You are the 'Head' Coach: Brainetics Manual for Parents

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introducing the Brainetics Coach: A Letter from Mike Byster ............................ The Story Behind Brainetics ...................... Getting Familiar With the Game: Learning Objectives ..................................... How to Use the Brainetics System ............ Step-by-Step Guide to the DVDs ................ Extra Points: Resources ..............................

'Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Thomas A. Edison

A Letter from Mike Byster

Dear Parents, Thank you for introducing your child to the exciting world of Brainetics. My hope is that your child will feel like he or she is participating in the process of learning right along with me and the children on the DVD. One of the main reasons my program has been so successful is that I have found ways to make learning really fun. Because they are having fun while learning, I have witnessed many children do amazing things with their minds. I believe parents are critical to the overall education process. Children get their information from school but they develop their learning habits at home. Teachers often remark that the children whose parents are involved and dedicated to their child's learning are usually the higher-achieving students. That is why we say YOU are the 'Head' Coach for your child each day! From the time I was a young child my mother always encouraged me to think "outside of the box" and offered me new ways to tackle daily problems. Since my father was good with numbers everyone assumed I was most like him. Although my dad could calculate 53 x 7 in his head in seconds, he had no understanding of the mental process involved. My mother, who was not naturally gifted with numbers, taught me to take the innate ability I had with numbers and discover easier ways to do things. She always looked for shortcuts or simpler approaches. She also had a very good sense of humor so she was able to make learning fun. Here is one example of her methods. When I was seven or eight years old, I had an incredibly difficult time distinguishing my left boot from my right boot during those long Chicago winters. I often ended up with my boots on the wrong feet. My mother suggested we put an L in the left

Let the boot and an R in the right boot. I told my mother that edutainment it would be embarrassing if anyone saw that because evbegin! er yon e el s e could te ll th ei r l e ft boot fro m th eir r i ght boot . So, my
Mom had an idea. She wrote my entire name in each boot, MICHAEL BYSTER, which was fine because a lot of kids had their names in their boots. However, in

What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing. Aristotle

the left boot my Mom underlined MICHAEL because it ended in L and in the right boot she underlined BYSTER because it ended in R. That taught me at a very young age that there are many different ways to tackle a problem. I've never underestimated the importance of a parent's participation in education. The Brainetics program presents a fantastic opportunity for you to get directly involved in your child's learning! Although your child will be able to learn all of these skills on his or her own, please sit with your child as much as possible and work together on the activities. You will see what a wonderful experience it will be to watch your child's mind increase its capacity to an extent you never dreamed possible. Since you have purchased this program you know the importance of giving your child every chance to excel and have positive experiences in learning. This guide will help you ask the right questions and provide opportunities for your child to showcase his or her amazing new skills! Use the included flash cards to quiz your child and reinforce strategies. Let your child WOW you! Thank you for opening your child's mind to Brainetics. Let the edutainment begin! Yours truly,

The Story Behind Brainetics

Brainetics Founder, Mike Byster, has been working with kids since 1997 perfecting ways to help students learn to do short cuts with math and memory techniques that make all subjects easier, while increasing the child's confidence. His students learn to tackle complex math problems, expand their memory capacity and store information for short and long-term recall - all in a fun, cool, high energy style that kids love. Although Mike's major in college was business, he realized later in life that he not only was gifted with numbers but was born with a gift for teaching as well. While he was working as a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange he started doing demonstrations of his techniques at his cousin's high school math class. After seeing the light in the eyes of the students as they connected to the subject matter he was presenting, he knew he had to do more with his talents. Mike was interested in math, patterns, and numbers at a very young age. When he was just three years old Mike played card games with his grandmother learning about higher and lower numbers. At the age of 4 he memorized all of the Presidents' birth and death dates in order. He was developing a talent but it wasn't until he was out of college and a parent himself that he realized he wanted to be able to reach ALL children to help them get excited about math and patterns the way he was. In 1997, Mike started working with children who were gifted/advanced level in the public schools to test out these techniques. He found the children could learn quite quickly the techniques he was teaching, and they were able to duplicate what he could do. Many people thought it was impossible to teach the "lightning math" he performed so he perfected his When children feel methods in order be able to teach these skills to advanced students. However he also wanted to see if his methods good about their would work with the average learners, so he devised games ability and are having and techniques that both groups could enjoy. fun learning they are more likely to want to After volunteering in the classrooms for many years he continue. was asked by a special education teacher at one school to try working with her children. These children had various levels of difficulties ranging from behavior to

