In less than 5 minutes these 4 techniques will help both you and
your kids be more Positive, Active, Clear and Energetic.
PACE stands for a series of four simple techniques that prepare the brain and body
for optimal learning, comprehension, awareness, and engagement. In short, it
enables any participant to be Positive, Active, Clear, and Energetic.
These four techniques are from the Brain Gym® learning menu. Brain Gym is a
form of educational kinesiology developed by educator and reading specialist, Paul
Dennison, and his wife and colleague, Gail Dennison. It uses safe and simple
movements to reduce stress in the body and improve connections in the brain.
Physical therapy, yoga, acupressure, and the Chinese meridian system are all
woven into this unique practice.
As you learn each technique I will explain in more detail how it prepares both brain
and body for optimal learning.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
Although personal results vary, Brain Gym is used by thousands of OTs, PTs,
Teachers, and Kinesiologists around the world. Each amazed at how it prepares
their students or clients for greater success.
I work with all ages and abilities in my business and have witnessed every single
student and client who actually uses the techniques exceed expectations and blow
away their peers, mentors, teachers, and families.
Furthermore, as the first Licensed Brain Gym Instructor in the U.S. to have
experienced Brain Gym since infancy, I personally used these four simple
techniques before and during every test, sports game, and presentation during my
schooling. I graduated at the top of my class and was captain of every sport I
played.
This may seem small or insignificant, but after contracting Spinal Meningitis as an
infant the doctors warned of learning challenges. I was 5 ½ months old when I
began my life-long journey with Brain Gym and literally used these simple tools at
every turn.
To not only succeed, but far surpass any expectations, was indeed a huge
accomplishment.
Today I continue to use these simple tools as an adult before I teach, speak, and
work with private clients.
PACE is accessible and versatile.
Just as these techniques help kids be their best, they help adults as well.
They have the power to help you and your kids prepare for new learning and be
your best in any environment.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
It’s always good to notice where you are before you do anything that is meant to
improve your state.
So first, before you skip ahead to the techniques, take a deep breath and
notice how your body feels right now. Notice if your mind is racing, if you are
stressed or calm. Just notice.
Great! Now you are ready!!
So, to begin PACE, we build from
the bottom up, just as you would
build a house with the foundation
first.
We start our journey with E.
Both our brains and bodies need energy in order to function properly, especially
when learning something new. Water literally provides the electrical energy for all
brain functions. Without it, our neural activity is slow and simple tasks become
more challenging.
When we sip water, not only does our body benefit from the hydration, but our
brain is able to operate more quickly and efficiently.
TO DO:
Sip water.
*Sometimes kids are not allowed to have water on hand in the classroom. Actual
water is always preferred, but even pretending to sip water can alert the brain to
new energy.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
Brain Buttons utilizes reflex points for the eyes and kidney meridian acupressure
points.
It helps both for clear vision and to clear toxins from the body. Without this
clarity, learning in the classroom is futile.
TO DO:
Start by putting your hand in a C shape with the thumb and fingers. Place
both points of the C on your collarbone and move down over two ribs.
You will find a soft spot
here on either side of the
sternum.
*If you are unsure about the
points, place your whole
hand on your chest with
fingers resting just below
your collarbone.
Place your other hand on
your belly button.
Gently scan the room from
left to right and back
again.
Breathe and relax for
about 30 seconds.
Switch hands and repeat.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
The Cross Crawl gently activates both brain and body. It slightly elevates the
heart rate and encourages both sides of the brain to be aware and alert.
The right side of our brain controls the left side of our body and vice versa.
By doing a simple Cross Crawl or other cross lateral movement the two sides of
the brain have to communicate.
This communication is key to connecting both the big picture and details, and is
the foundation to successful reading, writing, and comprehension.
This technique also helps to
stabilize the hips, improving
overall balance, coordination
and structural integrity of the
body. Great for the classroom
and sports!
TO DO:
Bring one leg and opposite
arm together.
Then bring the other leg
and its opposite arm
together.
Repeat rhythmically for
about one minute.
*Remember this can also be
done while seated quietly
under a desk at school.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
Hook-ups (also known as pretzels) calms both body and brain by bringing all the
energy to the core.
It also gently activates the vestibular or balance system of the body enabling you
to remain present and positive.
TO DO:
First Part of Hook-Ups
Cross ankles.
Stretch your arms directly in front of you with both thumbs up towards the
sky. Then turn the hands inward so both thumbs point down to the earth.
Keeping the thumbs down, cross one arm over the other and clasp the
hands, thumbs still pointing down. Once clasped, curl your hands to your
chest as if you were zipping up a coat.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
*Arms similar to Eagle Pose in Yoga. If you are unsure about the arms or this is
uncomfortable, gently cross them over the chest and relax.
Rest here for about a minute.
Start with eyes open, but if that comes easily, gently close your eyes and see
if you still maintain balance.
Second Part of Hook-Ups
Release both legs and arms, and bring fingertips together.
Rest here for at least 7 seconds.
Now that you have completed PACE, take a moment to check back in and see
what has changed in the last few minutes.
Close your eyes and see how your body feels. Notice if your brain feels different as
well. Just notice.
Thank you for going on this journey with me! I pray that these four simple
techniques help you and your kids as much or more than they have helped
me!
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me at www.kelseyfoxbennett.com, send me
an email at
[email protected] and tell me about your PACE
experience, or connect with me on social media: Twitter @kelseyfoxb | Instagram
@kelseyfoxbennett | Facebook Kelsey Fox Bennett.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
Kelsey Fox Bennett is a Licensed Brain Gym Instructor / Consultant. She is the
first licensed instructor in the United States to have experienced Brain Gym
since infancy. Kelsey also holds a Masters of Education in Arts, Community and
Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.
To read more about Kelsey’s life and work visit www.kelseyfoxbennett.com.
Questions or comments? Visit www.kelseyfoxbennett.com/contact.
Fantastic Brain Gym resource book with information on all 26 Basic Brain Gym
movements: Brain Gym® Teacher’s Edition by Paul E. Dennison and Gail E.
Dennison.
Great introductory book on Brain Gym: Educate Your Brain by Kathy Brown.
Copyright © 2014 Kelsey Fox Bennett www.kelseyfoxbennett.com
Brain Gym is a registered trademark of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA. www.braingym.org
Photos by Johnny Arguedas www.arguedasphotography.com
