HOW TO ENGAGE A CHILD'S BRAIN and More!

CREATIVE BRAIN DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN
Introducing iBG
Intellectual Brainwave Games

Hello again!  I'm so grateful you chose to spend some of your time visiting my blog. Back in 2001, when I founded the F.A.M.E. Foundation, now known as the Global Learning Foundation, one of

the first sets of strategies I created were unique physical brain games that went along with the rhythm of very specific music. As I began to play these games with young children, I noticed they loved the physical activity and teachers noticed they were more focused after playing them. We did some research and we found improved performance in many areas. Enjoy the image below of some brain games and this short video from me to each and every one of you!

A Storytime Session, led by Enrique at Make Way for Books in Tucson, AZ, which quite often begins with iBG, Intellectual Brainwave Games to help everyone enter their optimal zone for learning... and get some exercise!

Here's a quick glimpse of the research we first documented which helped our Foundation create a name for itself. Today we continue to research the impact of these proven brainwave games.

People kept asking me to make videos and I thought, I don't want my face on a video playing these brain games.... and I thought about it for years while I kept creating these brain games.  

That's me! And I stuck to my guns... I am not the face of
these videos...whew!  Just not play-based enough.

Today there are 324 of them!  We've been crossing our mid-line in time with specific classical music with specific frequencies and there has been a lot of learning, laughter and the creating of a natural desire to learn!

Since 2001, over 85,000 children and families have experienced our many strategies, including iBG, but only with the live format.  Together with many of my colleagues and their children we used these brain games to:

• Create a more alert learner at any age
• Improve cognition with young children ages 3 - 6
• Improve patterning skills with young children ages 3 - 12
• Create short and enjoyable brain breaks for any learner
• Remind adult learners how to elevate their energy and create new messages for their brain
• Help all learners of all ages reduce their stress level.

The challenge for many of us who present around the country is there is only one of us, yet I knew these brainwave games needed to be accessed by any family, school or organization.  My 92-year old mentor who just recently passed away, was also insistent with his question "How do we get IT out there?" About a year ago while in a meeting with one of my creative teams, we were creating the first of a new series of children's books titled Sam the Ant. 

Daughter/Father Co-authors of Sam the Ant Series,
Sam Sierra-Feldman and Enrique Feldman

Illustrator Abe Mendoza and his wife.

I mentioned the brainwave games and an idea for the videos, so simple yet profound, came to me. I said, "Why don't we animate Sam the Ant and have the Ant be the face of these Brain Games. It felt playful, honoring and like the beginning of a new journey. And so we have done exactly that. Here's the first time I have ever shared this image with anyone! 

Sam the Ant comes to life in 3D real time with iBG.  The Sam the Ant team are big fans of perspective building and
as you can see, that grass looks more like a forest of grass!

How do you play these brain games?
Simply open the videos and follow Sam the Ant's lead as you:

• Cross your midline
• Do that in time with the classical music
• Start from easy brain games and move up the challenge levels
• Change the speed of the video to slow it down or speed it up

Sam the Ant in the middle of a brain game.  Each video is short and designed to help your child get off the technology and use their own body.

Today these games are known as iBG, Intellectual Brainwave Games, and guess what?!   It is an online platform that allows you to access brainwave videos that are designed to take the young learner or old learner OFF the technology.... as a friend of mine said, from Online to Offline.

The Co-Author of the Sam the Ant books, Sam Sierra-Feldman
 back when we started this journey in 1998!

I find some key elements of this journey truly amazing. When my daughter and I began creating the Sam the Ant stories, I didn't realize it would lead to these brainwave games. If we had not followed our curiosity, and if I had not paid attention to my daughter's interest in creating original stories, who knows what might not have happened. 

Sam the Ant demonstrates a simple brain game.

Children mimic a simple brain game, or is it so simple?  It's food for
your brain!

I'm so pleased that children love both the videos and playing the brain games off the video.  The images to the left are a great example of how the movements shown by Sam the Ant, become physicalized by the learner, in this case, young children.  Some of these look simple, but not all are...lol!

Which videos do I use for children and which for adults?

Numbers 1 - 4 are for young children, and number 5 is for adults.  When you experience number 5, you will experience what a young child feels like when they are playing games 1 - 4.

The first 5 games are the original 5 and more will be coming out.  Watch each short video (15 - 20 seconds), ideally with a young child, and copy what the Ant is doing.  As was pointed out earlier,you can even choose your speed.  Soon, there will be brainwave game videos for all ages and you'll be able to create your own iBG playlist.

iBG being used with adult leaners! Creating new messages for our brains wakes us up from our routine adult lives
and creates a different energy that improves how we do whatever it is we do.... such joy!

