Movement for Learning Minds

Movement for Learning Minds

Inspired by Brain Gym and Ready Bodies Learning Minds

Hope Edwards, OTR, APEBrittany Ortiz, OTS

Do you need this program in your classroom?

Scheduled movement breaks for gaining attention

and focus to support learning

Structured movement breaksO Brain pathways continue to developO Prepares the brain for optimal learningO Attention and focus

O Sensory regulation through movementO Brain and body communication

Will this work for me?O Brief – before or during lessonsO Little space/equipment requiredO Performed in whole group, but

benefits each individual person

What does the research say?

OStressO Adrenaline increasesO Blood flows away from the brain

OBreathing O Increases oxygenO Decreases heart rateO Decreases anxiety

OStretchingO Relaxes musclesO Moves needed fluids to the brain

OWaterO Improves electrolyte balanceO Enhances brain/body connections

Crossing midlineO Right and Left sides of the brainO Each side controls different skillsO Bilateral integration

O Integrate both sides of the body simultaneously to improve communication

O Learning is easier

Other midlinesO Front and back

O Over-focused – try too hard; frustrationO Under-focused – inattentive; hyperactive

O Upper and lowerO Fight/flightO Emotional regulation

O Scheduled movement breaksO Teach a couple every week or so

O Prior to seated, focused tasksO During lessonsO HallwayO Transitions

What can we do?

ReferencesO http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=HSVQtMsqWkMO Zone’in Programs, Inc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw9yZ7EIVf4

O Brain Gym by Paul E. and Gail L. DennisonO RBLM-A Key to Academic Success 2nd

Edition by Athenia OdenO RBLM-Lab Activity and Program Guide 2nd

Edition by Athenia Oden