym program can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

· Portable and needs no expensive equipment, technology, testing or special space. Doing the one day introductory course is basically all you need to begin using the Brain Gym program.

· Adaptable to any curriculum, learning or business situation. It will enhance current curriculum. Brain Gym is as effective in business, health, sports and the arts, as well as in the classroom.

How can Brain Gym be experienced?

· Private consultations with Claire Hocking, Educational Kinesiologist

· Introductory one day courses

· The 4 day certified Brain Gym 101 course

Private Consultations

Claire Hocking, an experienced Brain Gym Instructor and Educational Kinesiologist, offers private consultations in Geelong, Victoria where it is safe to create change in functioning and learning using the Educational Kinesiology balance format. Together you set a specific goal for something you wish to accomplish, or some potential you would like to develop or feel better about. An individualized program will be designed to meet your or your child’s specific needs.

Introductory One Day Courses

Introductory one day courses can designed to meet the specific needs and time constraints of different groups.

BRAIN GYM IN THE CLASSROOM - Level One

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements!

Learn all about the Brain Gym movement program including the 26 Brain Gym movements that ‘switch you on' for any activity - learning & study, sport and, work. Explore simple and fun ways you can successfully use Brain Gym in your classroom to improve:

§ Learning

§ Concentration

§ Memory

§ Attitude

§ Self esteem & confidence

§ Coordination

§ Communication

§ Study Skills

§ Creativity

Learn the philosophy behind Brain Gym, brain-body physiology, learning as a neurological experience and the Brain Gym Movements. Explore simple and fun ways you can use Brain Gym overcome many learning and behavioural problems. Over the last few years, thousands of school children and adults have benefited by doing the Brain Gym movements outlined in these workshops.

BRAIN GYM IN THE CLASSROOM - Level Two

This workshop is designed for those people who are familiar with the Brain Gym movements and wish to increase their skill and knowledge. Learn various adaptations and add more variety. Learn how to do a "Seven Minute Tune-up" and more in-depth and permanent corrections such a Dennison Laterality Repatterning (a specific sequential movement pattern unique to Brain Gym). While research shows improvements in learning using the Brain Gym movements, the results are even more amazing after doing a Dennison Laterality Repatterning with your students or on yourself!

Prerequisite: Knowledge of the Brain Gym Movements is assumed

BRAIN GYM FOR LITERACY - Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For Literacy!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for literacy. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their brain and body so they are most receptive to learn and improve their literacy skills including:

· Reading with ease

· Oral reading

· Reading comprehension

· Writing legibly

· Effective writing

· Spelling with accuracy

· Clear Listening and Speaking

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

BRAIN GYM FOR LITERACY-Level 2

This workshop looks at increasing your Brain Gym knowledge and skills to further enhance improvement in the literacy areas, including learning techniques of Whole Brain Writing & Reading. Also discover the vital link to reading, writing, listening and speaking, and the side of the body your student favours for seeing, hearing, touching and moving. Learn how to easily test your student’s dominant eye, ear, hand and brain and the implications for their learning, especially under exam and stressful situations. Learn the most effective Brain Gym to keep both sides of their brain & body fully ‘switched on’ and management strategies that will best enable each student to perform at their highest level.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of the Brain Gym Movements is assumed

BRAIN GYM FOR NUMERACY- Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For Numeracy!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for maths. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their brain & body so they are most receptive to learn and improve their maths skills including:

· Remembering tables

· Problem Solving with ease

· Working in Columns

· Space, Mass, Quantities & Relationships

· Sequencing Numbers

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

BRAIN GYM FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For Information Technology!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for information technology. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their brain & body so they are most receptive to learn and improve their computer skills including:

· Being comfortable at the computer

· Entering data with speed, accuracy and comfort

· Inputting with accuracy

· Maximizing programming abilities

· Keyboarding with dexterity

· Preventing eyestrain at the computer

· Maintaining postural flexibility

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

BRAIN GYM FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS - Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For the Creative Arts!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for the creative arts. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their brain and body so they are most receptive to learn and improve their creative arts skills including:

· Accessing creativity

· Communicating effectively

· Speaking clearly with expression

· Projecting and maintaining confidence

· Staying calm

· Working as a team

· Memorizing a script with accuracy

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

BRAIN GYM FOR MUSIC – Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For Music!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for music. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their brain so they are most receptive to learn and improve their music skills including:

· Accessing creativity

· Playing an instrument with ease & accuracy

· Singing with expression

· Projecting and maintaining confidence

· Staying calm

· Working as a team

· Handling criticism

· Memorizing a score with accuracy

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

BRAIN GYM FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORT - Level 1

Learn all about Brain Gym & the movements For Physical Education & Sport!

