The “lying eight” and the Speedolino Klassik
- Marco Glaesener
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
"Lying Eight" and Speedolino Klassik from Jens Voigt: How it works, how it relates to concentration, and how to use it
Jens Voigt, founder of the Academy of Learning Methods in Fürstenwalde, is an educator and creator of innovative educational methods and games. His goal: to make learning more effective, fun, and accessible to everyone, especially children and adolescents. Two of his flagship tools are the "lying figure eight" and the Speedolino Classic game. Here's a detailed explanation of how they work, their impact on concentration, and how to best use them.
1. Educational context and philosophy of Jens Voigt
Jens Voigt's starting point is that traditional schooling doesn't always meet the individual needs of students: some get bored, others get stressed, and many lose the joy of learning. He advocates for "brain-compatible" learning methods that harness children's curiosity, creativity, and intrinsic motivation. His motto: "Learning to learn should be the most important subject."
Among his innovations are (all his articles are in German):
- Mind maps to visualize and structure information
- Educational games like Speedolino, which stimulate both hemispheres of the brain
- Workshops and coaching to transmit these tools to students, parents and teachers
2. The “lying figure eight”: operation and link with concentration
What is the "lying eight"?
The "lying figure eight" (or lemniscate, ∞) is a motor and coordination exercise used in many alternative learning methods (including by Jens Voigt). It involves tracing, following, or reproducing the shape of a lying figure eight, with the eyes, hands, or body.
Functioning
- Bilateral movement : The exercise alternately engages both sides of the body (right/left hand, right/left eye), thus stimulating cooperation between the two cerebral hemispheres.
- Rhythmic repetition : You can trace the figure eight lying down on paper, in the air, on a board or even with your whole body (for example, while walking).
- Variations : Draw with both hands simultaneously, follow the shape of the gaze, draw large or small, etc.
Link with concentration
- Activation of the corpus callosum : Cross-motion activates the corpus callosum, the structure that connects the two hemispheres. This promotes communication between logical thinking (left hemisphere) and creativity/visualization (right hemisphere).
- Calming and refocusing effect : Exercise helps channel energy, calm the mind, and focus attention. It is often used in preparation for a concentration activity (reading, calculating, memorizing).
- Stimulates hand-eye coordination : Useful for writing, reading, drawing, etc.
- Strengthening working memory : By synchronizing movements and attention, the brain trains itself to better retain and process information.
When to use the lying figure eight?
- Before a task requiring concentration (homework, reading, problem solving)
- In case of dispersion or agitation (active pause to refocus)
- In remediation for children with attention, reading or writing difficulties
- At the start of the day or session to “switch on the brain”
3. Speedolino Klassik: operation, impact on concentration and use
What is Speedolino Klassik ? ( translation of the game rules )
Speedolino is a series of educational games invented by Jens Voigt, designed to simultaneously train memory, speed, logic and mental flexibility.[2] The Klassik version is the basic form, played with pentagonal pieces called "Penties".
How the game works
- Materials : Penties (five-sided coins), each bearing a picture, number or letter.
- Procedure : Players must, as quickly as possible, assemble figures or respond to instructions (for example, find pairs, complete a sequence, solve a calculation, memorize a sequence of images).
- Difficulty levels : The game offers several levels, adapted to the age and skills of the players.
- Individual or group game : Can be played alone, in a duel or as a whole class (up to 15 students simultaneously).
Link with concentration
- Stimulation of both hemispheres : Tasks alternate between logic (left) and creativity/visualization (right), which strengthens mental flexibility.
- Attentional switching training : The player must quickly switch between tasks, which improves the ability to concentrate despite distractions.
- Strengthening working memory : Instructions involve memorizing images, numbers or sequences, which trains active memory.
- Immersive effect : Despite noise or hustle and bustle (in class, for example), children report that they are not distracted, because the game captures their full attention.
- Stress management : The game introduces a dose of competition and speed, but in a fun way, which teaches you to manage pressure in a positive way.
Proven effects
- Improved concentration and ability to ignore distractions
- Development of cognitive flexibility
- Increased speed of information processing
- Building self-confidence through rapid and visible successes
When to use Speedolino Klassik?
- At the beginning of a class or session to “activate the brain”
- Active break to revive attention after a period of fatigue
- In remediation for children having difficulty concentrating, remembering or calculating
- In group workshops to strengthen cohesion and cooperation
- At home , as an educational family game
4. Practical advice for use
Integrate the lying figure eight into daily life
- Morning ritual : 2 minutes of eight lying down before starting the school day
- Before homework : Trace the figure eight 5-10 times lying on a sheet of paper or in the air
- In class : Offer the exercise to the whole class before a test or a demanding activity.
Using Speedolino Klassik effectively
- In class :
- In small groups to stimulate cooperation
- In friendly competition to motivate
- In a remedial workshop for students in difficulty
- At home :
- As a family game to strengthen memory and speed
- To review school concepts (vocabulary, calculations, history, etc.)
- In specialized support :
- For children with attention or memory problems
- In speech therapy or academic support
5. Why do these methods work?
- Playful approach : Learning through play reduces anxiety and promotes intrinsic motivation[1][2].
- Multisensory stimulation : Movement, manipulation and visualization engage multiple learning channels.
- Positive reinforcement : Quick and visible successes increase self-confidence and the pleasure of learning.
- Adaptability : The games and exercises can be adapted according to age, level and specific needs.
6. Testimonials and results
Workshops led by Jens Voigt show that students, even those who doubted their abilities, are able to quickly memorize large amounts of information using these methods. Children report that "Learning can be fun" and that concentration comes naturally when they are immersed in the activity.
Conclusion
Jens Voigt's "Lying Figure Eight" and Speedolino Klassik are two complementary tools for improving concentration, memory, and motivation to learn. The Lying Figure Eight prepares the brain for intellectual effort by harmonizing both hemispheres and refocusing attention. Speedolino Klassik, on the other hand, offers a fun and stimulating workout for memory and mental flexibility, while strengthening the ability to concentrate in a potentially distracting environment.
To remember:
- Use the lying figure eight before any task requiring concentration or during an active break.
- Integrate Speedolino Klassik at the beginning of the session, during a break or as a remedial exercise to stimulate attention and memory.
- Always prioritize fun, variety and adaptation to the needs of each child for lasting and effective learning.
These tools, derived from Jens Voigt's innovative teaching methods, show that with the right methods, everyone can learn to learn... and enjoy it!
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