Brain Gym: Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning (Orange)

In my own experience, I no longer teach violin without integrating Brain Gym exercises because the students learn so much faster and develop better technique because they are more relaxed, naturally. I have also taught Brain Gym to writers, musicians, actors, doctors, mathematicians, teachers, dancers, investment bankers, producers etc. and the feedback is consistently positive. If you are a teacher and are interested in this kind of thing, classes are recommended, but the next best thing is to have this little book!


A Great Tool   September 16, 2004
YuppiePunk (Chicago, IL United States)
48 out of 50 found this review helpful

This book is oversimplified and short because it is an instructional reference written for children who may, or may not have learning disabilities. In short, it's perfect for the intended audience. As someone who has coped with severe learning disabilities all of his life, I wish this book was around when I was in elementary school. If you need a book on Brain Gym that is written for adults please try "Brain Gym For Business" or "Brain Gym (Teachers Edition)". You can also visit braingym.com for information on other books and classes taught by certified instructors. Be advised, most alternative books tend to be poorly printed, poorly illustrated, and pricey until the subject becomes popular and picked up by bigger publishing houses.


It really works!   October 14, 2000
Nancy G. (Keaau, Hi USA)
60 out of 66 found this review helpful

As an educator I have searched for techniques to help children extend their attention and stay focused. The exercises in this little orange book really work. I have recommended it to other teachers who agree wholeheartedly. Give it a try (and get a copy of the book for parents and educators that explains why it works so well!)


Simple, Straight forward and Effective   November 12, 2006
Janice L.
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Recently I have had the opportunity to become familiar with Brain Gym. I was looking for answers to why it was difficult for a normal intelligent child to have such a difficult time in school. This was one of the answers to prayer. It showed how simple exercises can enhance a student's learning potential WITHOUT DRUGS, EXPENSE and a HUGE AMOUNT OF TIME. I believe that it has made a difference in the life of my child and it can do the same for you. There is a listing in the book of what exercises to use for specific needs. The only possible draw-back might be that the drawings could be more "polished". For the little amount of money you invest, you receive a large return and can bring hope to a child's learning potential.


Brain Gym Works!! - A teacher's point of view   June 15, 2007
J. Story (Denver, CO)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I wish that I would have known about this book years ago. There are numerous exercises that enhance different areas of the body (including the brain of course). Each exercise lists teaching tips, variations, corrlations, the history of....and more. You pick and choose the exercises that best suits your and your students' needs. After you and your students become familiar with the exercises, it doesn't take much class time to get up and do a few (5-10 min.). Really, what's 5-10 minutes a couple times out of the day of students sitting for hours on end? I implemented certain exercises from Brain Gym and Brain Dance (A.G. Gilbert) into my art classroom this past school year and the combination of both was a raging success with my students. Students would stop by eager tell me about how this or that exercise helped them with concentration or calming down in their general classroom before a test or reading time. It also helped that I personally benefitted from the exercises as well. If I forgot to start class with the exercises or end with "hook-ups", my students were right there to remind me. It is true that the book illustrations aren't the best, but it's all about the motion. My students and I loved the concept and benefits of Brain Gym/Brain Dance so much that we made a video power point demonstrating various exercises and the benefits for the other teachers in the school building because the students wanted their homeroom teachers to do it with them. Students really do benefit congnitively and behaviorly and will want you to make copies of some of the exercises so they can do them at home.
My students' favorite Brain Gym exercise = "hook-ups"