Neurophysiologist and educator Dr. Carla Hannaford brings the latest insights from scientific research to questions that affect learners of all ages. Examining the body's role in learning, from infancy through adulthood she presents the mounting scientific evidence that movement is crucial to learning. Dr. Hannaford offers clear alternatives and remedies that people can put into practice right away to make a real difference in their ability to learn. She advocates more enlightened educational practices for homes and schools including: a more holistic view of each learner; less emphasis on rote learning; more experiential, active instruction; less labeling of learning disabilities; more physical movement; more personal expression through arts, sports and music; less prescribing of Ritalin and other drugs whose long term effects are not even known.

* This is the revised and enlarged second edition of a very popular book that has sold over 100,000 copies. * Includes recent research on the brain and a new emphasis on the importance of the emotional environment for learning. * It begins with a new foreword by well known scientist Candace Pert whose work on neuropeptides has revolutionized our view of the mind/body connection.

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Smart Moves is not just for teachers or parents. It is for everyone! Anyone who has been labeled as hyperactive, with ADD, ADHD or dyslexia or anyone who wants to enhance

their mental functions or make the learning process easier can benefit immensely from this book.

Carla shows how Brain Gym, a system of physical movements and exercises to enhance brain functions, are based on scientifically established neurophysiological functions and how it can be used by both children and adults to both overcome learning difficulties and improve general brain functions related to learning, coordination, communication and physical performance.

I have had personal experience with Brain Gym, since my wife has been a Brain Gym instructor for over five years. I have seen how it has helped both adults and children to enhance their learning skills, overcome learning difficulties and in general improve their mental functions. I therefore highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving their mental performance! It is well written, insightful, practical, interesting and most beneficial.

129 of 132 found the following review helpful:

ExceptionalFeb 12, 2002
By jumpy1
Books on education and/or how to overcome learning disabilities and hyper-active mental states are not hard to come by. But many do not provide proven, accessible no-cost methods for achieving immediate, verifiable results, such as one finds in this indispensable tome. There couldn't be an easier way to learn about and use the most innovative and useful concepts in education today, than reading this book. Through simple physical exercises (developed by Dr. Paul and Gail Dennison with a team of researchers), Ms. Hannaford, who is a neurophysiologist, proves that mental processes are accessed via physcial movements and can be significantly improved with little or no difficulty.

I originally began using these exercises for myself as a professional violinist, to improve concentration, relaxation in performance and just general handling of stress on stage. It was so helpful I showed it to my adult amateur students and they learned new music far more rapidly than would be normal for their level of skill. Over the past 13 years I have taught these exercises to actors, musicians, doctors, teachers, writers, etc. in New York and have gotten consistent results. The best part of it is, each exercise takes only a few minutes or for some, a few seconds. They don't cost any money (unless you want to take a class or see a specialist) and I can do them backstage or in the bathroom or anywhere, really. It's terrific. If you're interested in brain development in children, especially babies, I also recommend "How to Teach Your Baby to be Physically Superb" by Glenn Doman. Enjoy!

77 of 79 found the following review helpful:

Bloomington Right-brainerMar 01, 2000

Carla Hannaford's book is a revelation. In this easy to read book (I found it hard not to put down!) she explains that simple movements/exercises greatly enhance learning and our capacity to learn. Using these techniques has effected my practice sessions, performances (I'm a pianist) and the way I deal with stress.

As a result, I am more aware of the ways I internalize information and that full body and brain integration (left and right hemispheres)is KEY to unblocking hidden potential.

This is priceless information and it can be found in this book!

32 of 32 found the following review helpful:

Great help for smart kids who aren't successful in school.Oct 15, 1998

This is an immensely helpful book for parents who have smart children who are lagging behind their peers in learning to read and write. Hannaford maintains that learning should incorporate the entire person -- including lots of movement. Her book offers an overview of what may be occuring neurologically, reassuring anecdotes, helpful excercises and, most importantly, the positive idea that since children learn in different ways and at different times, those who are teaching them must find the right way to teach them. Even children with visual or auditory processing problems can learn the appropriate material if that material is presented focussing on each child's strengths. This book is a good stepping stone for parents, leading them to seek the appropriate help (through the school and perhaps with a neurologist) for their children.

29 of 29 found the following review helpful:

An essential book for understanding learning difficulties.Jun 28, 2001
By Faye D. Klupt
This book contains research results, practical ways to help enhance learning, and an introduction to Brain Gym and its core exercises. As an occupational therapist I highlighted something on almost every page either as a reminder for me to consider the information in reference to my therapy sessions, or to discuss it with parents. The developmental information presented about when different areas of the brain mature and the practical implications of the maturation were very helpful for me.

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