The story of Vihaan.

“Brain Gym will not change Vihaan’s life, but whilst learning how it works and doing the movements daily, he enjoys moments where he can creatively and confidently make choices that are beneficial to him.”

Vihaan is a ten-year-old boy; he represents the majority of students in my class who face numerous challenges at home and in the classroom. When he first attended my class, learning seemed like a distant concept for him.

I noticed Vihaan was:

• All over the place in the classroom

• Distracting students around him

• Needed constant reminders to listen and focus

• Constantly sought acknowledgement and praise.

Teachers and even the school’s social worker labelled him as “uncontrollable” and “rude”.

I have numerous Brain Gym success stories about the students in my class, but I will focus on one of the highlights and proud moments that happened in term 3. I understand and know that Brain Gym will not change Vihaan’s life, but whilst learning how it works, and doing the movements daily, he is enjoying moments where he can creatively and confidently make choices that are beneficial to him.

I made it my mission to support his growth in every possible way.

Vihaan has always been good at running. Cross-country is his speciality and it is a popular event for Term 3. Before the cross-country race, including the days leading up to the event and the morning of the event, Vihaan came to me and repeatedly stated “I am not good at running”, “I can’t run”, “I am not going to run.” I kept on saying, “Vihaan, you are good. Don’t put yourself down. Just run and have fun.”

After morning tea, before the cross-country race, I noticed something remarkable. Three boys, including Vihaan, quietly retreated to the back of the classroom. They were looking at the Brain Gym charts. I saw them drinking water and rubbing their Brain Buttons and doing Cross Crawl and Lazy 8’s, the Calf Pump and the Gravity Glider movements. I thought to myself, these movements are included in the Energy exercises, the Midline Movements, and the Lengthening Activities.

I watched and observed them closely. From the integrated movements, they chose The Sea Lion and Turning 8’s. These movements are related to trust and acceptance:

“I am afraid to take risks”

“I reject myself as not good enough”

“I’ll never get it right” 

"Assimilation and block"

“I love myself"

“I reject my feelings"

“I learn at my own pace"

Analysing their choices, these movements were so appropriate and spot on as to what these boys needed at that moment.

“The power of helping one child”

The race ended, and to everyone's amazement, Vihaan crossed the finish line first among all the Year 6 boys. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, with his name ringing through the air. His face, once marked by self-doubt, now bore a soft smile of accomplishment. He had not only won the race but also conquered the limitations he had imposed on himself.

Every morning, we welcome the day’s programme with PACE. Students would choose a goal for the day. We PACE the goal. For the learning menu, the students would choose movements from Midline Movements, Energy Exercises and/or Lengthening Activities. Then they go to the adventure park, do a few balancing movements and core strengthening movements. This routine has really become a cherished part of the day.

Once a week, before a reading session, I would do a re-patterning with Vihaan and a group of students. There has been a remarkable shift in his attitude towards reading, and his levels and comprehension have significantly improved. I cannot be prouder to have been Vihaan’s teacher and witness his remarkable journey of growth.

This is a testament to the power of helping one child. The incredible strides, the sparkle in his eyes, have been made possible by the Brain Gym movements, the re-patterning sessions, the support, acknowledgement and encouragement. It has transformed this boy emotionally and socially. Vihaan is on a journey of realising his potential and achieving greatness.

Fatima Dollie

MProfStudsED, PGDipEdM, GradDipTessol, EDUK

Otahuhu Primary School – Year 6 Classroom Teacher