Ratey points out that with the amount of information doubling every few years, it’s easy for anyone to suffer from information overload and get distracted. He says that our brain is designed to make sense of the surrounding environment as it existed 10,000 years ago. Since we live in an age of instant cyber solutions, our brains are not able to internalize the excessive amount of data being generated in our world. This results in frustration and a tendency to tune out.
So how do we narrow the playing field for kids so that they can train their brain to focus on the important things? Ratey points out that the extremely rigid structure of an activity like martial arts teaches a youngster how to discipline his brain to follow a prescribed order by having brain chemical released during exercise. When compared to a control group, the martial arts students “completed more homework, were more prepared for class, improved their grades, broke fewer rules, and jumped out of their sets less often.” My 12 year old grandson has greatly improved his desire to exercise and attend since completing a martial arts course.
Because ADHD students require greater structure to concentrate, it seems wise for schools to initiate physical education activities that incorporate some of the structures of martial arts.
You should certainly continue less structured physical activities with you student since researchers agree that “burning off” excess energy is still one of contributors to being able to sit still and listen.
Next week we will begin a study of the book, Redirect by Tim Wilson.