EduK History

History of Brain Gym®

Paul Dennison, PH.D., director of the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, developed the Brain Gym® program over a period of 25 years as an educational specialist, drawing from a broad spectrum of innovative work in education and personal development.

Dr. Dennison has been an educator for all of his professional life. His work is based on an understanding of the interdependence of physical movement, language acquisition, and academic achievement. This education system grew out of his background in psychology. He received the Phi Delta Kappa award for outstanding research at the University of Southern California in 1975 and was granted a Doctorate in Education for his research in beginning reading achievement and its relationship to covert speech skills.

Dr. Dennison served as director of the Valley Remedial Group Learning Centers for 19 years, helping children and adults turn their learning disabilities into successful growth.

The Educational Kinesiology Foundation was established in 1987 in Ventura, California as a nonprofit/educational organization. This foundation has since trained thousands of professionals at various levels to facilitate the Brain Gym® worldwide. The work is extensively applied in Australia, Africa, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Russia, South America and the USA.

Building new learning on movement experiences is the foundation of the Brain Gym® process. Building abstracts on concrete operations is the Brain Gym® teaching model. Supporting the unique thinking style and development of the individual is the basis of the Brain Gym® philosophy. Honoring the person within the larger context of his social system is the Brain Gym® continuing frame of reference.