Gary W. Morrison, The Grand
Rapids Press, January 27, 2005
GRAND RAPIDS -- Workouts for Congress Elementary School students might
result in better grades instead of bulging biceps.
Before class, students participate in "Brain Gym," where exercises are
based on the premise that whole body movement develops the brain.
Kindergarten teacher Susan Bykerk said the seven to eight minutes of
exercises, done to music, seem to calm kids down and prepare them for the
classroom.
"Different exercises relate to different learning activities, she said.
"If you're going to do a writing activity, you will do Brain Gym exercises
for that activity."
There are Brain Gym exercises to stimulate coordination, listening
comprehension, memory, speech and social behavior, kindergarten teacher
Katie English said.
"If you massage your earlobes, you will stimulate your reading and
listening skills," she said.
Brain Gym originated from the work of Paul and Gail Dennison in the 1970s.
The Dennisons were seeking more effective ways to teach disabled people.
Today, Brain Gym is used in more than 80 countries.
Principal John Verhagen said almost all his staff has taken a class in the
Brain Gym techniques.
"It prepares students for learning, and we're hoping to see results in
better performance in the classroom," he said.