Learn about the Brain Gym movement program including the most effective sets of Brain Gym for physical education & sport. Explore simple ways you can successfully use Brain Gym with your students to quickly & easily ‘switch on’ their body & brain so they are most receptive to learn and improve their physical education and sport skills including:

· Whole body coordination

· Hand-eye coordination

· Ease of movement

· Gross and fine motor skills

· Ball handling

· Working as part of a team

Brain Gym will encourage your students to work at their full potential.

GAMES & ACTIVITIES USING BRAIN GYM

Have Fun with more Games and Activities using Brain Gym!

This practical workshop demonstrates simple fun-to-do games & activities using Brain Gym. Especially useful for the primary classroom, pre-school or at home and are easily incorporated into every day school and classroom routine.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of the Brain Gym Movements is assumed

BABY BRAIN GYM

A Great Start in Life!

At birth, your baby’s brain contains more than 200 billion cells. The more stimulation your baby receives, the more connections are formed in your baby’s brain. In this workshop learn simple and fun activities to do anytime with your baby, that promotes your child to develop to their full potential. A unique feature of this workshop is learning ‘Baby Brain Gym’ from the person who developed it. This workshop is especially relevant for parents, infant welfare nurses, occupational, physical & speech therapists, childcare directors & staff, volunteers and carers of the young.

BRAIN GYM IN THE PRESCHOOL & KINDERGATEN

The preschool years is the most important time in a child’s life to stimulate and ‘switch on’ the vital basic brain connections & functions that lay the foundations for learning. Learn the philosophy behind Brain Gym, brain-body physiology, learning as a neurological experience and fun, simple ways to use Brain Gym in the preschool. Over the last few years, many pre-school children have benefited by doing the exercises and activities outlined in this workshop.

BRAIN GYM IN THE SPECIAL NEEDS CLASSROOM

This practical workshop focuses on working with the special needs child using Brain Gym to enhance their quality of life. The Brain Gym exercises improve learning, memory, concentration, coordination & movement and communication skills. The exercises are easily and readily adapted to individual needs and situations. This workshop is especially relevant for parents, health professionals including occupational, physical & speech therapists, social & recreational program directors & staff, volunteers and carers of the special needs.

BRAIN GYM FOR THE MALE & FEMALE BRAINS

This workshop looks at the differences in the ‘wiring’ of the male and female brains and how this affects the different ways boys and girls learn and behave. Learn the relevant Brain Gym and management strategies that best assist to overcome these sexual differences.

HELP FOR THE HYPERACTIVE CHILD

This workshop discusses many aspects of dealing with a hyperactive child. You will learn many simple and practical yet highly effective techniques that will assist in dealing with this situation. This workshop is especially relevant for parents, teachers, integration aides, health professionals including occupational & physical therapists.

What is Educational Kinesiology?

Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K) is the process of drawing out learning through our natural movement experiences. Edu-K is a process for re-educating the whole mind/body system for accomplishing any skill of function with greater ease and efficiency. Edu-K is not a method but rather a “tool” to make any teaching or learning system more efficient. It is designed to enhance and support all teaching techniques to work better and faster.

Educational Kinesiology is a valuable personal development tool as it allows you to take action to rectify a situation and create definite, positive changes in their lives.

It is based upon more than 80 years of research by educational therapists, developmental optometrists and other specialists in the fields of movement, education and child development.

Educational Kinesiology is a brilliant synthesis of various discoveries from the health, education and personal growth fields. It is a gentle and energizing movement program based on 80 years of research by educational therapists, developmental optometrists, and other developmental specialists. Edu-K developed from clinical studies into learning disabilities started in 1969 by Paul Dennison, Ph.D., who continues to research and develop the procedures. Edu-K is a process for re-educating the whole mind/body system through movement, to accomplish any skill or function with greater ease and efficiency.

Development of Educational Kinesiology

Educational Kinesiology grew out of clinical studies started in 1969 by Paul Dennison, Ph.D., an American educational therapist, who was looking for ways to help children and adults who had been identified as learning-disabled. Dr Dennison noticed that after doing certain movements his student’s learning and performance often improved. His research led him to the study of kinesiology, the science of body movement and the relationship of muscles and posture to brain function. Dr Paul Dennison has been developing Edu-K procedures over a twenty year period and continues to research and develop the Edu-K process of learning through movement.

Brain Gym

The Brain Gym movements have been shown in clinical experience, in field studies, and in published research reports, to prepare children and adults with the physical skills they need in order to learn, write and otherwise function effectively in the classroom or workplace. Brain Gym is a learning readiness program and focuses more on the physical aspects of learning and behaviour rather than the mental aspects.