Move, express yourself, learn:

Innovative activities in an inclusive

classroom

LOUKA OLGA & SIATRA EIRINI

TESOL GREECE MARCH 2013

What is this presentation about?

Inclusion

Brain Gym®

Samples of motivating materials

WHAT IS INCLUSION ABOUT?

Equal learning opportunities

Careful consideration of students’ needs

Focus on the unique characteristics of

each and every learner

GREEK EFL CLASSROOM

20-25 students in the classroom

Different Cultural Backgrounds

Absence of special training on teachers’

part

What is Brain Gym®?

Brain Gym®

Brain Gym® is a program of 26 physical

movements that enhance learning &

performance in all areas.

Where did this story begin?

Movement and sensory experiences play

a determinant role in continual brain

development and growth for a lifetime.

Basic Brain Gym® Concepts

1. Physical movement stimulates brain

function.

2. Stress inhibits learning

3. Learning blocks can be released by Brain

Gym®

4 Steps to Get Ready

P – Positive

A – Active

C – Clear

E – Energetic

I PACE myself with:

Water for Energetic

All academic skills are improved by adequate hydration

I PACE myself with:

Brain Buttons for Clear

Clearer and easier thinking

Read effectively

Defining Midline

Use of both brain hemispheres together

Bilateral activities

=Making the most of

our mind

I PACE myself with:

Cross Crawl for Active

Improved left-right coordination

I PACE myself with:

Hook – Ups for Positive

Clear listening and speaking

Enhanced balance and coordination

Lazy 8’s

enhances recognition for the decoding of written language

Brain Gym can help you to:

◦ Learn anything faster & more easily

◦ Be more focused & organised

◦ Overcome learning difficulties

◦ Reach new levels of excellence

◦ Start & finish projects with ease

Does the use of Brain Gym

promote permanent

positive changes?

Brain Gym in Practice

DYSLEXIA

http://www.starfall.com/n/greek-

myths/wooden-horse/load.htm?f

The Wooden Horse An ancient Greek myth

1)What did the people of Troy see?

Horse

Goat

Cow

Donkey

2)When did the people of Troy see

the horse?

3)How did the people of Troy feel?

Draw their feeling.

Autism

ADHD

VOCABULARY PRESENTATION

VOCABULARY PRACTICE

My aunt is a really funny person. If you

take a look at her you can’t help

noticing that they are huge! She

always wears one earing in her

Her looks like a balloon almost

ready to burst! She uses a bright red

lipstick for her but I feel that this

makes her look more like a clown.

Finally her . Can you believe that

she dyes it blue and pink?

Asperger’s Syndrome

SOCIAL STORIES

“Social stories” describe situations,

skills, or concepts that model relevant

social cues, perspectives, and common

responses.

http://www.aspergerssocialstories.com/20

11/02/social-story-washing-your-

hands.html

Social Story – Hand Washing

Closing Remarks