Table of Contents
1 Introduction to Sensorcises 1
Neural Plasticity and Learning
Sensory Activation and Learning
Residual Reflexes
What Are Sensorcises?
How Will Sensorcises Help You in the Classroom?
The REAL Way to Optimize Learning (Relax, Energize Cellular Communication, Activate Large Muscles for Optimal Communication, Lead "Sense"-ibly)
How to Use this Book
2 Relax 15
What the Research Says… (About Stress, About Breathing, About Stretching)
What the Research Means
Transitioning to Relax Exercises
Fly Free
Push through Barriers
Desk Breathing
Release Pressure Points
Lighten the Brain Stem's Heavy Load
The Brain Wiggle
Seated Toe Touches
Stretch the Jaw Joint
3 Energize Cellular Communication 29
What the Research Says… (About the Body Electric, About Heart Rate Variance, About Pressure Points)
What the Research Means
Transitioning to Energize Exercises
Drink Water
Heart Smart
Hook Up to Rewire Your Emotions
Lymphatic Flush
Block Buster
Sweep Away Stress
Chill Out
4 Activate Large Muscles for Optimal Learning 45
What the Research Says… (About Balancing, About the Vestibular System, About Hemispherical Communication)
What the Research Means
Transitioning to Activate Exercises
Whirling and Twirling
Cross Overs
Lateral Tapping
Don't Rock the Boat!
Wake Up the Little Brain
Crazy Eights
5 Lead "Sense"-Ibly 63
What the Research Says… (About Auditory Processing, About the Visual System, About Fine Motor Functioning)
What the Research Means
Listening and Communication: Activate the Auditory System
Transitioning to these Exercises
Ear Lobe Roll
Repeat After Me
Memory Stretcher
Dot-Dot-Dash
Reading and Writing: Activate the Visual System
Transitioning to these Exercises
Visualizations to Improve Reading Comprehension
Visualizations to Improve Writing
Creative Visualizations for Solving Problems
Tracking, Copying, and Muscle Control: Activate the Fine Motor System
Transitioning to these Exercises
Head Turners
Thumbs Up
X Marks the Spot
Eye Massage
Binocular Training
Letter Reading Boogie
Bring It into Focus
Pencil Push-Ups
Eye Muscle Tennis
Manipulating Art and Science Tools: Activating the Fine Motor System for Production
Transitioning to these Exercises
Posture Check
Puttin' on the Mitts
Cut-Ups
Double Duty
Pencil Tricks
Get a Grip on Handwriting Skills
6 Getting Started: Designing Your Own Sequences 101
Some Examples to Help You Get Started (Before Reading, Before Writing, Before Math, Before Science, Before P. E., Before Assemblies, Before a Test)
How to Design Your Own Sequences
Comprehensive List of Activities
In Conclusion
Appendix 119
Planning Template for Your Own REAL Transition Routines
Common Handwriting Problems and Solutions
Quick and Easy Activities for Any Classroom-No Special Tools Required! (Chalkboard Activities, Worksheets that Work, Cutting Activities, Modeling with Clay, Tossing and Catching, Math Games, Arts & Crafts, Rainy Day Recess or Free Time Games)
For Further Reading 127
Bibliography 130
Index 137
