"High School Musical" a Brain Booster?

“What do they want for Christmas?” I asked. “

Oh anything about “High School Musical,” Stephen replied.

“High School what? They’re just little girls. Cari’s only in 2nd grade.”

“Hey Mom, get with it. 'High School Musical' is the thing.”

So off I went shopping. Sure enough, Stephen was right. I soon found "High School Musical" DVD’s, CD’s, dance mats, bed room lamps, sleep-over bags. You name it and you can get it with the HS Musical theme. HS Musical was everywhere—even in the grocery store.

Finally decided on a HS Musical interactive DVD for 4th grader, Abby and a HS Musical dance mat for Cari. I still didn’t have a clue.

So a couple weeks ago at the video store, Eric said “Let’s rent “High School Musical” and see what all the fuss is about. In case you’re not any savvier than we were, turns out HS Musical, filmed in Utah, is a Disney take-off on “Grease” minus John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

A bit hair-brained and not quite as sophisticated as "Grease," but certainly tame enough. HSM 2 struck me as sillier than HSM 1 but then I’m not a 2nd grader. It's been described as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet except everyone lives happily ever after.

The good news is all that dancing. And that’s what the kids are loving. That’s what the dance mat is all about. So is “High School Musical” a Brain Booster? You bet. Doesn’t get any better than dancing, and the dancing in HS Musical rocks.

Now even more curious, I had to Google "High School Musical" and check it out in Wikipedia Seems HS Musical was one of the most successful Disney channel movies—7.7 million viewers in the U.S. saw the premier. Reached best selling album status in 2006.

And in the U.K, HSM got 1.2 million viewers during the first week. In 2006, "High School Musical" was the most watched programs for the Disney Channel in the U.K.

There’s an ice tour and "High School Music 3" is on its way. Disney’s got a winner.

Gabriella, the main character, has her own blog (obviously sponsored by Disney). If you Google, “about High School Musical,” you’ll find chat rooms and online games and even a forum for “I Hate High School Musical.” Plenty that isn't tied to Disney marketing.

At last report, Cari and Abby are learning dance steps thanks to help from the dance mat they got from us. And the little ones, Alison and Andrew, are giving it a try too.

They’re jumping and hopping and crossing the midline like crazy.

Readers of this blog and the Brain Boosters for Your Kids newsletter will remember that any movement which crosses the center mid-line of the body helps increase brain integration between the left and right hemispheres.

Similar in the big picture to Wii Fit that we talked about yesterday. Wii Fit includes dancing and a mat. You can do the High School Musical dance mat with other kids and that's the most fun. (Obviously, you don't need the mat in order to dance since it's one kid at a time on the mat.) Requires digital viewing in order to see those dance steps and you’re moving.

So, I guess, with a bit of a stretch, you could include the “High School Musical” dance mat in the “social network gaming” genre.

That I think the plot is silly, the acting stilted, and the singing dreadful is quite beside the point.

So A+ for “High School Musical”—at least for the HS Musical products that get kids up off the couch and singing and dancing. As for the rest of the products and the online chatter, I’ll pass.

Can't imagine, though, that HS Musical would interest kids much beyond 4th grade, maybe the rare, unsophisticated 5th grader. I'm sure the Ohio grandkids, just a bit older than the NH kids, are saying things like "Yuk, 'High School Musical' is for babies."

Parents, the dance mat is a great toy, inexpensive enough to get a couple of them. And teachers, you can use the CD in your classroom or P.E. class to get the kids not only moving but moving to their favorite music. If you do Brain Gym in your classroom, try a fast HS Musical tune for Cross Crawl.

Meanwhile I’ve been hard at work compiling the “Brain Boosters for Your Kids” ebook and accompanying workbook. I’ve got a self-imposed deadline of two weeks. (Some of you, I’m sure, aren’t holding your breath since you’ll remember this project, in its original incarnation, began months ago and then languished.)

The ebook's got everything from tips and strategies to checklists and quizzes, even a bit of Brain Gym. As the kids say, “Get psyched.”

MaryJo

P.S. Maybe you weren't in the dark about "High School Musical," but you're still wondering what Brain Gym is all about.

