Brain Gym® / MBL Connection
The movements and activities that Movement Based Learning, Inc. incorporate in the learning of the child or elder are based on natural, normal human development. They bring about rapid and often dramatic improvements in focus, comprehension, communication, organization and physical movement. The Brain Gym® International Foundation developed a unique program of physical activities that synchronizes body and mind to enhance learning and achievement for people of all ages and abilities. The activities and methods of Brain Gym® are safe, easy and enjoyable. Cecilia Koester developed a course for Brain Gym® International called Brain Gym® for Special Needs Providers. Therapists, teachers, tutors, elder caregivers and parents as well as anyone in the caring professions will benefit from learning how to assess the needs of an individual, develop a Brain Gym® or Movement Based Learning program to meet those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of the program with ways to modify when necessary for best results.
What is Brain Gym®
Brain Gym® is a system that uses simple movements to stimulate brain function. That is, it uses quick, easy-to-do developmental movements to wake up the brain without stress or injury. Children naturally explore these movements as they grow and mature. However, under tension, children learn to rely too much on one cerebral hemisphere of the brain alone, instead of two sides together, placing unnecessary and stressful demands upon the whole physiology. Educator Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of learning through movement and the creator of the Brain Gym program calls this the “switched off” state.
How Cecilia Koester Uses Brain Gym®
Children who have special needs “switch off” more frequently than the average child. Perhaps the stress from neurological damage or simply a more sensitive nervous system creates a need for movements, such as Brain Gym, as well as skills of coordination. The intention behind the Brain Gym is to stimulate the brain so that the child has equal access to all dimensions of the brain. The Brain Gym activities address three specific dimensions of physical movement that correlate with three areas of the brain. Each dimension is described by a key word or function and by viewing postural and behavioral correlates. This means that by observing the child’s behavior or how he/she holds his/her body in space, we are lead to the appropriate Brain Gym movements and activities. Other information that would lead to knowledge about which Brain Gym movements or which activities to choose can be gathered by observing or noticing neurological soft signs. These can be eye or head movements, hand or foot movements. Also, if the child is able to move his/her shoulders and simultaneously move the hips, or, if the child can move in a contralateral way, though uses only one side of the body at a time, then we are able to gather information about the neurological system. They are called “soft signs” because there is no hard evidence from an EEG or a CAT scan; rather we are relying on the cues from the body to surmise how the neurological system is responding. The three dimensions and corresponding information are as follows:
| Dimension | Key Word | Brain Gym Movements |
| Focus | Comprehension | Lengthening Activities |
| Centering | Organization | Energy Exercises |
| Laterality | Communication | Midline Movements |
An example of a Brain Gym movement from the Energy Exercises is called the “thinking cap.” Prior to doing it, however, I invite you (right now) to turn your head to the left and see how far you can look and notice if there is any tension in your neck. Now turn your head to the right and notice how far you can look and notice if there’s any tension in your neck. Massage your ears by unrolling the fold of them by beginning at the top and going all the way to the bottom. Do this three times. (In Brain Gym, we call this the “thinking cap.”) Now, turn your head to the left and notice how far you can look and if there is any tension in your neck; and repeat with your head towards the right. Most of you (98%) will notice a very positive difference in your ability to turn your head. You’ve just relaxed your mind/body system so that you are better able to organize yourself as witnessed by your body’s ability to subconsciously organize itself so that turning your head is easier. This is how simple, yet profound, the Brain Gym movements are. As we experience this gentle, non-invasive techniques for stimulating the brain, imagine how the child might feel.
If you were to do some Lengthening Activities with your child, the brain will respond and he/she will become more able to focus. For example, in Brain Gym we have a movement called the “calf pump.” It is similar to the “runners’ stretch.” Extend your right leg behind you and as the heel is touching the floor, hold it down for approximately 8 seconds and release. Repeat 7-8 times and then repeat with the other leg. This should take about one minute on each leg. This movement stimulates the brain by using the body and subsequently the neurological flow increases and we are able to comprehend our task with greater ease.
To improve communication between one side of the body and the other (or one person and another), we can do a Midline Movement. For example, we can do a cross crawl. This movement is done standing, sitting or lying down by taking your left arm and crossing over the midline of your body to touch your right knee, and vice versa. Do this for approximately one minute, as slowly as possible, because the more slowly we go, the more the brain is able to absorb or use the information. When we do this movement, the hemispheres of the brain are activated and we are better able to communicate. After doing these movements and activities, the brain is stimulated and the rest of the body is more relaxed. Through this preparatory experience, we are then able to engage in the learning that is at hand. For example, if we would like our child to eat with a spoon, drink from a cup, reduce seizure activity, learn to walk, ride a bike or read with greater ease, we might do two or three minutes of Brain Gym designed to stimulate related areas of the brain, and then move into the learning that we intend to accomplish. The Brain Gym activities are best spread out during the day, just as we divide our meals throughout the day. Brain Gym is not a cure-all; it is however a very powerful tool to have as a methods/techniques intervention.