Mike Byster Founder, Brainetics

"Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect" Vince Lombardi

Brainetics Learning
attention deficit problems. He found by adjusting certain parts of the program, he could engage even the children that struggled with math. At this point he began to see the role self-esteem and confidence play in learning. After the positive reinforcement of getting the answers "right" over and over, their faces begin to light up! When children feel good about their ability and are having fun learning, they are more likely to want to continue.

Objectives

One of the biggest goals of the program is to create a foundation and enthusiasm for mathematics. The objectives of Brainetics are to teach students how to manipulate numbers, symbols, and patterns in their head. Brainetics is a fun and entertaining way to increase children's skills in math and comprehension. By using and practicing the Brainetics system, learners will be able to: Understand what it means to know and do mathematics. Approach math problems with greater self-confidence. Improve memory and concentration/focus. Solve problems more creatively, understanding that solutions come in many forms and there is not only one "right" way to tackle a problem. Apply 'mental multitasking' to other areas of performance. Make connections to math and the real world. These connections can be transferred to other learning disciplines (reading, social studies, science, etc.) Calculate facts and figures rapidly without pencil and paper Name the proper steps to take when solving complex problems mentally. Identify and explain certain types of patterns inherent in numbers. Identify alternate math strategies for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers. Perform as active learners and accept new challenges.

Work mentally with numbers, nurture a number sense, and a create foundation and enthusiasm for mathematics.

Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire. William Yeats

How to Use the Brainetics System

The Brainetics System has been designed to be studied in a specific order and is simple to use. This program is going to be fun and full of shortcuts and techniques but rest assured, Mike has created a thoughtful program based on sound principles of mathematics.
Please note. Mike's lessons are based on the assumption that

the children studying these DVDs will have a comfortable understanding of their multiplication tables. Students should start with DVD1 and master each exercise before moving on to DVD2, etc. Although all students will be able to work through DVDs 1 and 2, without solid knowledge of multiplication they might find DVD3-5 more difficult. There is a practice multiplication chart, to help children who need brushing up, in the inside front cover of the playbook. If possible, have your child start each viewing session in a place where she can concentrate. Make sure she has a pencil and the playbook with her. A calculator and the Brainetics playing card deck should be nearby for some of the segments. The playbook follows the format and lessons of the program and should be used each time your child watches the DVDs. The practice and additional information will add to how quickly she can master the entire program.

Once you push play to start the first DVD, the magic will begin!
Each DVD has 3 segments that correspond to the theme of that DVD. Your child should take his time working through the lessons and feel free to rewind or stop at any point to give himself time to let the material sink in or practice the lesson being taught. He can also use blank pages in the playbook to take notes or practice the problems as he needs to. Reassure your child that everyone learns at a different rate so it is ok to do what he needs to do to be successful. Finally, because Mike realizes the importance of parent/ adult involvement in a child's studies, he has incorporated questions that you can ask after each DVD is completed. These questions were designed to help your child demonstrate how "smart they are getting" and how well they have integrated the material. You will be amazed and excited at your child's new-found capabilities!

You will be amazed and excited of your child's new found

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Here are some ways you can be the Head Coach and help your child succeed with the Brainetics program:
Try to watch the DVDs with your child. If you cannot watch the DVDs with your child, then refer to the individual DVD section in this Parents' Guide to understand the concepts in each DVD and use the questions that have been provided once the child finishes each DVD. Play the card games with your child. Let hire the teacher and you the student! Have him teach you the amazing tricks. By having him explain what he saw he will integrate the learning even more. Let your child amaze your family and friends with these newfound skills. Children love to demonstrate things they are really good at. This will offer your child another way to practice as well as boost confidence even more! Use the practice flash cards enclosed in the Brainetics kit, specially designed to correspond to each lesson on DVD3-5. Don't forget to praise your child for a job well done after mastering the steps on each DVD. Your acknowledgement of their hard work is so important! It is a rewarding and gratifying experience to see your child excel at something and enjoy doing it at the same time.