Today is the first day you can actually purchase these brain games for a school, a center and even for your own use, and it's extremely affordable for individual users. A big thank you to our first school user, Outer Limits Preschool!

"I'm so excited to be the face of iBG!"

But what if you're not a school?  The school license would not be affordable for an individual. For a limited time, we am offering the first set of brain games for $11.99 a year, which comes out to less than a $1 per month. You can begin engaging your young children in your home and begin to build their brain in a very playful and relevant way!

Sam the Ant is all about following your curiosity
and helping others.

With recess being lessened (and it needs to be put back in!), and the general level of attention span diminishing, these videos are based on the live playing of the brain games.  Actually, the point of these brainwave videos is to help you and your child learn how to play them and then play them whenever you want.  We'll keep adding brainwave videos and you can keep expanding the capacity of your child's brain... and your own!

All you have to do is click on our Sam the Ant website and you'll be on your way. Over time you'll continue to receive more brainwave games.

For schools who purchase the school license, my Foundation is offering heavily discounted professional development workshops, and in some cases, waive the cost completely! If you are wanting more information on this, please click on my public speaking website and fill out the contact info and I'll be in touch.

We also want to thank Barnes & Noble and Mildred and Dildred's Toy Store for there support of all things Sam the Ant!  For the many upcoming events, click here!

Thank so much and now it's time to feed your brain!
Enrique C. Feldman
Creator, iBG
Co-Author, Sam the Ant Children's Book Series
Founder, Global Learning Foundation
Performing Artist and Composer
Producer, Kaleidoscope
(Music for Children)


Free Bonus Resources
Sam the Ant videos for improved critical thinking and creative problem solving.  Just click here! There are currently 13 videos and 17 more to come.  Each one is 15 - 20 seconds long and offer you an authentic opportunity to engage young 
learners with great questions.

Illustrator Abe Mendoza creates the images of Sam the Ant for our videos and books!

THE POWER of MUSIC

REAL MUSIC THAT CREATES AUTHENTIC RESPONSES 

WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Remember the Barney song?  I do.... noooooooooooo!

It's great to be back!  I've been busy creating lots of magic for the early childhood world with some friends of mine.  One of those friends asked me if I would produce her first CD and I'd like to introduce you to this friend and colleague... Alice Pringle!  Together with a big team of artists we created magic.... real music.... that you have to move to when you hear it!

After 40 years of writing music for children, singing and dancing with children and spending a lot of times in classrooms leading musical experiences, she has done it!  Her album Kaleidoscope just released on May 7 and the response has been enormous.  

Check out what 2-time Grammy Winner 

Bill Harley had to say.

“The song BaDoo from Kaleidoscope has all the elements of a great kids song - strong rhyme, rhythm, repetition - with an ear worm of a hook that will stay with you.  Not to mention its humor! These folks know what they’re doing!”

Bill Harley, 2-Time GRAMMY WINNER, Children’s Category

There are a lot of things to love about Alice's album... 

Let me count the ways!

1. It Grooves!  Adults love it just as much as children do.  Check out a short clip of the hit song BaDoo!  A big thank you to my friend and colleague John Forbes from Make A Hand for his support of Alice's album.

Doug Davis Jammin on Drums bringing the Groove Alive!

"I absolutely love the song BaDoo. It was recorded and produced with impeccable quality. My 5 year old danced around and sang with it almost immediately. This is the kind of musical content that parents look for. Safe and enriching for all children.”

John Forbes, Composer and Producer, Nashville/Atlanta

CBS, “The Good Wife”, “This Cup”, FIFA World Cup 2014, Arranger and Keyboard for Rick James “Urban Rhapsody”, Solo keyboardist for Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston

I want to thank Alice for inviting me into her journey... I especially loved getting to Scat! Check out this brief clip from the song BONES!

Matt Mitchell on Guitar for Bones!

Nick Coventry on Violin... sublime

2. It BUILDS LANGUAGE with young children and Alice has even included some freebie educational resource ideas that rock and she'll be adding more in the coming months!

Another thank you to one of the champions of children out in North Carolina, Diane Umstead, who has leant her support for this music.

“From the start, I was intrigued by the steady beat through all of the sounds and alliterations. Talk about building vocabulary and promoting physical movement for children! It’s upbeat and it truly brings the best of science and art to a 

young listeners ears.”

Diane Umstead, Smart Start, North Carolina 

3. It's written from the HEART... Authenticity is so needed in today's world.  Learn a bit more about Alice right here.  Another big part of this project was recording engineer OSCAR FUENTES.... he has such a beautiful studio and he's in it for all the right reasons... thanks Oscar!

