Gary Anaka - Author

Related: Gary's Bio Page

Today’s classrooms are filled with students who are struggling with learning. Many have learning difficulties. Others are bored, tuned out or stressed out. The learning environment in classrooms is becoming more difficult for students and teachers alike. My experience has taught me that a major cause for this is because today’s students have a very different brain and need to be taught differently.

In 1997, I upgraded my teaching strategies and have never looked back. Teaching with Brain-Based Learning principles changed my life as a professional educator and a human being. In the classroom I learned how to teach with the brain in mind. I found out how to engage students and motivate them to learn in a totally new way. The students enjoyed this new approach of learning and I was amazed to find out that more and more students were interested in their own brains and how they worked regardless of what the subject or grade was. I found that I had fewer discipline problems and students were motivated more than ever before.

It was obvious to me that brain research could not be ignored. Unfortunately, few teachers have the opportunity for training in Brain-Based Learning. What I saw then, was a great need for a simple, practical resource book about how the brain learns. Hence, my first book, Your Magical Brain How It Learns Best was created for new and veteran teachers, plus interested parents.

Another strong focal point in my life has always been about health. The health of the brain is as important as the health of one’s body. Brain challenges at home or in the workplace today is a huge unaddressed, misunderstood and feared problem. Stress kills brain cells. Stress downshifts your brain making it hard to cope with your job and the many demands of your life. A burned out brain is no joke especially if that brain is your child’s teacher, your work colleague, or a member of your family. I believe that there is an enormous need to educate the public about their brain to avoid the wave of dementia that is presently sweeping the country.

Most books written about the brain are long, technical and most unappealing for the general public. I saw a need to decode what the neuroscientists were saying and make it available for everyone.

As a result, Brain Wellness - The Secrets For Longevity was recently published. It is a simple and practical self-help guidebook about how anyone can learn to live and work in a brain-compatible way. The intent of my book is to teach you how to be your own brain coach. To avoid cognitive decline, you need to know how to grow dendrites, engage the brain, and keep plasticity alive. You, and you alone, are responsible for your brain health.

No brain, no gain!