Students Maximize Health And Mind With Brain Gym

Brain Gym is a series of simple and enjoyable movements used with students to enhance their experience of whole-brain learning. These Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K) exercises and activities make all types of learning both in and out of the classroom easier, and are especially effective in building academic skills.

Peters refers to the book “Smart Moves” by Carla Hannaford, PhD, which explains that thinking and learning is not all in our head.

“Through the advancements of science we are realizing the importance of whole body/mind integration and the effect of coherent functioning on learning and memory,” Peters said.

She notes that research supports the view of the body/mind connection and the power of movement to assist learning.

“We understand that movement and sensory experiences actually provide continual brain development and growth for a lifetime. These experiences assist the brain in transforming itself in unimaginably flexible ways,” she stated.

Research on the importance of sensory-motor experiences for brain growth and development has grown immensely over recent years.

“We can no longer limit the learning environment to ‘sitting still, being quiet, and memorizing stuff.’ We will encourage children to play, sing, and verbally interact with other children and adults on a regular basis,” explained Peters.

The program is just one the school is utilizing to promote healthy, well-educated kids. Peters and other educators and administrators in the school district believe there are many facets to optimal learning and well-adjusted kids.

“We also know to take in and assimilate learning a child must feel safe, therefore Park is maintaining a safe and healthy environment by continuing to incorporate the Bully Free Program into the curriculum, as well as introducing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and expanding our partnership with the Navajo County Arizona Nutrition Network Program to grades K-2. These programs address nutrition and health related issues such as food safety and childhood obesity,” Peters explained.

Park Elementary School first grader Liam Talley takes a deep breath along with fellow classmates before heading to class each morning as part of the Brain Gym exercises. The program was recently implemented to help students be healthier and make the most of their learning experience. For more photos and information on the program, please turn to Page 6.

Each morning students at Park Elementary School in Holbrook line up for five minutes of mind clearing, body-awakening exercises to prepare for a day of learning.

Deep breathing and stretching are part of the morning ritual for Park Elementary School students. The Brain Gym is just one of the programs utilized by the school to promote healthier, well-rounded kids. Here kindergartners Hope Chapman and Kyle Honeysuckle participate with fellow students under the direction of their teachers.

Second grader Jazzmine Agramont takes part in a kinesiological approach to self-improvement. This approach uses body movement to improve health and brain function for an optimum learning experience.