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Susan’s a math whiz and Caleb’s an artisan extraordinaire. That’s great but wouldn’t it be better if Caleb could improve in math and Susan could invent numerous artistic skills? They may and it’s easy. Researchers have lately came across that whole-brain learning or brain-based learning is an effective and effective learning system that helps kids (parents and teachers, too) learn anything effortlessly without struggling. Not just academics but even playing golf or shooting hoops. Brain Gym and programs such as those of Eric Jensen use brain-based learning to support raise test scores, lower stress, even manage ADHD. One feature of brain-based learning involves using both the right side and the left side of the brain. Although not a single soul is just left brain or just right brain, most of us have a dominance. Susan’s math aptitude means she is in all probability left-brain dominant, and Caleb, the artist, has a right-brain dominance. Learning to read and write requires using both sides of the brain. So does learning math and even doing art. In fact, doing just with regards to anything well, including sports, involves using the right and left hemispheres of the front share of the brain. How do you accomplish this? Easy. Just move all over the center mid-line of your body. Every time you move your right arm to your left side or your left arm to your right side, you’re crossing the mid-line and bettering learning, thinking, and problem solving. Now you’re using brain-based learning. Works for kids. Works for you. Try these tips at home and at school: 1. Give yourself a big hug. 2. Tell kids the only rule is to cross the mid-line of the body, right hand to left side, left hand to right side. Now let them manufacture ways of doing this. 3. Twirl a hula hoop. (Or do the hula.) 4. Ice skate. Practice making figure 8′s. 5. Teach your kids how to twist. (So you weren’t dancing in the 50s and 60s? Ask somebody to show you how to twist or get a dance video.) Twist with the kids while you listen to a heap of old Chubby Checker songs. 6. Rake galore leaves with your kids, making sure you’re raking off to the side rather of straight in front of you. 7. Play a board game. (Use your right hand to move your piece when it’s in the left corner and vice versa.) 8. Practice using your non-dominant hand to reach for things on the opposite side of your body. Even writing and drawing with your non-dominant hand helps. (You’ll get better with practice.) 9. Do Yoga and Tai Chi. Lots of moves cross the mid-line. 10. Cross your ankles and arms in front or in back when you’re doing jumping jacks. Try it in a swimming pool. This brain-based learning system in truth isn’t all that complicated. Lots of each and everyday activenesses activate the whole brain. Sitting around watching TV, however, isn’t one of them!
You and your kids need to move around and cross your mid-line. It’s fun. Makes learning anything easier.
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