From EDUballs to mini-EDUballs and brainballs. Innovative learning tools integrating cognition with gross and fine motor skills

EDUballs were created in 2002 at the Academy of Physical Education in Wroclaw with the idea of supporting the educational process of children. At the time, the creators focused on early school-aged children. The authors hoped that, thanks to EDUballs, children would like learning and their transition from preschool to integrated or early childhood education would be pleasant and less stressful. Indeed, this has happened. Studies have shown that EDUballs promote the motor and intellectual development of children, who read faster, understand texts better, solve math tasks more effectively, learn English faster, and develop higher levels of graphomotor, spatial orientation and motor skills. The results also showed the impact of EDUballs on other social groups, including children with disabilities. In 2018, a set of educational balls was developed for the English-speaking market under the name BRAINballs. This book is intended for anyone who wants to use EDUballs in the education and upbringing of children, including preschool and early childhood teachers, educators working in school and community centers, therapists, educators and psychologists working with children with special educational needs, students of pedagogy, and those who work with the elderly.