Listen to a 4-minute explanation of Brain Gym or spend a full hour learning about Brain Gym and even a couple of BG movements you can use immediately. It's free. Be sure to download the 17-page full-color set of handouts before you click the listen button.

Listen to the 60-minute Intro to BG and get a discount on the next Brain Gym Basics TeleChat starting March 11.

Finally, a Brain Booster Video Game

Well, somedays you just can't win! So we're all set for last night's Brain Gym Basics TeleChat and we had enough out-of-my-control technical glitches at the last minute that we had to postpone it. Even included a glitch from the University of Colorado at Denver which offers the graduate credit for teachers

Now Brain Gym Basics is on for March 11. And the ADD class for April 1st. And that means changes on the websites, changes in the telephone conferencing schedule, changes in the calendar, changes in the online registration, and on and on. Guess what I'm doing this morning? Certainly wasn't part of the original plan for today!

So after railing against video games for years (except for a slight nod to improvement in eye-hand coordination), there's finally a video game that looks like it'll get an A+ from me.

It's called Wii Fit. (Pronounced "we.") Check out the demonstration and a video from Nintendo. It really looks like fun. Nintendo's pushing it as family fun--another A+ from me. I even like the music.

But there's a caveat to the A+--that's only for families who already have the Wii video game system which, unfortunately, allows kids to play some of the most violent games without ever getting out of their chair or moving a muscle beyond wrist and fingers. Although such isn't the purpose of Wii. And the system is a bit pricey. The cheapest I found this morning was $286--before you buy Wii Fit at around $70.

You can use Wii Fit for aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games, and get a "core" workout with some of the Wii Fit games. I haven't seen any promotion for losing weight but if you're doing aerobics frequently enough with Wii Fit, weight loss would certainly be a result. Who can argue with that, given the rise in childhood obesity.

Wii fit has over 40 exercises and activities. 8 family members and friends can keep track of their scores and progress.

Don't get too excited, however. Wii Fit isn't scheduled for release until May. If you can't wait, log into Amazon and ask to be emailed the minute you can buy it.

However, the buzz has created a Wii Fit entry in Wikipedia. And Nintendo has blog postings and YouTube videos to promote their product.

Wii represents a new and positive, from my way of thinking, approach to video games. They call it social network gaming. And lots of the Wii software, unlike many of the other social networking games, requires moving around rather than sitting still at your computer screen.

But I don't necessarily recommend the Wii video game system unless your kids have other video game systems which they're into. There's a great review of Wii in the "New York Times."

On the other hand, what's wrong with technology that promotes social and family interaction, involves moving, and having lots of fun? Maybe your children have been begging for a video game system and you've said "No, no, a thousand times no, in the past. You might reconsider with Wii as the option.

Video "games" plus movement aren't new. Exergaming has been around for awhile but has never really taken off. I'd never heard of it until I read the Wii Fit article in Wikipedia. And the Wii system already has Wii sports out where you can play "pretend" tennis, golf, baseball, and bowling. All of which involve standing up, and moving around but not as much movement as Wii Fit. Most Wii systems already come with Wii Sports.

Looks like Wii Fit is ready to make a splash in the U.S. Let's hope so for those families and kids where video games are already part of the daily routine! With 1.3 million units in homes in Japan, it's sure made a splash there.

So to summarize, if kids must play video games, the Wii system is the best around and Wii Fit (and Wii Sports) promises to be one of the best set of games going in terms of Brain Boosting and general health enhancement. Not to mention fun!

Still doesn't take the place of playing, hiking, or running around outdoors. But then sometimes you've got four feet of snow in your backyard and the thermomenter in the car port says ten below. We've have plenty of days like that at our house and still have snow drifts over our heads.

Speaking of snow, Cynthia, my friend who uses Brain Gym with her first graders at the Apache Indian reservation school in Dulce, NM, called to tell me they had SIX feet of the white stuff and her kids are getting cabin fever. They need Wii Fit.

