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Today's
Parents - October 2005
Brain
Gym® was a result of the research by Dr. Paul Dennison and Gail
E Dennison in 1970's. The Dennisons started this to help children
and adults who were "learning disabled". They referred to
research by development specialists who had experimented with physical
movement to enhance learning disability, and created an innovative
new approach to learning - through activities - called Brain Gym®.
This
is also known as Educational Kinesiology, Edu-K, or "learning
through movement". It consists of 26 targeted activities that
integrate body and mind to bring improvement in different functions
of the brain. It claims to enhance one's power of concentration, memory,
reading, writing, organisation, listening and physical coordination.
In
Singapore, Hadi Muhd Chua and his wife Sumiati Said are the pioneers
of Brain Gym®. They undertook the training in 1995 and have sincebeen
conducting classes from their centre in Bedok Reservoir. Apart from
them there are more than a dozen Brain Gym instructors in Singapore
who are authorised to teach Brain Gym®.
How
it works "This
technique involves a series of exercises through which the brain is
stimulated. The activities are effective because they address specific
movements upon which auditory, visual and tactile skills depend. Academic
success depends on having these auditory and other skills in place,"
says Hadi. At his centre, three weekend classes per month cost about
$120.
Lessons
are taught through play. Children are asked to do various activities
depending on their age. An analysis by instructors can identify their
strengths and weaknesses. During exercises, attention is given to
parts of the brain which do not have enough stimulation. After these
children are taken through Brain Gym exercises and then asked to do
the same activity again. Brain Gym focuses on constant practise.
Pros
Its techniques are effective on both children and adults. It takes
about five minutes and does not require any special space or materials.
It also adapts well to different curricula and teaching situations.
Cons
Critics
say that the principles of Brain Gym do not have a strong scientific
base.
Parent
say Fatima
Camut, a 40-year-old teacher and mother of four girls, is a strong
supporter of Brain Gym. Her daughters, aged twelve, nine, six and
four, attend Brain Gym classes regularly. Fatima got to know about
Brain Gym through friends two years ago.
Fatima's
eldest daughter was weak in math so Fatima tried it on her. An educator
herself, Fatima was impressed by the results.
"My
daughter was a right brainer and through the use of Brain Gym she
learnt to use her left brain properly," she says. Inspired, Fatima
has put her other two daughters in the classes. "Their performances
in academic, sports and other activities have shot up and before their
examinations, they make it a point to do their Brain Gym exercises."
Where
to find it
... Click
here.
