A Learning Factor YOU Can Improve – The Brain
By Jan Bedell, M.Ed., M.ND (Certified Neurodevelopmentalist)
and Michelle Thompson, www.littlegiantsteps.com
Nothing in all creation can compare to the amazing capacity for adaptability of the human brain. Research
into neural plasticity of the brain (the brain's ability to change and adapt) has proven that every child
(and even adults) can learn and function more efficiently when the brain is given proper stimulation and
neural efficiency exists.
The branching of individual brain cells (called dendrites) grow through specific stimulation, which involves
proper frequency, intensity, and duration.
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Frequency means having enough opportunity and repetition in order for the stimulation to produce a change
in the brain and become learned information.
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Intensity refers to the strength of the input of the stimulation. Is the stimulation at a level where
the individual is actively engaged with it, or has the individual tuned out because of lack of intensity?
You can drag a child through a spelling assignment, but without a high level of involvement and interaction,
learning will not occur.
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Duration has a dual meaning.
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It refers to the time the stimulation is being given; typically, the shorter the duration the higher
the intensity. Five or ten minutes of mathematics will have a far greater impact than dragging a child
through an hour of math drills.
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It also refers to providing stimulation for the length of time it takes to produce change.
The Neurodevelopmental (ND) Approach uses a Developmental Profile to look at two primary areas; Sensory Input
and Motor Output. In the area of sensory input, auditory, visual, and tactile function is identified. In the
area of motor output, gross motor, fine motor, and language function is identified. In order to have good output
(function), you must first have good input (stimulation).
These tips on how the brain works can shed light on how all children and adults learn. In many cases,
just being aware of these techniques can go a long way in keeping learning problems from developing.
As you read these articles, keep in mind that almost all children exhibit some behaviors from time to
time that could seem as if they are precursors to minor difficulties (such as reversing letters and
numbers). For the majority of children, this is part of growing and changing patterns of development
as new skills are learned. The key is to stay alert and see if any concerns continue over a period of
several months on a consistent basis. Primarily these tips will help to improve your or your child’s
processing abilities, whether it be retaining what they hear, recalling information, or comprehending
what they’ve seen. Learn and grow.
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Let’s take a look at the importance of each of the Sensory Input areas.
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Auditory: A child who struggles with auditory processing (retaining what they hear) will have
many problems; i.e. following directions, staying on task, and keeping up with normal conversational
language.
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Visual: If a child does not use his central detail vision properly, he will struggle with
coloring within lines and reading.
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Tactile: If tactility is not developed, a child will have problems in many functional areas.
For example, if a child cannot keenly feel sensations from his hands, he will have difficulty writing
and playing sports and if a child has tactility issues with his mouth, a delay in language development
can occur.
The ND Approach was created to equip parents with the knowledge and skills to work with their children in
their own homes and address these “gaps” in development. Once equipped, parents have the ability to change
their child’s future for the better.
This is the first in a series of Neurodevelopmental (ND) tips that will appear in future issues of this newsletter.
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