Get The Kids Exercising Their Brains With Brain Gym

Brain Gym is an educational, movement-based program. The simple movements integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to live and learn more effectively.

Use these great warm-ups at the beginning of your school day, at transition time, as a brain break or when you notice your students becoming unengaged or disruptive.

Try;

Cross Crawl - stand up and place the right hand on the left knee while lifting the knee to the hand. Do the identical movement for the left hand on the right knee, as if marching in place.

Hook Ups - stand up and cross the right leg over the left at the ankle. Put the right wrist over the top of the left one and intertwine the fingers. Turn the fingers in towards the body and rest them in the centre of the chest. Breathe deeply. Untwist and do the opposite side.

Energy Yawn - while pretending to yawn, close your eyes tight and massage the areas covering the upper and lower back molars. A deep relaxed yawning sound is made while massaging the muscles, Repeat the activity three to six times.

Brain Buttons - press lightly with your thumb and index finger on the indentations that are just below your collar bones. Let your other hand rest gently across your belly button. Breathe deeply.

Lazy 8’s - the student draws in the air with his finger, starting at the midline and moves counterclockwise first, up and over and around. Then from their waist, they move clockwise; up, over and around and back tot he beginning midpoint. Head moves slightly and neck remains relaxed. Do three repetitions with each hand separately and then both together.

Positive Points - lightly touch the points above each eye, halfway between the eyebrows and the hairline, with the fingertips of each hand. Use just enough pressure to pull the skin taut, and hold the contact for a minute.

Arm Activation - Reach up above your head with your left arm, feeling the arm lengthen from your rib cage. Hold your arm just below the elbow with your right hand. Now isometrically activate your left arm for a few seconds in each of the four positions away from your head, forward, backwards and towards your ear. Rest your left arm again at your side. Do it with the right arm. Now stand and let your arms hang comfortably by your sides.

What are great transition or brain gym activities you like to use with your class? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.