MaryJo

P.S. If you've got snow and warm enough temperatures to bundle up and go outside there're lots of things kids can do. Check out the February issue of the "Brain Boosters for Your Kids" newsletter. Lots of ideas for playing in the snow, including how to do Brain Gym in the snow.

Thoughts: The Greatest Brain Booster of All

So did you watch "The Secret" or buy the book? Did you think lots of thoughts about being rich just like they told you? Did you get rich?

Scads of people followed the directions or thought they were following the directions. Some few got rich. Lots didn't--for all kinds of reasons including emotions.

Although this post isn't about how to get rich (sorry), the bottom line is, just as "The Secret" told us, thoughts do control us.

Even something as simple as me getting up from my computer and going down to the kitchen for another cup of coffee. I don't walk across my home office without thinking about it first--even though I'm certainly not aware that I've planned every move.

It's my brain that says "Hey, how about coffee now." It's my brain that controls my movement from comuter to coffee pot.

This is important stuff for parents, teachers, and kids to know. We all live out our expectations (i.e. thoughts) of ourselves and the expectations that our parents and teachers have of us. Some kids overcome the poor expectations held of them by teachers and parents. Many don't.

So let's look at some mind-control gadgets.

In 2006, scientists at Brown University investigated the "Brain Gate," a sensor implant which allows quadripalegics to direct thoughts to control a computer cursor or robot limb. Superman, Christopher Reeve, used a similar device after he was paralyzed.

The latest is a contraption coming out later this year from a company called Emotive. Kids put a helmet-like thing on their heads to control video games with their thoughts.

Yikes. Now kids don't have to move at all while playing games. Emotive, the company making the $299 headset, will release it later this year. I wouldn't buy this for my grandkids if it were just $29!

Take a look at some videos showing how these devices work.

In the meantime, remind kids that saying over and over again, especially with great passion while moving around, "I know I'm going to flunk this algebra test, I know I'm going to flunk this algebra test" is an excellent predictor of flunking this algebra test!

Often thinking something and verbalizing it is a better predictor than hours and hours of studying--not that studying isn't essential. (I'll give you some proof on this after I get done posting about video games.)

Thoughts accompanied by movement plus strong emotion often equal results. It's why a movement-based learning program like Brain Gym is so effective.

So tomorrow we'll look at Wii Fit. It's the opposite from the thing from Emotive. A video game that requires moving! Gets A+ from me.

MaryJo

P.S. We're down to the wire now but you've still got time to register for Brain Gym Basics TeleChat

Everything You Wanted to Know about the Brain Boosters Blog

If you've been reading this blog from beginning, you've probably noticed some changes. If you're new to the blog, I've made a bunch of changes just since last week. Now you can see my picture, for example. Yup, that's really grey hair!

So thought it might a good time to give you a little tour around the Brain Boosters Blog.

1. Notice the box below each post. You can now make comments. Please do. Let's get the dialog started.

2. You can subscribe to the blog via email. Means you don't have to come back here everyday to see if I've posted something for you. Just enter your email address in top right hand corner. Each time there's a new post, you'll get an email. I won't ever see your name so don't worry that I can email you stuff you don't want.

3. Or subscribe to a news feed. If you're new to blogging, you'll need to get a news reader first. Try http://www.feedemon.com You'll end up with a little icon on your desktop which you click on to check your "feeds." You can subscribe to other blogs, newspapers, and all sorts of things. You'll find the link right below the email subscribe box.

4. After links to recommended sites and the archives of this blog, you'll find resources about the brain, resources for teachers and parents. I'll be including topics such as Brain Gym, ADHD, brain-based learning, multiple intelligences, autism, play, and much more.

Right now, it's mostly books but we'll be adding articles and magazines. And check back frequently as we add new ones.

5. The plan--at least for now--I'll alternate between posts mostly for parents and posts mostly for teachers. And in between I'll be throwing in a bunch of stuff about ADHD. Stories, experiences I've had, things teachers and parents have shared with me, tidbits I've run across while surfing the web or reading newspapers and even research like today's earlier post on Project-based Learning.

Enjoy my blog, come back frequently. Let me know what you think, what you'd like me to cover in posts or add to resources. This blog's for you!

