I use Brain Gym daily to help maintain my energy levels and my focus. Since I have taken the course I am noticing more what my body needs and in general what I need. I'm handling stressful situations a little bit better and am working on a positive attitude no matter now rough things get. With stress and attitude Brain Gym® has helped me to remain grounded and to not crawl within myself. I'm not just moving through my days anymore, I'm living each day...so thank you for that. I really liked the range of music that was played at the workshop...I am looking forward to incorporating music when using Brain Gym with my students. Jill (the Instructor) made the workshop not only very informative but also fun, and truly relaxing.

I use Brain Gym in the classroom throughout the day with my students...we start our day with some form of P.A.C.E. and use movements from the menu during transitions. The students love it!!! I know I am being successful with Brain Gym because my students are more focused since I have implemented Brain Gym as part of our regular routine. They want to lead certain movements. They have even suggested to other teachers who teach them to try using P.A.C.E if they are, tired or out of focus.

Since implementing Brain Gym the classroom environment is calmer and the students are more aware of their own needs. I see them doing Brain Gym movements when they are at their desks (Space Buttons or Earth Buttons) or when they are on the carpet waiting for the music teacher, someone will do a Thinking Caps, then someone else joins in.

They will ask if we can lead a Brain Gym when we come back from break. We did the Double Doodle on paper and they expressed how much fun they had but some said that they noticed it was hard for them to focus on both hands working at the same time plus creating a picture; another one said, "I am left handed so I found that my left hand wanted to lead." I think the eye opener for me was when I saw this student who seemed to have difficulties, and how he handled the double doodle activity on paper... he sat a drew a perfectly symmetrical picture while doing this activity with sustained interest in the task. He did Double Doodles in preparation for a particular activity, he was able to concentrate, remain focused and able to engage his attention to detail. I have seen a great deal of changes in this particular student since I have started to use Brain Gym in the classroom!

Since I have written the above testimonial, I have injured myself and lost a great deal of mobility. The student that I was referring to above has been leading the Brain Gym activities despite my absence. Honestly Sharon, I think the eye opener for me was when I saw how he handled the double doodle activity on paper...such concentration and attention to detail. I have requested to continue working with him next year and I definitely want to track the effects of brain gym with this particular student. So I welcome any suggestions on how to go about doing that. I am a grade two teacher, however next year I will be a 2/3 teacher. Using some of the Brain Gym menu during my current situation is really helping me to stay calm and focused on each challenge and am dealing with each very well as they come along.

Carlene Calbert - Grade 2 Teacher, Stanley Mills Public School