The brain, like any part of the body, needs exercising and a variety of activities to function properly. That is why we suggest useful and different activities that will be a great workout for the brain.

Brain activation exercises that focus on the interaction between the two brain hemispheres.

MIRROR DRAWING

Allows you to develop concentration and accuracy. Very suitable for children who are more active. Helps for concentration. Develops spatial perception, has a positive effect on imaginary thinking and even improves a child’s handwriting.

What should be done?

We give the child a drawing upside down. The drawing can be any, with different levels of complexity, depending on the age of the child.

It is better if it has smaller details.

The child should carefully examine the picture and draw the same, but not inverted – it should be drawn in the right direction.

Why?

It helps children who are generally easily distracted, who find it difficult to stay still, all those who are hyperactive. The exercise helps the brain hemispheres and solves some writing problems if, for example, the child reflects or misses letters. This exercise is primarily a control of their activities, concentration and accuracy.

TWO-HAND DRAWING

Development of interactions between the hemispheres.

What should be done?

The child draws the given examples with both hands at the same time according to the model or instructions of the adult.

Specific drawing exercise:

TWO-HAND DRAWING “EYEBROWS”, “SMILE”
To complete this exercise, you will need pencils, markers or crayons. You can use sheets fixed to a vertical surface or board. First the adult divides the sheet into 2 equal parts, then draws symmetrical arcs on each part – examples for the child.

The child’s task is first with the right and then with the left hand, to draw an arc over the adult’s drawing, first in one direction, then – without removing the hand, 10 times (alternating movements from right to left – from left to right) . It is important for us to achieve a minimum deviation. The line of the child and the adult should coincide as much as possible. Then another, more complex example is drawn and the child follows it.

Examples of suitable shapes are heart, butterfly, rocket, face.

In SmartyKids classes the technique of drawing with two hands is also included in the methodology.

Why?

Improves control over the body and specifically over involuntary movements. Along with writing there is also movement of the legs? This exercise will help eliminate these connections. It is also an ideal exercise for those who have not yet decided on their dominant hand and write both with the right and left. Helps to correct handwriting. Difficulty with the outlines? This exercise will also help to deal with it. A wonderful exercise for both hemispheres of the brain.

A WINDOW TO THE IMAGINATION

Development of the overall visual perception.

Why?

It will help those who have difficulty retelling the text with understanding the meaning of the text. Develops logical and imaginative thinking.

What should be done?

A large, detailed picture is covered with a sheet of paper with a small window cut out. By moving the sheet, the objects are not entirely displayed, but only a part of them shows (for example, half of the table shown in the drawing). The child must recognize and name the objects he/she sees through the cut-out window. And then imagine together and describe the whole picture, with the help of the child. For example: “The picture shows a room, a girl sitting in a green armchair, a kitten peeking out from under the table…”

Recommended picture format A4 or A5. The size of the sheet with a window should be twice the size of the picture. We recommend the size of the window to be 2 x 2 cm.

Play smart and your brain will thank you!

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