MaryJo

P.S. It starts tomorrow night. Have you signed up yet? Brain Gym Basics TeleChat.

Is Project-Based learning a Brain Booster?

What parent can forget the dreaded science project? Even though assigned months ahead of time, science projects have often keep moms and dads up all night the night before they're due.

And the cause of family friction. "Why didn't you start on this last month? What do you mean we have to go to the craft store now? It's already 9 pm. Next year, things will be different. No more of this last minute stuff. And young lady, you're doing it on your own. Do you hear me?"

And what about teacher stress. He'd sure like to have a couple of winners in the district science fair. "Hey, you guys, how're doing on your science projects? You know they're due Thursday. Any questions?"

These science projects are the early prototype of today's popular Project-Based Learning.

But Project-based Learning has come under lots of fire. Does it work? Or is it just "fun." In other words, does it raise test scores--sadly the most often asked question these days.

There's no doubt, however, that Project-Based Learning is a brain-based learning strategy. It's often kinesthetic and requires critical thinking skills, imagination, problem solving, and social skills.

Well, there's good news in Jane David's article. David, Director of the Bay Area Research Group in California, tells us that test scores have gone up. In Britain, three times as many students from Project-Based Learning schools passed the National Exam.

But, it all depends on the project, it's design, the questions asked, and the teacher facilitation. Guess it's not all that different from the well-thought out science project versus the stay-up-all-night variety.

Check out "Reinventing Project-Based Learning:Your Field Guide to Real-world Projects in the Digital Age" by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss for suggestions on meaningful (and we hope test-raising) projects.

MaryJo

Reminder: The Brain Gym Basics TeleChat starts tomorrow night, Tuesday, Feb. 26. Still a couple slots open.

ADHD or Creative Parenting?

The creative spirit of entreprenurial parents never ceases to amaze me. Remember "Baby Einstein" when it first came out? (Not that I recommend the "Einstein" videos for babies and toddlers but that's another post.)

Lori Pope has solved the problem of keeping her infant twin sons constantly entertained. Your kids get bored with the gazillion toys they got for birthdays, Christmas, and Chanukah? Can't afford to buy more? Not sure what they might really enjoy? Now you can rent toys from Lori Pope via her company Baby Plays.

At first I thought what a clever, creative idea. It is.

But is it a good thing to give our children a continuing new supply of toys? Does this only make ever-increasing short attention spans even worse What does it teach about patience? Making one's own fun with snowmen, mud pies, pots and pans, and whatever we can find? Do kids risk growing up with an even greater dependence on store-bought external stimuli?

My first guess is that renting toys only adds to our hyperactive ADHD society? Bored? Go out doors and run around. But I haven't tested it so maybe renting toys is a great solution to finding out where a child's interest lies without spending a ton of money.

What do you think? Read the article We'd love to get your comments.

I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you subscribe to the free "Brain Boosters for Your Kids" newsletter. Not sure you want to subscribe? Read the February issue and get plenty of ideas for playing in the snow, how to teach math and science using snow, and even how to do Brain Gym in the snow.

And sign up for the next Brain Gym TeleChat starting Tuesday evening. I've got your spot saved. It's for both teachers and parents. You'll get 100 full-color pages of handouts and the audio to listen to if you miss one of the sessions or want to review.

The TeleChat's worth it just for tips on focusing on some dreaded, boring task and controlling your own stress. And you'll learn all 26 Brain Gym movements to help your kids learn anything quickly and easily. Wish you could tame ADHD? Try Brain Gym. It works.

Teachers, you'll want to watch for tomorrow's post on Project-based learning. Turns out recent research has shown that Project-based Learning can substantially raise test scores.

MaryJo

P.S. Don't forget to comment.

Blogger needs Brain Gym

So why is it that many of us don't do what we tell others to do? O.K, maybe you do. But I sure haven't been these last two days. Turns out that getting back to Brain Boosters after being gone for several months hasn't been a piece of cake!

I'd certainly benefit from doing a little Brain Gym myself in addition to teaching it, telling others to do it, and being downright preachy about it.

