Your brain processes the information you take in from all of your senses. Andrew Loh of Brainy Child states that brain exercises support the "sharpness and agility" of your brain. The benefits for children include better organizational skills, improved learning abilities and enhanced data retrieval, which in turn increases their academic and social success.
Cross Crawl
The Cross Crawl is a Brain Gym activity that supports communication; it was developed by Paul and Gail Dennison. The Cross Crawl is practiced in two variations. While standing move your right arm cross the left side of your body and lift your left leg across the right side of your body. Reverse by bringing the left arm across the right side and the right leg across the left side. Practice the second variation by bending your left leg behind you, lifting your left foot toward your right hip and touching your foot with your right hand. Reverse by bring the right foot behind the left hip and touching your foot with your left hand. Repeat each sequence five to ten times.
Thinking Cap
The Thinking Cap, also from Brain Gym, stimulates the nerves in the ear and prepares the brain for listening. Take hold of the upper ear with the thumb on the inside of the ear and the tips of fingers on the outside. Gently rub the thumbs from the center to the edge of the ear, moving down until you reach the earlobes. Carefully pull down on the earlobes. Repeat three times.
Puzzles and Patterns
Andrew Loh recommends enhancing thinking skills by playing with blocks and puzzles of various colors and shapes. Use these materials to practice shape and color recognition, sorting and identifying patterns.
Visual Discrimination
Language, memory and sequencing skills are enhanced through visual discrimination activities. Word search games and crossword puzzles are excellent for older children, and younger children can use pictures puzzles such as those found in the "Where's Waldo" books to search for specific items. These activities encourage the ability to discriminate between visual items, supporting literacy skills and, according to Dr. Robert Myers, improving attention span.
The Coin Game
The Coin Game is a sequencing and memory activity from Dr. Robert Myers. Place several coins in a pattern and have your child look at them carefully. Then cover the coins with an opaque object and have your child repeat the pattern from another pile of coins. Use a stopwatch to time how fast he completes the task and write down his results. If he was successful try a new pattern; if not have him try again. Documenting helps you and your child to see his progress over time.
Hook Ups
Hooks Ups is a centering Brain Gym strategy that integrates both sides of the brain and calms the mind and body. This can be practiced in a seated or standing position. Extend your arms in front of you, cross the right arm over the left, turn the palms toward each other, and gently clasp your hands together with fingers interlaced. Tuck the hands under and rest them on your chest. Cross your legs at the ankles. Hold this position for several breaths. Then uncross your arms and legs, place the feet side by side, and touch the fingertips of the right hand to the fingertips of the left hand. Hold for several breaths.
References
- Brain Fitness Exercises for Your Children - Brain Fitness Training
- 5 Simple Concentration Building Techniques for Kids with ADHD
- Brain Gym: Simple Activities for Whole Brain Learning; 1992; Dennison & Dennison