Recording Engineer Oscar Fuentes at the helm!

Enjoy this lullaby for Food, Peace and Happiness which was a blessing Alice would use often in her life. Enjoy a clip from  A ROUND FOR PEACE. (Enjoy the scrolling songs.... it's the third one over).

Christine Vivona on Harp...angelic...

Alice is an amazingly gentle and giving human being and she thanks her mom, who passed away before we recorded, for making this album possible.  This sense of giving permeates the entire album, as depicted so beautifully in this quote from artist Dr. Marcela Molina.

"The whole album has so much substance not only in the music making and its elements, but in its message!. It is a creative and vibrant project that 

engages your ears and soul. “

Dr. Marcela Molina, Director

Tucson Girls Chorus

Marcela directs this amazing girls chorus which my daughter was a part of since the age of 5.  Today, Sam is 21, and guess what, she's the associate producer on the album.  She acted as voice coach, solo vocalist, arranger, among other things.  It has been a special time for me and my incredible daughter...way to go Sam!

4. There is this song about a Rappin Rabbit!  How many albums have that?!  We don't know.... but everyone loves this Rap!  We were fortunate to have a lot of talented kids on this album... on the call and response on the Rap, the kazoo band - that's right, a kazoo band.... a very tasteful one at that!

Alice jammin with the kids!

Kids Rappin in a session!

5. 12 MUSICAL GENRE'S on one album... music for the children and families of the world!

 "Kaleidoscope" is the perfect name for Alice Pringle's new children's CD!  Its vibrant, rhythmic patterns create rich musical textures sure to mesmerize 

and delight.  Each song's unique characteristics shine 

brightly, with track after track reflecting layers of loveliness and joy.”

Lorie BarnesExecutive Director, NCAEYC 

(North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children)

With 19 songs, I could go on for a long time... instead I'm going to wrap it up with one more song clip and another reason to love this music by Alice Pringle.... KINDNESS.... the song Kindness started out as a poem and turned in an anthem for Kindness.  

Anton on Kindness

The love of my life, Marie adding her voice.

Ambi, a dear friend of Sam's, on vocals for Kindness

It has an amazing number of tracks on it because we brought in many people who speak different languages and you, as the listener get to walk through and sense...

KINDNESS

LOVE

PEACE

HAPPINESS

Alice, Sam, Oscar and myself want to thank Debbie for having created this incredible vehicle for sharing of all things beautiful and healthy for children!  One of our favorite comments, made my many, was "I have an idea!

Ahaaaa.... I have an idea!
As one final thank you, here are some visual thank you's to three more individuals who added their voice to the song Kindness...ahhhh... feel the love! 

The Sierra Family, with my father-in-law Al Sierra on vocals!

My dear friend and colleague Rick Wamer added his voice...thx!

My mentor and friend, Dr. Carroll Rinehart, had the last word on Kindness... "Peace."

One last behind the scenes of the making of the album!

INSPIRE YOURSELF... GO AHEAD!
ENRIQUE C. FELDMAN
Founder, Global Learning Foundation
Performing Artist and Composer

SCECA: Dr. Pam Schiller and SINGING Brain Research!

Dr. Pam Schiller and Debbie Clement

FEBRUARY!
I am just back home in postcard sunny Florida, 
from a five day road trip up to South Carolina. 

I had the opportunity to give the Friday keynote at SCECA. 
Here's a little peak at the space before 
all 1300 dedicated ECE teachers arrived. 

My nerves are always about the technology. 
I'm thrilled to tell you that EVERYthing 
went swimmingly: Diva head-wrap mic and all! 

This is one of my favorite new-to-me quotes that I shared. 

SCECA is one of the most packed events that I've ever presented. 
There was an entire track of workshops daily at 7:00 A.M. 

That's the slot that I had on Saturday. 
To make a long story short...... 
In order to be more efficient with the BIG stage and transitions between presentations, 
I ended up offering my laptop to Dr. Pam Schiller -- 
since I was on the big stage right before her Saturday keynote. 
{That's the two of us together in the opening photo up top.} 

She uploaded her power point onto my laptop. 
She very generously offered an overview of her slides to our readership.

I just absolutely am thrilled that Dr. Pam's 
NUMBER ONE
tip for brain based learning is to SING!  

Dr. Pam spoke at length about providing a classroom with the proper amount of stimulation. 

From an optimal brain and optimal focus strategy, 

she spoke of the detriment of classrooms that are TOO much and how the young child can be overwhelmed by walls covered in information. 

