Movement for Learning Minds Inspired by Brain Gym and Ready Bodies Learning Minds Hope Edwards, OTR, APE Brittany Ortiz, OTS
Feb 24, 2016
Movement for Learning Minds
Inspired by Brain Gym and Ready Bodies Learning Minds
Hope Edwards, OTR, APEBrittany Ortiz, OTS
Do you need this program in your classroom?
Scheduled movement breaks for gaining attention
and focus to support learning
Structured movement breaksO Brain pathways continue to developO Prepares the brain for optimal learningO Attention and focus
O Sensory regulation through movementO Brain and body communication
Will this work for me?O Brief – before or during lessonsO Little space/equipment requiredO Performed in whole group, but
benefits each individual person
What does the research say?
OStressO Adrenaline increasesO Blood flows away from the brain
OBreathing O Increases oxygenO Decreases heart rateO Decreases anxiety
OStretchingO Relaxes musclesO Moves needed fluids to the brain
OWaterO Improves electrolyte balanceO Enhances brain/body connections
Crossing midlineO Right and Left sides of the brainO Each side controls different skillsO Bilateral integration
O Integrate both sides of the body simultaneously to improve communication
O Learning is easier
Other midlinesO Front and back
O Over-focused – try too hard; frustrationO Under-focused – inattentive; hyperactive
O Upper and lowerO Fight/flightO Emotional regulation
O Scheduled movement breaksO Teach a couple every week or so
O Prior to seated, focused tasksO During lessonsO HallwayO Transitions
What can we do?
ReferencesO http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=HSVQtMsqWkMO Zone’in Programs, Inc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw9yZ7EIVf4
O Brain Gym by Paul E. and Gail L. DennisonO RBLM-A Key to Academic Success 2nd
Edition by Athenia OdenO RBLM-Lab Activity and Program Guide 2nd
Edition by Athenia Oden