Brain Gym, Yoga, and Meditation

BySandra Shepherd

WELCOME

Miss Shepherd’s Interview

Food for Thought

Quote: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

-Albert Einstein

Why Brain Gym?

Brain gym movements help to improve blood flow to the brain to “switch on” the entire brain before a lesson begins

The increased blood flow helps to improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.

Why Brain Gym?

Learning blocks can be released by brain gym because the movements activate the whole mind/body system

Brain gym allows students to learn naturally because they have the freedom to move, explore and engage with the world

Cross Crawl

Promotes memory, creative and abstract thinking.

Brain Buttons

Assists with number and letter reversals Assists with consonant blending Assists in keeping place while reading

Why Yoga?

Research suggests that yoga improves motor, communication, and social skills

Yoga can improve IQ Benefits include better concentration,

reduced anxiety and stress Gives proprioceptive input for students

needing sensory integration

The Warrior Pose

The Cat Pose

Shoulderstand Pose

BRAIN GYM & YOGA

Why Meditation?

Can reduce anxiety and aggression Improve ability to focus Improve memory and

concentration Improve creativity Promotes a calmer sense of being

Meditation

Meditation

So I ask again…

Why brain gym, yoga and meditation? With the infinite benefits that all these systems provide in the learning process…Why not brain gym, yoga and meditation?

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Final Thought

Quote: Our challenge is not to educate the children we used to have or want to have, but to educate the children who come to the schoolhouse door." 

- H. G. Wells  

Special Thanks

Special thanks go to Mr. Hemler for creating this video presentation

And to all my students who participate in this program and make coming to work a joyful experience

References

Betts, Dion, and Betts, Stacey, W. Yoga for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders (New York:Vintage, 2006), 46.

Boyajian, Paula. (2004). Yoga for the child with special needs. The Exceptional Parent, 34, 26-30.

References (cont.)

Motivations, Inc www.motivationsceu.com

Brain gym www.braingym.com http://movementbasedlearning.com/

articles/articles/braingymarticle.html http://www.parentingoc.com/

component/content/article/449-featured-articles/2062-empowering-children-through-meditation.html