Movement and Learning
Unlocking Potential
Facilitator:
Janice Fiore
Certified Brain Gym® Instructor and Movement Specialist
607-222-1022 Janicefiore@gmail.com
Brainworksnaturally.com
Find someone on the opposite side of the room and…
Janice Fiore
About Cecilia
There is no try
Language Intention
Language is a special kind of code that is directly related to meanings in our minds. We formulate thoughts and communicate to others.
We can communicate in very powerful ways: spoken language,
body language,
and facial expressions.
Educational Kinesiology Foundations
Movement Stimulates Learning Physical activity boosts the vestibular system, leading to better balance and improved sensory integration for learners.
Enhances Brain Communication Movement increases communication between brain hemispheres, which supports essential cognitive processes and learning abilities.
Reduces Stress for Learning Physical activity lowers stress, removes barriers to learning, and helps maintain an optimal state for brain function.
Boosts Oxygen to Brain Movement increases oxygen flow, fueling the brain for clear thinking and optimal cognitive function during learning.
Movement Boosts Brain Power
Enhances Neural Connectivity
Physical movement strengthens connections in the brain, which are vital for improved learning and memory retention.
Improves Classroom Performance
Movement increases student focus and retention, resulting in better classroom engagement and academic performance.
Integrates Practical Strategies
Brain breaks and active routines help integrate information into neural networks for long-term success in learning.
Attentional system (Integration Through Movement)
Impact of Retained Moro Reflex
Sensory Hypersensitivity
Children with a retained Moro reflex may react intensely to sensory stimuli like noises, lights, or touch.
Emotional Reactivity
Increased emotional reactivity can cause frequent mood swings or anxiety in affected children.
Impaired Concentration
Difficulty focusing and symptoms may be mistaken for attention disorders such as ADHD.
ATNR and Learning Challenges
Impact on Midline Crossing
ATNR interferes with the ability to cross the body's center, affecting essential academic tasks like reading and writing.
Academic Difficulties
Children with persistent ATNR face challenges in tracking words and writing smoothly, which can hinder academic progress.
Interventions and Support
Early identification and specific interventions can help children overcome difficulties and improve their academic performance.
TLR's Role in Classroom Success
Development of Posture and Balance
The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex supports the growth of proper posture control and balance, essential for classroom success.
Impact of Unintegrated TLR
Children with unintegrated TLR may fidget, struggle with board work, or have difficulty concentrating in class.
Understanding Reflex Interference
Recognizing reflex interference helps teachers respond with empathy, seeing challenges as developmental rather than misbehavior.
Understanding Neurological Foundation
Biological Basis of Brain Function
The neurological foundation is the biological basis of how the brain and nervous system operate in humans.
Neuron Communication
Neurons communicate with each other to regulate behavior, cognition, and emotions in the body.
Advances and Brain Health
Recent advances have improved treatment of neurological disorders, emphasizing the importance of brain health.
Understanding Movement Challenges
Difficulty Sitting Still
Children who fidget or seek movement can have trouble participating effectively in classroom activities.
Motor Coordination Issues
Struggles with crossing the midline and tracking objects can reduce motor skills and reading ability.
Task Organization Difficulties
Problems with organizing, sequencing, and following directions can result in poor focus and incomplete tasks.
Assessment <≠> Noticing
New learning is possible with formally noticing and recording what works or does not work for us.
All learning is automatically anchored by this skill of recognizing meaningful experience.
What it is not?
Assessment <=> Noticing
What is it?
An awareness or sensing
Seeing the positive possibilities
Why Do Brain Gym®?
To access the brain
for a greater ease in learning.
Learning Readiness
PACE�Brain Gym® – Relaxed Alertness
Positive hook-ups
Active cross crawl
Clear brain buttons
Energetic water
Music
�PACE Applications for Relaxed Alertness
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Hookups
What We Know
Brain Gym® Improves
Cumulative Progress
Tools for Diffusing Negative Emotions
Movement Builds the Brain Through…
What is Brain Gym®?
Using simple precision movement to “wake up” the brain.
When Do We Use It?
Throughout the day and to fall asleep at night.
Why?
To access the brain to stimulate or quiet brain circuitry.
Why Use it With Children/Adults Who Have Special Needs?
Bilateral Exercises to Decrease Off-Task Behaviors in Special-Needs
Pre-schoolers - By Dr. Jennifer Dustow, August 22 to September 30,
2005. Public elementary school in Oahu, Hawaii.
www.amazon.com/Autism-Project-Dr-JenniferDustow/dp/3838316614
Research Findings: http://www.breakthroughsinternational.org�
1991 – Effect of EK on Simple Response Times & Choice Response Times
Field Studies - Qualitative Research�� Observation, Description� Evaluation�
Research Indications or Conclusions
Length or Frequency of Intervention
Impact of Daily Movement Program
Improved Attention Span
A daily movement program resulted in a 67% increase in attention span among Year 2 students, promoting better focus.