So for starters, I've forgotten nearly every techno geek thing I ever knew. Like how to update my website, like how to publish my ezine, even how to post on my blog. How was I know to that Google bought Blogger and I needed a new account?

Then managed to send out the wrong version of the ezine--actually sent out the rough draft. Talk about embarrassing. Was so pleased that I'd finally remembered how to send something to lots of subscribers, that I didn't pay attention to what I sent.

Then I get an email from a reader in India. If she signs up for the Brain Gym Basics TeleChat but can't listen live because of the time difference, can she listen the the online audio? Sure, no problem. Hmm, I'd better check the audio.

Is it still working? Nope! Need a new version of RealPlayer. After installing the new version of RealPlayer, turns out all 8 audios have to be re-downloaded. To give myself credit, at least I didn't wait till the last minute to check this.

But all is not lost. As you may know, the Brain Boosters for Your Kids ezine was all about snow. Why? Because at our house (at 8,000 feet, high in the Colorado Rockies) we're obsessed with snow right now. We've got a good 4 feet of it in our back yard and it's snowed off and on all day today.

After I emailed the rough draft of the Brain Boosters ezine, I began to worry. Who else had snow? Well, we know they don't have snow in Miami or Los Angeles. But how's the rest of country doing? The family in Ohio's been reporting nice weather. And there isn't enough snow down in Denver to build a snowbaby much less a snowman.

And then last night snow blasts the middle of the country and the Northeast. More snow in Central Park than they've seen all year. Airports are shut down. Cars and trucks are bumping into each other, even at 30 mph on the turnpikes. New York's mayor is offering free hot chocolate and sleds in a park in each borough.

Guess the weather people knew I needed snow so my readers wouldn't think I was a little out there yakking about snow the end of February.

So if it's snowed where you are, get those kids outdoors--sledding, building snowpeople, and doing Brain Gym in the snow. You'll need the newsletter for directions on Brain Gym in the snow.

Promise to stop whining tomorrow and write a bit about ADHD. Something for you, instead of all about me. And not just links to my newsletter.

And it's Brain Gym now for yours truly.

MaryJo

P.S. The link for the newsletter is the correct one, not the rough draft.

Brain Boosters is back!

Whew, long time away. Got involved in a BIG project--challenging, fascinating, and all consuming. And nothing whatsoever to do with brain boosters or Brain Gym or brain-based-learning.

Instead I Learned a ton about distance learning and all about a great distance learning software platform called Moodle.

So, bottom line, good to be back although I had to stop and figure out how to post to the Brain Boosters blog, how to update Brain Gym web pages--how to do just about everything I used to know how to do.

And where'd my picture go while I was gone? Red x's just don't cut it.

What else is new? Well, the propane guy who came last week to fill the tank said he hasn't seen this much snow in 20 years! We've got 4 feet of the white stuff still in the back yard.

Since snow's been on our mind now for what seems like forever, I just put out the Brain Boosters ezine (after how many months??) and focused on snow. Not sure my readers in Florida will find it all that fascinating. Does include the lyrics for singing the Snowkey-Pokey and a link for directions on how to build a snow fort.

If you're interested in stuff about snow and kids and teacher math and science snow projects, you can pick up the newsletter free at www.brain-based-learning.com/newsletterfeb2008.htm

While you're there, might as well sign up so you get the next issue. Promise it won't be about snow! Probably ADHD or reading but haven't made up my mind. Also thought about writing about the importance of playing.

And back on track with the Brain Gym Basics TeleChats. The next one starts Feb. 26. Check out www.brain-based-learning.com/braingymtelechatforparents.htm.

Good grief. Speaking of ADHD. This blog post qualifies. I promise to stay on track tomorrow.

In the meantime, just looked at Stephen Putnam's book, "Nature's Ritalin for the Marathon Mind: Nurturing Your ADHD Child with Exercise." He thinks "marathon mind" describes those hyperactive kids that drive us all crazy. And he argues that if you get 'em outdoors and doing aerobic exercise, they'll stop being hyperactive. I couldn't agree more. I should probably take his advice myself!

MaryJo