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Our bodies are very much a part of all our
learning, and learning is not an isolated "brain" function. Every nerve and cell
is a network contributing to our intelligence and our learning capability. Here are four
basic "Brain Gym" exercises which implement the ideas developed in "Smart
Moves" and can be used quickly in any classroom. They are surprisingly simple, but
very effective!
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Drink Water:
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.
Put one hand so that there is as wide a space as possible between the thumb and index
finger.
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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.
At the same time put the other hand over the navel area of the stomach. Gently press on
these points for about 2 minutes.
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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.
Stand or sit. Put the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise it, and
then do the same thing for the left hand on the right knee just as if you were marching.
Just do this either sitting or standing for about 2 minutes.
Hook Ups:
This works well for nerves before a test or 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.
Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles. Take your right wrist and
cross it over the left wrist and link up the fingers so that the right wrist is on top.
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. Keep the ankles
crossed and the wrists crossed and then breathe evenly in this position for a few minutes.
You will be noticeably calmer after that time.
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