Healing ADD by Thom Hartmann

I picked up a book yesterday entitled, “Healing ADD” by Thom Hartmann. I will probably write more about it because it is a great book. For now, let me share with you my overview of Chapter 5 – ADD as a Response to the Modern World.

During childhood, the brain forms numerous neural connections through experiences. A modern child, whose brain is accustomed to rapid responses and fine-tuning from video games and interactive toys, grows up surrounded by high levels of continuous stimulation. When this fast-paced child enters the school system, their natural inclination may be to seek faster-paced and engaging learning experiences. However, lacking the articulation to express this need, the child may fidget, hoping for a more stimulating lesson or simply disengage.

Unfortunately, this mismatch in learning preferences can lead to the child being perceived as not fitting in or having something wrong with them by teachers and the school system. Despite the evolving needs of modern children, the teaching methods in schools have remained largely unchanged over past generations. This discrepancy may hold varying degrees of truth, highlighting a disconnect between the subjective world of our minds and perceptions and the objective reality.

Unfortunately, this mismatch in learning preferences can lead to the child being perceived as not fitting in or having something wrong with them by teachers and the school system. Despite the evolving needs of modern children, the teaching methods in schools have remained largely unchanged over past generations. This discrepancy may hold varying degrees of truth, highlighting a disconnect between the subjective world of our minds and perceptions and the objective reality.

Our limited mind-reading abilities and inadequate understanding of how our interactions impact children’s lives can prevent us from fully meeting their learning needs. It is essential that educators and caregivers acknowledge the evolving cognitive patterns of today’s children and adapt teaching strategies to provide the necessary stimulation and support for their holistic development.

Healing ADD by Thom Hartmann*”#ad“ is available at Amazon if interested.

It is true that the modern child is often exposed to high levels of stimulation from a young age, which can influence their preferences and responses to learning experiences. As educators and caregivers, it is important to understand and adapt to the needs of these children in order to support their learning and development effectively.

Research studies compiled by Nova Medicine and Health concluded that “the presence of visual elements in addition to the verbal ones allowed students with attention difficulties to perform close to those of the students without difficulties. The advantages of multimedia affected all types of knowledge that need to be learned and were maintained over time. In conclusion, multimedia is a dimension of the instructional tools that can meet the needs of students with learning disabilities, in particular of those who have difficulties in attention control, a capacity that lies at the basis of almost all the activities in which they are engaged at school.”

Here are some suggestions to help address the challenges described in Chapter 5 of the book, “Healing ADD”:

  1. Differentiated Instruction: Teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each child. This can involve varying the pace and format of lessons, incorporating hands-on activities, and providing opportunities for student choice and autonomy. More from Learning A-Z
  2. Use of Technology: Integrating technology into the classroom can help engage tech-savvy students and provide interactive learning experiences. Educational apps, online resources, and digital tools can make learning more engaging and relevant for modern children. More from NIH
  3. Incorporating Movement and Hands-On Activities: Children who are accustomed to high stimulation may benefit from incorporating movement and hands-on activities into the learning environment. This can help them stay engaged, focused, and active throughout the lesson. More from LSA
  4. Encouraging Curiosity and Critical Thinking: Teachers can foster a sense of curiosity and encourage critical thinking skills among students. By posing thought-provoking questions, encouraging exploration and independent inquiry, educators can inspire students to actively participate in their own learning. More from EducationWeek
  5. Building Strong Relationships: Establishing positive and supportive relationships with students is essential in creating a conducive learning environment. By understanding and empathizing with students, teachers can better address their needs and provide the necessary support. More from EduTopia

Ultimately, it is important for educators to continuously reflect on their teaching methods and adapt to the changing needs of the modern child. By keeping an open mind, being flexible, and prioritizing the well-being and growth of each student, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *