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Brain Gym® Exercises
Below is a series of movements called PACE. They are surprisingly simple, but very effective! Everyone has a unique PACE and these activities will help both teacher and student become positive, active, clear and energetic for learning.
Drink Water
As Carla Hannaford says, "Water comprises more of the brain (with estimates of 90%) than of any other organ of the body." Having students drink some water before and during class can help "grease the wheel". Drinking water is very important before any stressful situation - tests! - as we tend to perspire under stress, and de-hydration can effect our concentration negatively.
"Brain Buttons"
This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain before a lesson begins. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.
1. Put one hand so that there is as wide a space as possible between the thumb and index finger.
2. Place your index and thumb into the slight indentations below the collar bone on each side of the sternum. Press lightly in a pulsing manner.
3. At the same time put the other hand over the navel area of the stomach. Gently press on these points for about 2 minutes.
"Cross Crawl"
This exercise helps coordinate right and left brain by exercising the information flow between the two hemispheres. It is useful for spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension.
1. Stand or sit. Put the right hand across the body to the left knee and you raise it, and then do the same thing for the left hand on the right knee just as if you were marching.
2. Just do this either sitting or standing for about 2 minutes.
"Hook Ups"
This works well for nerves before a test for special event such as making a speech. Any situation which will cause nervousness calls for a few "hook ups" to calm the mind and improve concentration.
1. Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles.
2. Take your right wrist and cross it over the left wrist and link up the fingers so that the right wrist is on top.
3. Bend the elbows out and gently turn the fingers in towards the body until they rest on the sternum (breast bone) in the center of the chest. Stay in this position.
4. Keep the ankles crossed and the wrist crossed and then breathe evenly in this position for a few minutes. You will be noticeably calmer after that time.
To read more about "Topics in Occupational Therapy", you may want to visit this excellent site:
http://www.ccs.k12.in.us/Hbm/Topics%20in%20OT.htm
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