BRAIN GYM PACE EXERCISES
Positive, Active, Clear and Energetic
PACE exercises are a learning readiness sequence that is usually done to
effectively prepare a student for learning. Perform at the beginning of the school
day, after recess, after lunch and before academics as needed.
∗ Drink Water (Energetic)
As Carla Hannaford, author of Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your
Head, says, "Water comprises more of the brain (with estimates of 90%) than of any other
organ of the body." Drinking water is very important before any stressful situation such as tests!
As we tend to perspire under stress, de-hydration can effect our concentration negatively.
∗ "Brain Buttons” (Clear)
This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain which helps
improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.
• Put one hand so that there is as wide a space as possible between the thumb and index
finger.
• Place your index and thumb into the slight indentations below the collar bone on each
side of the sternum. Massage lightly for 30 – 60 seconds.
• At the same time put the other hand over the navel or belly button.
* "Cross Crawl” (Active)
This exercise helps coordinate the right and left brain together. It is useful for spelling, writing,
listening, reading and comprehension. The Cross Crawl can be done standing or sitting.
• Put the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise the left knee as if you were
marching in place. Do this 20 times.
• Now put your left hand across the body to the right knee as you raise the right knee as if
you were marching in place. Do this 20 times.
∗ "Hook Ups” (Positive)
This works well for nerves before a test or special event such as an assembly or giving a speech.
Any situation which will cause nervousness calls for a few "hook ups" to calm the mind and
improve concentration. Hook-ups can be done sitting, standing or lying down.
• Cross the left ankle over the right ankle.
• Extend arms in front of you, left wrist over the right and both thumbs down, palms
together.
• Interlace fingers and draw hands close to chest, elbows down.
• Keep the ankles crossed and the wrists crossed and then breathe evenly in this position
for 1-2 minutes. You will be noticeably calmer after that time. (Can say “smell the
flower, gently blow out the candle” to help kids who have a hard time with controlling
their breathing)
• Unhook feet and hands and place fingertips together and feet flat on the floor for a few
seconds. This has a calming and stress-relieving effect.
BRAIN GYM PACE EXERCISES
Positive, Active, Clear and Energetic
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