Educational kinesiology:

Brain gym
 Educational Kinesiology
• teaches specific movements of the body
that can improve mind function. It uses
techniques such as repatterning, which is
the integration of the left and right
hemispheres of the brain through specific
movements; stress release techniques;
and balancing the energy/meridian system
of the body.
 Where Did Edu-k Come From?

• developed by Dr. Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D.,

a learning specialist in the U.S.A. He
worked with people who experienced
learning difficulties and sometimes
behavioral difficulties as a result of their
poor learning abilities. He developed tools
for assisting them to learn more effectively
and to lead more successful lives.
 How Does Edu-k Work?

• Edu-K connects the left and right brain functions

through specific movements in a "repatterning" or
"integration" process. When you are stressed the brain
reacts by blocking the simultaneous transmission of
information to both hemispheres - one hemisphere is
SWITCHED OFF. Edu-K facilitates access to both
hemispheres simultaneously - the person is SWITCHED
ON! Edu-K can improve ability in any area because it
teaches the brain to activate all its functions more fully
 Right vs Left brain
• The theory is that people are either left-
brained or right-brained, meaning that one
side of their brain is dominant. If you’re
mostly analytical and methodical in your
thinking, you’re said to be left-brained. If
you tend to be more creative or artistic,
you’re thought to be right-brained.
 Functions and characteristics of each
hemisphere
• Emotion
This is the domain of the right brain, in both humans and
also in non-human primates. Emotions are expressed and
recognized in others by the right brain.

• Language
The left brain is more active in speech production than the
right. In most people, the two main language areas, known
as Broca's area and Wernicke's area, are found in the left
hemisphere.
• Sign language
Visually based languages are also the domain of the left brain. People
who are deaf show speech-like brain activity when watching sign
language.

• Handedness
Left- and right-handed people use the left and right brain differently. For
example, a left-handed person uses their right brain for manual tasks
and vice versa.

• Handedness is inbuilt, and it can even be detected while the baby is

in the womb. Some babies prefer to suck their left or right thumb
from as early as 15 weeks.
• Attention
The two brain hemispheres also differ in what they pay
attention to.

• The left side of the brain is more involved with attention

to the internal world. The right side is more interested in
attending to the external world.

• Recent brain imaging studies have shown no differences

between males and females in terms of their brain
lateralization.
Tips in keeping your brain sharp
• Spend some time each day reading, writing, or
both.
• Never stop learning. Take a class, go to a
lecture, or try to acquire a new skill.
• Tackle challenging crossword and sudoku
puzzles.
• Play memory games, board games, card games,
or video games.
• Take on a new hobby that requires you to focus.
• In addition to thinking exercises, your brain
benefits from a good physical workout. Just 120
minutes of aerobic exercise a week can help
improve learning and verbal memory.

• Avoid junk food and be sure to get all the

essential nutrients you need through diet or
dietary supplements. And, of course, aim for a
full night’s sleep every night.
 Brain gym
• A simple series of exercises could help your brain
function better, making you sharper, smarter – and far
more confident. Brain Gym comprises very easy body
movements which have been designed to coax the two
hemispheres of the brain to work in synchronisation.
• synchronisation.

• Apparently when our brains become balanced, our

whole bodies respond, revitalising our natural healing
mechanisms, restoring health and harmony.
 Brain gym

Brain Gym develops the brain's neural pathways

the way nature does –through movement.
• Programme of 26 physical movements
• Enhances learning and performance in ALL areas
• Helps learners with specific learning & behavioural
problems
 WHO BENEFITS FROM EDU-K?

• Reading, spelling, math, comprehension

• Self Confidence, Self Esteem
• Coordination
• Concentration, memory
• Overcoming hyperactivity or excessive day dreaming
• Communication
• Handwriting
• Stress release and achievement of goals
• Writing
• Motivation and personal growth
• Organizational and performance skills
Drink Water
• Begin with water to
anchor as you go
Activates the brain for:
• Efficient action
between the brain and
nervous system
• Efficient storage and
retrieval of information
Brain button
• One hand massages two
spots below the clavicle
while the other rests on the
navel. The movements
stimulates the carotid artery
and this way enhances the
blood flow to the brain.
It activates the brain for:
• memorizing
• Keeping one’s place while
reading
• Crossing the visual midline
for reading.
Cross crawl
• this exercise
facilitates connection
between the two
hemispheres.
• Improves academic skills
in:
• Spelling
• Writing
• Listening
• Reading and
Comprehension
Hook Ups
• mind and body relaxation
Improves in:
• Clear listening and speaking
The Thinking Cap
• Activates the Brain for:
• Assisting short term
working memory
• Aiding silent speech and
thinking skills
• Waking up hearing
mechanism so that we can
hear with both ears
together
• Remembering before/
during a test
The Elephant
• Whole mind & body
• activation
• • Strengthens hand/eye
• coordination
• • Improves attention &
can be
• very beneficial for
learners
• with ADD & ADHD
• • Improves balance &
• equilibrium
Lazy Eights
Improve academic skills in:
• The decoding of written language
eye-muscles coordination
• connection between hemispheres
reading speed.
• Strengthen eye-hand coordination
• Clear eye strain & sore neck & shoulders
• Strengthen inner eye muscles & help to
focus simultaneously on the same
central point while reading
• Clear writer’s ‘block’
The Calf Pump
• Helps you to be more
motivated & ready to
move
• increases circulation and
breathing.
• improves social behavior by
increasing attention span and
ability to express and respond.
• Can be of particular
help with speech impaired
and autistic
learners
The Energy Yawn
Addresses skills that require use of
verbal communication
• Provides increased energy and
alertness
• 50% of nerves in body are related to
head & face and as tension is
frequently held in the jaw muscle, this
is highly beneficial for relaxing &
calming the nervous system to relieve
stress & tension
The Energizer
Energizes & wakes up the
system after sitting for a
long time at a desk or in
front of a computer
• Increases oxygen flow
• Relaxes neck & shoulder
muscles
• Reactivates focus
• Improves posture,
concentration, attention,
and breathing.
• Brain Gym for Beginners by Teresa Doğuelli