I have seen miraculous improvement in both children and adults who have used Brain Gym. In fact, three children with whom I’ve worked have gone from blindness to sight. One child began to walk independently at age five and, now seven and a half years old, has never returned to his wheelchair. A nine year old boy diagnosed as autistic, who previously used two words to express himself, began using functional speech after just three months of using Brain Gym. One five-year-old boy who was having intense and frequent seizures (about three times a week) decreased his seizure activity to twice a month, and the intensity was also significantly diminished.
A more in-depth understanding of how to use movement-based learning and/or Brain Gym® for Special Needs can be learned by taking a Movement Based Learning class or consulting a practitioner.
Testimonials
“This course is so practical. I am now more open to ideas to help students. I feel re-energized. The practical experience in the course goes along with the book and made my learning easy and fun. I like that there is no other equipment costs involved. I can take the information and directly and immediately apply it.”
Lynne, High School SPED Teacher
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T21:48:13+00:00
Lynne, High School SPED Teacher
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/lynne-high-school-sped-teacher/
“My enthusiasm for my work in the special education classroom has been renewed. I now have an awareness of noticing that will get stronger over time. I have some foundational pieces that Cece calls Building Blocks that will get me to the heart of a child’s problem much more quickly.”
Madeline, ParaProfessional with SPED
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T21:49:44+00:00
Madeline, ParaProfessional with SPED
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/madeline-paraprofessional-with-sped/
“Cece goes first to the child’s heart where all learning begins.”
Bill Hubert, Originator or Bal-A-Vis-X
Movement Based Learning
2017-01-20T14:54:17+00:00
Bill Hubert, Originator or Bal-A-Vis-X
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/bill-hubert-originator-or-bal-a-vis-x/
“This course is priceless. It’s useful for everyone! I am recharged and excited about taking my new tools back to the classroom. I have been feeling overwhelmed and tired to this point! Now, I feel I have some tools! I loved the observation of Cece working with a challenged child; it was priceless.”
Carla, Classroom Teacher
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T21:55:53+00:00
Carla, Classroom Teacher
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/carla-classroom-teacher/
“This Brain Gym® for Special Needs course gave me unique tools to use with the kids when the traditional P.T. stuff doesn’t do the job or help me help the kids reach their goals. Cece, you are the best instructor I’ve ever had for any type of class. Thank you."
Cindy. Physical Therapist
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-25T15:11:15+00:00
Cindy. Physical Therapist
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/cindy-physical-therapist/
“Cece models very well how to teach from the heart and how to notice others. You have got to take her course. It will change the way you think, teach and approach learning.”
LW, Title I Reading Teacher
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T21:59:05+00:00
LW, Title I Reading Teacher
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/lw-title-i-reading-teacher/
“This course is very helpful in giving hands-on exercises to activate the learning process. Teachers are given tools to help optimal learning occur. I’ve learned to be more aware of my own body. I have come to realize the amazing connection between my body and my mind. This course provided a structure for me to achieve greater clarity and experience many insights––things came together. The attention to detail that makes movement-based learning so much more comprehendible will greatly improve the effectiveness of the work I am doing.”
Pamela, Psychologist
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-25T15:12:56+00:00
Pamela, Psychologist
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/pamela-psychologist/
“Cece’s ability to share the way she notices the child’s behavior, demeanor, ability to pay attention to the game being played or the task being done, is magical. She is able to express what she sees so that you can then replicate the assessment in your own sessions with a child. It’s magical.”
C. H. Occupational Therapist
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T21:59:41+00:00
C. H. Occupational Therapist
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/c-h-occupational-therapist/
“This course is a learning by doing experience. The atmosphere was open and safe––conducive to learning. Movement-based learning uses movement of the body to effect changes in the brain. It is a tool that once learned, is easy to integrate into your work as a Physical Therapist (PT) as well as your home life. It is a great adjunct to all other tools that we use as a PT.”
Kristen, Physical Therapist
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-25T15:15:19+00:00
Kristen, Physical Therapist
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/kristen-physical-therapist/
“Behind a giving hand is a warm and gracious heart. You are one of the most amazing women that I have ever met. You bring so much into many, many lives. You have a remarkable gift! Not only are you helping my son see his true potential but you have helped me as a parent in so many ways. Thanks you for sharing with us. We are blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
MP, Parent
Movement Based Learning
2018-01-26T22:00:24+00:00
MP, Parent
https://movementbasedlearning.org/testimonials/mp-parent/
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