DVD 1 Warm Up Time: Brainetics Number Fun

The purpose of this DVD is to encourage mental focus and concentration. By listening to directions and fallowing steps, learners find that they are able to work with large numbers and number concepts. Although the material in this section might seem complicated, the idea is to get good at focusing. Have your child p racticefollo wing Mike's directions and the directions in the p lay bo o k. After getting it right a few times, he or she will feel rewarded and want to continue to learn! CHAPTER 1 Magic Squares A magic square is a grid of numbers that add up to the same sum in any direction. Working with magic squares reveals many fascinating number facts. Children will learn the "special code" to getting it right every time. CHAPTER 2 Cool Calendar Challenge Everyday calendars present many opportunities for discovering interesting math patterns. CHAPTER 3 Take Ten Card Game An ordinary deck of playing cards is a convenient tool for teaching children to learn number sense, detect patterns, practice math facts, and develop spatial visualization skills. Let your child show off! I . Draw a 5x5 box that has 25 empty squares in it. Ask your child to put one number in each square without using any number twice, and have all the rows across down and diagonal add up to the same total. 1. Tell your child the month, day and year you were born. Ask your child to tell you what day of the week it was. Now, how about everyone in the family? 2. Ask this question: "If I pull two cards out of a deck of playing cards, can you tell me which cards I pulled out?"

Here is a BONUS for YOU!

Everything in the Brainetics system is just as enjoyable and useful for adults as it is for kids! Just imagine ... by watching the DVDs with your child (or alone!) you will find your own math and memory skills increasing as well! Many adults did not do well in math as children or have very bad memories of math class from when they were younger. You will find that if you take the time to learn the Brainetics lessons, your abilities to tackle mental math will increase as well! It is never too late to re-learn or expand your knowledge. Brainetics will help you: Calculate numbers in your head such as tips at a restaurant or the discount on a purchase. Think outside the box or see the same situation several different ways. Memorize a list of items you need at the store or the names of people you meet at a party or business gathering.

For adults who are already proficient in math you will simply love the workout it gives your brain.

DVD 2 Stretch Your Mind: Brainetics Math Tricks

Thepurpose of this DVD is to help alleviate math anxiety. Learners understand the difference between a number trick and a number strategy. Tricks are useful even ifyou do not know why they work. But it is the ability to perceive certain types ofpatterns inherent in numbers that make such tricks possible, an important step in learning to theorize about and solve complex equations.
Introduction ESP Game & BLACK HORSE

DVD 3 Cranium Crunching: Brainetics Math Shortcuts

Mental math shortcuts are an important component of'the Brainetics System and an energizing exercise for the mind! Mental math shortcuts empower learners in multiple ways: to explain how and when to use alternate math strategies; to name the proper steps to take when solving complex problems mentally; and to experience improved mental concentration and focus.

CHAPTER 1 Two-Digit Multiplication The following shortcuts are demonstrated: Squaring Numbers in the 50's Squaring Numbers in the 40's Squaring Numbers that end in 5 Multiplying two numbers in the 90's together Multiplying two two-digit numbers that end in 1 CHAPTER 2 Three-Digit Multiplication The following shortcuts are demonstrated: Squares from 101 to 125 Squares from 475 to 525 CHAPTER 3 Divide and Conquer! The following shortcuts are demonstrated: Dividing by 91

