Monthly Movement

By: Tanya Mouland

The DOUBLE DOODLE

The Double Doodle is an easy-to-do Brain Gym® activity that releases upper body tension, relaxes vision and is simply fun to do!

How to do the Double Doodle:

1. Stand comfortably with weight equally distributed on both feet.

2.Using full arm movements, draw mirror-image shapes either in the air with your hands or on a large piece of paper or board using 2 different coloured markers.

3.Movement comes from the shoulders as you move your arm in all directions – up, down, in, out, diagonal, circular.

4.Large movements from the shoulders can be made in the air while standing. Smaller movements can be done with just your hands and can be done in the air or on paper taped to wall or sitting and paper taped to table.

5.Notice how one hand leads and the other follows.

6.Allow eyes to soften gaze to be aware of both hands.

Variations:

1 .Add music and pretend conducting an orchestra – great option for a movement break at school!

2. Pick a theme and create a picture or design using both hands. Allow the creativity and playfulness to flow!

3. Experiment with a variety of writing implements such as markers, pastels, paint, etc.

4. Experience Double Doodle on a variety of textures such as the wall, carpet, in pudding, in the snow, etc....

5. Double Doodle with feet.

6. Lying on the floor, do Double Doodle with arms/hands and legs/feet at the same time.

Benefits:

1. Relaxation of the muscles in the neck and behind the eyes.

2. Enhanced visual skills such as focus, peripheral awareness and spatial awareness.

3. Gross-motor skill to fine-motor skill transition.

4. Working within the midfield for learning and creativity.

5. Improves eye-hand coordination and athletic ability.

Licensed Brain Gym® consultant and instructor “Brain Gym® is a registered trademark of Brain Gym® International” Dennison, Paul E. and Gail Dennison. Brain Gym® Teacher ’ s Edition. Ventura, CA: EduKinesthetics, Inc, 2010.