[senco-forum] Brain Gym

From my point of view as SENCO, it is also valuable for me to see which

Having read some other replies after writing mine to Amanda, perhaps a
couple of other points may help.  As I indicated, our training was part of
a whole-school package that included other ideas and suggestions for
improving learning for all abilities, such as Mind Mapping.  We were shown
books that could be bought/borrowed from libraries if we wished to take it
further, which just contained more exercises/activities.

At no time was it suggested that a lot of time should be spent doing the
exercises: a couple of minutes at the start of a lesson; perhaps a break
in the middle, when everyone is ready for a stretch and shuffle about. 
This is done by the classteacher, who joins in as well - no need to
allocate LSAs or anyone else.  All I can say is, that where it is used in
our small primary school, the children love it.  Even the most
sophisticated Y6 enjoys being able to pat the head and rub the stomach
properly when the teacher can't manage it without getting tied into knots!

>From my point of view as SENCO, it is also valuable for me to see which
children have difficulties with left/right; orientation etc.

The rationale behind it may, or may not, be scientifically sound, but it's
relatively harmless, lets off a little steam and gives those who need it
most a break from concentrating on the lesson!  Those with a background in
Infant teaching may recall doing things like "Head, shoulders, knees and
toes" and other action rhymes - all serving the same purpose of breaking
up a lesson and getting the children moving around a little!

Regards

Jean

 Amanda,
> Given limited resources at a secondary level, would you place this over:
> a)
> in class support b:) withdrawal one to one to follow successmaker ( if
> you're familiar with it, I'm not,  but school about to introduce it) c)
> withdrawal to do literacy based support 1:1 or in small groups along the
> dyslexia institute programme lines.  I'm interested in how much of a magic
> wand you really see it as and need some kind of comparison.  If it is as
> good as you seem to indicate, then maybe we should prioritise it over the
> above programmes.  Are there some pupils who seem to benefit more than
> others?  And finally, would you be willing to share your hybrid programme?
> Sharon F.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
> [mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Amanda
> Sent: 01 November 2006 20:01
> To: chris white; 'senco forum'
> Subject: Re: [senco-forum] Brain Gym
>
> Hi Chris
>   Is Brain Gym mumbo jumbo?  As it is 'sold' probably.  I don't trust
> anything which costs so much money to deliver what is actually good old
> common sense.
>
>   Is the theory of 'more exercise means better learning' mumbo jumbo?  I
> don't think so.  Nearest thing to a magic wand I've ever seen is
> 'Developmental Dyspraxia: Identification and Intervention' by Madeleine
> Portwood.  We use a combination of that, some of the 'Brain Gym' exercises
> and some stuff we invented ourselves to develop the physical ability of
> pupils in Year 7, especially those with dyslexia and possible dyspraxia.
> We
> don't do much of it with groups in higher years though I'd like it to be
> used throughout the school as it is in some places.
>   We were trained by an AST who works locally.  I suppose someone out
> there
> is buying 'Brain Gym' training at whatever price it is but we got ours
> free.
>   We only use one TA to work with groups.  It would be great to have a
> whole
> school initiative - I'm working on it.
>
>   Amanda
>   Secondary SENCO
>   Cornwall
>
> chris white <chris19251 at blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I know this has been discussed before but....
> Opinions please:
>
> I've seen the Guardian Article of a couple of years ago-
> Is this really pseudo science and a lot of mumbo jumbo?
>
> More importantly does it work?
>
> Is it OK for primary but not secondary?
>
> Is it one of those band wagons that people jump on and works for a short
> time?
>
> If it is any good - Who should we get to carry out staff training?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Chris
> Secondary Senco
> West Mids
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Amanda
> Secondary SENCO
> Cornwall
>
>
>