Lisa Andresen

EDUW 694
Brain Break Activity
May 17, 2014
Hands On, How to Use Brain Gym in the Classroom: A practical Photo Manual for Educators, Parents,
and Learners, Isabel Cohen and Marcelle Goldsmith, Hands On Books, Sea Point, South Africa, 2002
ISBN: 978-0-942143-13-3
www.braingym.com
Brain Gym (BG) is a series of simple body movements used to integrate all areas of the brain to
enhance learning and to build self-esteem. Whole-brain learning draws out the potential locked in the
body and enables students to access those areas of the brain previously unavailable to them. (Brain
Gym, 1)
BG utilizes three dimensions of movement:
1. Lateral: coordinates the left and right sides of the brain in respect to the body midline for cross
body communication
2. Centering: coordinates the top and bottom parts of the brain for organization of thought and
action
3. Focus: coordinates the receptive brain stem with the expressive forebrain for comprehension
and perspective
These two activities may be done for a specific length of time or a specific number of repetitions.
Activity 1: Cross Crawl (Midline movement)
No materials needed.
Standing, bring the left knee up while bringing the right elbow down to meet it. Return to center and
repeat with the opposite side. This activates left/right, top/bottom and back/front areas of the brain and
body simultaneously. Depending on the individuals involved a certain number of repetitions many be
completed or a timer may be set. Appropriate for any age and any size group. Variations are easy to
create with the crosses being completed behind the back, laying on the floor and completing a sit-up like
movement or while moving around in a space.
Activity 2: The Rainbow (Vision Gym)
No materials needed.
1. Arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Breathe in and look past your right hand as if searching for a
pot of gold.
2. Breath out as you drop your head forward.
3. Repeat step 1 to the other side
Appropriate for any age or group size. Elbows may be bent or straight, depending on the individuals
abilities.