I especially appreciated her point of having the necessary information 

(on the walls) 

for the lesson at hand. 

Her fifth point is fairly self explanatory. 

Having a 'formula' for expectations for 'focus time'

is a HUGE help. 

I have seen all together too many 'circle times' that are designed around a twenty minute time block --

for children four years old.

#TooMuch 

Having show and tell, calendar, jobs etc etc etc 

can go w-a-y past the optimal one minute per year, times three. 

As a lover of color, 

I thought I'd also include her #8 tip on the use of color. 

This ties in very closely with #4 above on proper use of stimulation. 

One of my favorite things about presenting at conferences, 

is the opportunity to mix and mingle and catch up with the other presenters. 

Dr. Pam has such a BIG heart and I learn from her -- 

every time we are together! 

Thanks again for the use of your slides for our readers here, Pam. 

On a personal note, 
we got to stop through my parents in Augusta, GA 
going north and returning south. 

My parents each had a birthday last month, 
so we were able to celebrate together. 
#BLESSED 

My Orlando school visit: sharing my fabric quilt and my book's illustration 

Until next month! 
Debbie Clement

June: Reflection! Resources! Rejuvenation!

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER! 

June has arrived in earnest.

When do you begin to REFLECT on all that has just transpired? 

I truly believe that we grow through REFLECTION on our past. 

Asking questions and taking the time to consider and record your thoughts is the path to improvement for the future. 

That is how I spend my summer. 

Deep in the REFLECTION pool.

Last summer I began a Twitter-Chat on the hashtag: 

#TeacherFriends

and it has morphed into an amazing, supportive group of professionals.

This week, tomorrow, Tuesday 6/2 we will be focusing our chat on all things reflective and rejuvenating!   

Is this the season where you step out of your comfort zone 

and try learn something new? 

We give amazing prizes EVERY week as incentive and support.

Twitter is FREE and offers the potential 

of professional development 24/7: in YOUR JAMMIES!  

We have some amazing plans for this summer's continuing chat. 

Guests you won't want to miss and prizes extraordinaire!

Be sure that you follow me on Twitter! 

I am the moderator and ask all of the questions. 

Now let's turn our focus to the ocean! 

Are you headed there in real life? 

Those of you who have children this summer will enjoy these ideas. 

Click on the picture below to go see all 97+ ideas on my personal blog. 

I have transported some of my favorites below! 

Do you work in a "FAITH BASED" setting? 
One of the favorite songs that I've written is entitled, 
"God Did." 

The lyrics are: 
"Who made the waves in the ocean, the sand on the beach, 
the sun in the sky, the juice in the peach........... 
Do you know? I do. God did. That's who." 

I have it in a zipped file in digital format as an Mp3. 
You can download it for *FREE* at our 
Early Education Emporium. 
The file has powerpoint slides of the lyrics included. 

*Or you can purchase it at Teachers Pay Teachers. 

One of my favorite school visits of the year is my annual trip to St. Paul in Westerville, OH. 
I've been going there for about the last ten years or so. 
My visit is usually at the VERY end of the school year. 
This year I was their mid-May thanks to the flexibility of my dear friends. 
What a JOY to see this bulletin board in the kindergarten classroom of Mrs. Rose! 

I know that you want to take a closer look at this amazing Kinder writing! 

I have an entire Pinboard on Ocean, Beach and Faith
already organized and awaiting your browsing.

Now let's conclude with some of my own photographs. 
I enjoy adding sentiments and quotes to my snaps. 
Hope that they brighten your day! 

We are working hard to get the word out about 'our' Wobble Seats! 
I truly believe that for some children this is THE answer!
Do you know any energetic, sensory children?
I have been taking them into schools when I make 
my music-lady/Author-Illustrator visits. 

Teachers and parents are in LUV with them, when they see them in action.
First you'll see a 5 year old in action. 
He was born at 26 weeks and maintains his preemie stature.
He is working on the 10" size for the first time.  

This next collage is a four year old girl and you can see how she looks seated on both the 10" and the 14" size. 

People's main question is what size do I get for the children in my classroom? 

I think much of that answer/equation depends on the height of the surfaces in your room.

This next montage of images shows you what I mean regarding surface heights. 

The nearly five year old girl is VERY properly suited to the 14" Wobble, 

but the classroom table was too short for her to use the 14" and play comfortably. 

Here's a tall for his age kindergarten boy seated on that same 14" size. 

I have an incredible 19 second video of him working + wobbling: 

THE ENTIRE 19 seconds! 

You'll have to go over to my Instagram account to watch. 

{I will attempt to learn how to get video from my phone to blog. Honest.}