Increased Reading Fluency
Reading fluency metrics improved by 42%, showing that physical activity supports academic skills and student progress.
Reduced Behavioral Incidents
There was a significant reduction in behavioral incidents, contributing to a positive and calm classroom atmosphere.
Enhanced Classroom Participation
Previously reluctant learners became more engaged, demonstrating increased participation and enthusiasm.
Optimal Performance: Integrated Beings
Focused: Participates, recalls details, sees the “big picture,” able to multi-task, confident, intentional, has a clear sense of self
Centered: Organized, grounded, follows through, tuned in to self and others, has a sense of well being
Clear: Acts and moves effortlessly, thinks clearly, graceful, articulate, reads and writes easily, good listener, interested, skillful
Clear Listening and Speaking
Memory and Abstract Thinking
Writing Supports
Handwriting & Creative Expression
Creative Expression
Math Skills
Speed-Reading
Develop Inner Sunshine
Performance Under Stress: �The Un-integrated Being
Holds back or tries too hard, lost in details, no perspective, perseverates, looses self in task
Scattered, unstable, fragile, stuck, procrastinates, flooded with feelings or cut off, frustrated
Struggles, uncoordinated, confused, lacks comprehension, inarticulate, poor listener, unskillful
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Brain Gym® Exercises
stimulate
strengthen
rewire
THREE DIMENSIONS: Laterality (left and right)
Center (top / bottom)
Focus (front / back)
Stress
Emotional:
Physical:
Behavioral:
Environmental:
Chemical:
Adapted from Putting Out the Fire of Fear by Sharon Promislow
Other:
44
Brain Gym® Exercises
Infinity 8
x
47
The Thinking Cap*
Activates the brain for:
*Brain Gym® Energy Exercise
Activities that support our sense of
Organization and relationship:
48
Quick Brain Tuneups
Today, we’ll explore some specific movements that �address the Dennison’s three dimensions of learning:
Focus
Centering
Laterality
Focus Dimension
Attentional Intelligence
Where Am I in Space?
Centering Dimension
Laterality Dimension
Emotional Intelligence
Where Am I in Relationship to People and Objects?
Informational Intelligence
Who Am I? What Is It?
Focus
Front-Back
Comprehension
Participation
Lengthening Activity
Attentional Intelligence
Centering
Laterality
Up-Down
Organization
Stabilization
Energy Exercises
Organizational Intelligence
Side-Side
Communication
Processing
Midline Movements
Informational Intelligence
Using the Lens of the
3 Dimensions of Learning:
And we’ll explore some of Koester’s movements that address the building blocks to the three learning dimensions.
Focus
Centering
Laterality
Developmental Building Blocks
Contralateral
Homolateral
Homologous
Spinal Movement
Navel Radiation
Mouthing
Breathing
Precursors to
Brain Gym®
Movements
Breathing
Focus Dimension
Arm Activation
Spinal Walking
When the spine is balanced, all later movements can be supported. p.46
Centering Dimension
Centering Movements
Skull Tapping
Organized stimulation of the nerves of the head promotes a sense of timing, rhythm and flow within the
brain/body system.
p.44-45
Laterality Dimension
Activities to enhance bi-lateral integration:�Lazy Eights*
Starting at the midline, follow your hand as you draw 3 lazy eights. Repeat with other hand and again with both hands. Always move up the middle first.
Facilitates:
*Brain Gym® Midline Movement
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How?
Alphabet 8
Bal-A-Vis-X
Balance
Auditory
Vision Training
eXercises
Originated by Bill Hubert
www.bal-a-vis-x.com
BAVX Demonstration
Positive Language
Brain Gym® and BAVX
Boost Learning with Movement
Movement Breaks for Focus
Short, cross-lateral movement breaks between subjects help refresh students' focus and boost their energy for learning.
Self-Regulation Techniques
Teaching children self-regulation movements empowers them to manage emotions and improve attention independently throughout the day.
Personalized Support
Observing individual responses allows educators to tailor movement strategies, supporting each student for maximum benefit.
Quick Brain Breaks
Boosts Focus and Energy
Taking quick brain breaks under two minutes can improve attention and increase energy levels during the day.
Simple Refreshing Activities
Activities like stretching, deep breathing, or jumping jacks help quickly refresh the mind and body.
Enhances Productivity and Concentration
These quick pauses reduce stress, enhance productivity, and promote better concentration for work or study.
Brain Breaks for less than 2 minutes
Foot to foot bean bag pass
Swimming
Balloon toss
Back writing
Write now
Clap stomp hop
Partner pattern
Rhythm sticks
Scarf toss
Resources
Websites, Media
Questions and Answers
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Thank You!
All it takes is one person to make a lasting difference in another person’s life.