Sit still!
a frequent, despairing instruction from so many teachers, and yet occupational therapists tell us that it is a surprisingly tricky task for children. In fact, compared with the 1980s — when kids played outside more, merry go rounds and play gyms were more common, and parents had less fears of their children playing outdoors — only one in twelve of today’s children have normal core strength and balance.
This means that sitting still for long periods of time — let alone concentrating in that period — is harder today for youngsters than ever, and also perhaps a contributor to such high rates of ADHD diagnoses.
Exercise and its essential role in cognition is perhaps a topic for another post; today we will focus on posture, and how keeping an eye on your students’ posture in class can go a long way to improving their comfort and therefore concentration.