Texas School Triples Recess Time, Solves Attention Deficit Disorder.

[elleng]

'Public education is more stressful than ever for our children, as standardized testing requirements increase and programs like art, music and physical education are being phased out. The result of this type of environment is predictable, and the medical establishment and big pharma are making a killing by drugging active children with ADHD medications – but one Texas school district is challenging that status quo.

Students don’t have to be drugged to do well. Meditation in schools is highly effective at reducing school violence and increasing concentration for learning. Higher quality nutritious and organic foods, rather than processed snack foods and fast foods, when served in school cafeterias are another part of creating an environment more conducive to the needs of children.

The most common sense, natural solution to inattentive behavior in school children, however, may be the basic idea of giving children more time to free play and to engage their bodies in physical activity. It’s such a simple notion in such unusual times that it actually sounds revolutionary, and several schools in Texas are being hailed for trying a new program which solves behavioral problems by doing nothing more than allowing children to play outside more often during the school day.'>>>

http://livetheorganicdream.com/texas-school-triples-recess-time-solves-attention-deficit-disorder/

[Heartstrings]

1. Pretty basic concept here...

With the arts being eleminated and the education system teaching basically for test scores, as that's how teachers are "scored", it's no wonder ADHD, etc. disorders have soared. Children aren't robots, they need to free play, express themselves and most importantly MOVE around...

[wcast]

2. Sitting for 7 hours a day is unnatural for children.

while there are some children who wouldn't respond well to this, many would. As a special education teacher, this is the most over diagnosed condition. Medication is needed for a small percentage, but behavioral modification is just as effective and better long term.

Note: I'm not saying some aren't ADHD or need medicine.

[zeusdogmom]

4. Not natural for adults either

Best thing that happened to my body was getting laid off from a computer sitting all day job. New job - working in a large retail greenhouse. 30 lbs. gone by the end of the season.

[Phoenix61]

3. When I was in elementary school, way back when

Morning break, after lunch break, afternoon break, and PE/art/music period every day. If the class got a little rowdy all the teacher had to do was ask if we wanted to skip recess that day, instant quiet.

[HoneyBadger]

5. How can this approach be used to help adults?

At least a tenth of the adults in my extended family have this

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Well, duh.

I likewise went to elementary school in the era when we had a morning and afternoon recess. Plus lunch. Young children are not designed to sit still for long periods.