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What is Dyslexia? / What is Brain Gym?
The word 'dyslexia' comes from the Greek and means 'difficulty with words'. Dyslexia is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in one or more of: reading, spelling and writing. It is a persistent condition. Accompanying weaknesses may be identified in areas of:
- Speed of processing
- Short term memory
- Organisation
- Sequencing
- Spoken language and motor skills
There may also be difficulties with auditory and/or visual perception. It is particularly related to mastering and using written language, which may include alphabetic, numeric and musical notation. Dyslexia can occur despite normal intellectual ability and teaching. It is constitutional in origin (part of one's make-up) and independent of social or language background.
Some learners have very well developed creative skills and/or interpersonal skills. Others have strong oral skills. Some have no outstanding talents. All have strengths.
Kate's story of dyslexia told by Penny Baker
Kate was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was 7 years old. When speaking to the school about her learning problem, I was told that she was a slow starter and learner. In the eighties dyslexia was not really recognized and she was sent to see the school psychologist who did lots of tests on her ... then I was told that she was “just slow”, although “she had a fairly high IQ”. There was a special school in Guildford that took special needs children for one day a week, but because Kate's IQ was too high they would not accept her.
A friend told me about the Dyslexia Association. They sent me a huge pack of reading matter and I was able to decide in what areas Kate was having most difficulty. It soon became apparent that she was severally dyslexic, so Kate got after-school lessons and extra work at school to help her.
At senior school Kate had more problems as no one told the school of her special needs. She often got into trouble with the teacher for bad spelling and lack of concentration with her work. When they found out about her dyslexia Kate was put in the lowest groups for lessons. This helped her because she did not struggle so much, and gradually she learnt to read properly.
Kate left school with no qualifications. Kate's interests were sports, dance and drama ... and she soon became a dance teacher. Working with poi has helped Kate in most areas of her life and she is now working hard to help other people with special needs, as she has personal understanding of what it is like to have learning difficulties."
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What is Brain Gym?
Brain Gym® is an educational movement based programme which uses simple movements to integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to learn effectively. It can be used to improve a wide range of learning, attention and behaviour skills.
Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym® are the result of many years of research into learning and brain function by an educationalist, Dr Paul Dennison PhD, from the United States. It is now used in over 45 countries and is recognised as a safe, effective and innovative educational and self-development tool. |
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Who does it help?
Originally created to help children and adults with learning challenges, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. Brain Gym® is now used to improve the functioning and life quality of people from all walks of life: from education to the arts, business, healthcare, sport and personal development. People of almost any age and mobility, from babies upwards, can safely use the movements.
What does it help?
The improvement in whole brain function that can result from use of the Brain Gym® movements has benefits such as:
- Academic skills - for example, reading, writing, spelling and maths
- Memory, concentration and focus
- Physical co-ordination and balance
- Communication skills and language development
- Self-development and personal stress management
- The achievement of goals - both professional and personal
For more information - contact www.braingym.org
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