These tricks fall into the category ofPrediction. The magician predicts an answer, outcome, or action under seemingly impossible circumstances. This demonstration teaches deductive reasoning and reinforces confidence in the learner to discern what is possible, probable, unlikely, or impossible.
CHAPTER 1 ESPecially Cool Numbers The Golden Mean and the Fibonacci sequence are unique ratios or sequences of numbers with special properties. These properties reveal patterns, not only in mathematics but in the natural world, that are complex and fascinating. CHAPTER 2 Math Mischief The Fifth Root Trick underscores basic concepts of squaring numbers. It also helps the learner grasp the order of magnitude of number operations. Working with numbers in the tens of millions and hundreds of millions helps alleviate anxiety about large number operations. CHAPTER 3 Missing Number Mystery This activity asks the learner to perform a trick, using multiple steps, while simultaneously performing mental calculation. Communicating math steps or concepts to an 'audience', is excellent learning reinforcement for the 'performer'.
Let your child show off! 3 6 12 24 48 96 192 38 4

Dividing by 143
Let your child show off!

1. Ask your child to tell you what 57

x 57

is without pencil or paper.

2. Ask your child to solve 512 x 512 mentally. 3. Ask your child to tell you what 72/91 is, carried out to seven decimal points.

1. Ask your child to show you the missing number trick. 2. Choose two one digit numbers. Add them. Continue adding the bottom two numbers until you have a column of ten numbers in total. Can your child tell you what all the numbers add up to, using only their mind? 3. Show your child the column of numbers at right and see if he or she can tell you what they add up to.

DVD 4 Go the Distance: Brainetics Mental Math

The purpose of this DVD is to encourage deeper mental computation, including using combinations of operations and strategies for efficient mental computation. Kids will learn how to organize number problems in their mind and the correct order of operations for solving them. This kind of mental multi-tasking further enhances reasoning and problem solving skills.
CHAPTER 1 The General Rule "Rules!" Mental math requires focus on the place value of the numbers to carry out the computation, and increases the learner's ability to estimate. CHAPTER 2 Multiplication Madness Several mental computations are required during the course of a single exercise. Such challenges reinforce place value concepts and number sense. CHAPTER 3 It All Adds Up! This segment teaches adding from left to right. The largest digit column is added first.

DVD 5 Peak Performance: Brainetics Word Challenge

The purpose of this DVD is to expand Brainetics mental math skills into other areas of thinking.
CHAPTER 1 AABEHLPT AEGM (Alphabet Game) Unique to Brainetics, the mental exercise of "putting words in alphabetical order" takes alphabetizing to a whole new level. Learners are challenged to keep several types of information active in their working memory. This kind of mental multitasking strengthens short-term memory. CHAPTER 2 Wild Word Countdown This activity uses number-letter codes to solve a simultaneous adding and spelling challenge. It is another example of mental multitasking that works two separate areas of the brain. CHAPTER 3 Memory Monster! Mnemonics and word play are pathways to improved long-term memorization. Mnemonics help anchor a thought or idea, or complex list of words, in the learner's mind.

Let your child show off!

1. Pick an 8 letter word like COMPUTER and have your child put the letters in alphabetical order. (CEMOPRTU). 2. Pick a two digit number between 60 and 100 and then using the code A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, etc., have your child give you a word that comes as close to the number you chose as possible, when adding up the number values of the letters.

Let your child show off!

1. Write down the problem at right and have your child solve it mentally.
72 x

61 583 631 242 753 176

2. Have your child look at the column of numbers at right and add them up, without a calculator.

To learn more about Brainetics and how it helps to support national and state learning standards, visit www. brainetics. com.

Barry, Sheila Anne. 1992. World's Best Card Games for One. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Benjamin, Arthur, and Michael Shermer. 2006. Secrets of Mental Math. New York: Three Rivers Press. Huff, Darrell. 1996. The Complete How to Figure it: Using Math in Everyday Life. New York: W W Norton & Company.
Massachusetts Department of Education. Nov 2000. Massachusetts

Mathematics Curriculum Framework: Malden, MA.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 2000. Principles and

Standards for School Mathematics. CA: Key Curriculum Press.

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

http://standards.nctm.org/
Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks

http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/
Wolfram Mathworld Web Math Resource

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/
The Math Forum

http://mathforum.org/