Click here for a flier about the class:

http://www.wholepicture.org/ceceflier.pdf

LONGMONT, Colo., June 11, 2006: Cecilia (Freeman) Koester, M. Ed. teaches movements to increase brain function and improve learning naturally in her books. Now, the teacher and author travels to Longmont, Colorado to teach her methods in the 4-day Brain Gym 101 For Special Needs, July 27-30, 2006.

In Koester's Brain Gym 101 For Special Needs, special education teachers, classroom teachers, therapists, counselors, parents, and PE teachers will learn to implement hands-on activities. Participants will learn to assess the needs of an individual with special needs, develop a Brain Gym program to meet those needs, evaluate the effectiveness of the program, and learn to modify movements for individuals' capabilities. The coursework applies to those diagnosed with ADD, autism, cerebral palsy, Angelman's Syndrome, speech impairments, brain injuries, strokes, and more. The course is also a great introduction for anyone interested in learning more about Brain Gym. Graduate credit is available.

Brain Gym International is a non-profit organization whose members teach physical activities to enhance brain activity and learning (http://www.braingym.org). Precise movements help improve comprehension, organization, physical mobility, focus, and communication. For all children, basic developmental movement patterns (e.g. grasping, rolling, crawling) create and develop neurological functions. Any body movement prompts the brain to strengthen its connections and neural pathways. This foundation of movement and neurological patterns allows for continuous learning. If the foundation is lacking or weak, Brain Gym teaches you can go back and reinforce learning-returning to the developmental movements that prompt brain development.

In her first book, I Am the Child (1998), Koester and co-author Gail E. Dennison chronicled her progress while teaching movements to her own special needs students.

"Parents and professionals can easily use very practical, easily applicable ways to reach children where they are--on their present levels of functioning," Koester explains. "I offer solutions for parents or professionals who ask 'what do I do with a child who. . . ?' Together we can assist children in reaching their greatest potential."

To register for Brain Gym 101 for Special Needs: Visit http://www.wholepicture.org/ceceflier.pdf for class registration form. Or, call local Brain Gym instructor and class host, Heidi Nyland at 303-903-1349, wholepicture@wholepicture.org for more information. Ask about special discounts for groups. Early registration discounts end June 28, 2006.

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