1. Brain Gym
Alphabet
Edit
This involves reading aloud the
letters of the alphabet from
beginning to end and end to
beginning.
Each letter is accompanied by
an action – l is a left arm
raise, r is a right arm raise
and t is both arms together.
Why do it?
Alphabet edit connects left and right brain, helps eye co-
ordination and improves visual, auditory and kinaesthetic ability.
A B C D E F G
l t r r t t l
H I J K L M N
l r t t r l l
O P Q R S T U
t t l r t r r
V W X Y Z
t l l l r

2. Brain Gym
Lazy Eights
With one arm extended in front of
you and your thumb pointing upwards
trace the shape of a figure eight in
the air. The eight should be on its
side and as you trace it out in large,
slow movements focus you’re your
eyes on your thumb. Without moving
your head trace out three eights in
successively larger movements.
Repeat with the other hand and then
repeat with both hands clasped
together.
Why do it?
Lazy eights improve binocular and peripheral vision. It connects
right and left visual fields and improves balance and co-ordination.
Also helps with reading and long term memory.
“Up to the left
and around.
Cross the middle
and up. Around,
down and back to
the middle”.

3. Brain Gym
Cross Crawl Standing begin to march in
time.
Raise your knees and
alternately touch each knee
with your hand.
Progressively move your elbows
to touch each knee.
Why do it?
Cross crawl activates both halves of the brain together.
Research suggests it improves co-ordination, visual, auditory and
kinaesthetic ability and can improve listening, writing spelling,
reading and memory.

4. Brain Gym
Belly
Breathing
•Inhale deeply through the nose and
then exhale through the mouth in
short puffs through pursed lips.
(Try imagining keeping a feather
aloft).
•Inhale through nose (count of 3)
•Hold (count of 3)
•Exhale through nose (count of 3)
•Hold (count of 3)
•Repeat
Why do it?
Belly breathing improves energy levels and consequently attention
span. It helps with reading and speech.

5. Brain Gym
Stroop Say the colour that you see…
Not the word that you see!
Why do it?
Stroop activates both halves of the brain together.
Research suggests it improves co-ordination, visual, auditory and
kinaesthetic ability and can improve listening, writing spelling,
reading and memory.
RED
BLUE
BLACK
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
RED
BLACK
BLACK
RED
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
GREEN
RED
RED