Discovering the Brain Body Connection at Integrative Educational Partners, LLC

The connection between the brain and the body is powerful, therefore at Integrative Educational Partners (IEP), we integrate movement into all our activities. This helps activate both halves of the brain, which, in turn, improves performance at school, at work, in social situations and it also helps improve emotional control. It is common knowledge that we have two halves to our brains; it is a hot topic these days to discuss how these two halves influence our personalities and learning styles. But one half cannot function without the other half. The aim of our program is to integrate brain functioning with various exercises that get both sides of the brain working together.

Makoto is one such exercise (www.makoto-usa.com).  Originating in the world of martial arts,  it consists of three towers set up at the corners of an 8 foot triangle. The user stands in the middle of the three tower triangle. For each 2-minute session, colored lights randomly flash, one at a time, on one of the three towers. As the light flashes, the tower emits a corresponding tone. The tone is lower pitched for lower lights and higher pitched for the higher lights. The object is to hit the light before it goes out. You can hit the lights with hands, feet or padded sticks. The Makoto's speed can be changed from 1-11 to accommodate the abilities of the user. It can also be set up in a variety of ways: one, two or three towers, with just low lights, middle lights or all 10 lights. The randomness of the lights keeps both halves of the brain alert and focused. It is a great body and mind workout.

Brain growth is a simple as getting our kids off the couch and moving. Old-fashioned games like ping pong, jacks, badminton are great at activating both halves of the brain. Any activities that move both halves of the body are ideal. Swinging is another powerful tonic for the brain. This only works for kids who like to swing, some don’t, and they should never be forced.

In a 90-minute session at IEP, we get the body moving, get the brain activated and then start teaching the child in their area of need. Our services are completely individualized. We focus on the skills that each particular child needs. More importantly, we include the parent and/or family in homework. For optimum results, the program needs to be integrated into daily life because sessions at IEP are only once or twice a week. It is up to the parent to learn what can be done at home to help their child.

Physical activity is very important!! Sports should be encouraged as long as the child is able to participate. Some kids do better with non-team activities such as swimming or martial arts.

Our friends over at Big Dog Taekwon-Do state, “ Our approach is that we work with kids to help them achieve their individual potential, physically and mentally, in martial arts by engaging in a full-body workout with a strong brain-body connection.  We adhere to a formal curriculum which can be shared with the family and that ensures consistency among teachers and classes. We welcome kids ages 4 and up and many parents have told us that their children's attention, focus, concentration, and grades have improved by their participation in our program” ( www.bigdogtkd.com ).

Come visit us at IEP and see how we can help you to help your child reach their fullest potential. Mention this article and we’ll give you a free spin or two on the Makoto!!

Integrative Educational Partners, LLC
6739 Courtland Dr. Suite 101

Rockford, MI 49341

616-874-7490

www.ieptherapy.com