Customer Reviews

Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head, Second Edition

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I checked this book out of the library so many times that I had to buy it. A great basic explanation of the neurological development and its impact.

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!

I read this book -- the first time -- when it was initially released in 1995, and I was overwhelmed by the validation it provided me. At that point, I'd been a children's movement specialist for 16 years and had been working tirelessly to help teachers and parents understand the importance of movement in the child's life and education. Carla Hannaford -- a neurophysiologist! -- was now backing me up!

With today's increasing emphasis on standardized testing, Smart Moves becomes an even more important resource, as it details why the mind and body are NOT separate entities. I display this book at every presentation I make to parents and teachers!

Rae Pica
Author, Your Active Child

Starting with the science of why you do this and ending with the practicality, this book is understandable and very readable.

Smart Moves is a wonderful journey into a fascinating subject! It was recommended reading following reading Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children. My first introduction into the topic with Sensory Secrets made me want to read more and Ms. Hannaford did an excellent job of making the complex neurology understandable. (I like the drawings too.) Thank you for helping me to make my job in education very effective in the goals that I set for the students!

I've been doing BrainGym exercises for the last 8 months and have enjoyed a marked improvement in my general coordination, and my ability to focus and handle stress. Hanniford's book, while often too technical for my untrained mind, helped me to understand the "Why's" behind the method. As will all BrainGym-related books, however, "Smart Moves" could benefit from the talents of an astute editor and a proficient illustrator.

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.

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!

First, a little bit about the author. Carla Hannaford is a Ph.D. neurophysiologist and educator who was a professor of biology for twenty years. She is an internationally recognized consultant on education and is recognized for oustanding teaching of science by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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.

Carla gives a simple, yet in-depth description of how the brain works and how we learn. She also talks about Brain-Gym (R), another topic worthy of looking into, especially for people with learning disabilities but also for helping anyone learn more effectively.