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®
Dimension | Key Word | Brain Gym Movements |
Focus | Comprehension | Lengthening Activities |
Centering | Organization | Energy Exercises |
Laterality | Communication | Midline Movements |
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
Lynne, High School SPED Teacher
Lynne, High School SPED Teacher
Madeline, ParaProfessional with SPED
Madeline, ParaProfessional with SPED
Bill Hubert, Originator or Bal-A-Vis-X
Bill Hubert, Originator or Bal-A-Vis-X
Carla, Classroom Teacher
Carla, Classroom Teacher
Cindy. Physical Therapist
Cindy. Physical Therapist
LW, Title I Reading Teacher
LW, Title I Reading Teacher
Pamela, Psychologist
Pamela, Psychologist
C. H. Occupational Therapist
C. H. Occupational Therapist
Kristen, Physical Therapist
Kristen, Physical Therapist
MP, Parent
MP, Parent