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 […]
Exercise Increases Attention Span Read More »
I would strongly recommend that you read Chapters 4 & 5 of Ratey’s book if you want documentation of how exercise reduces anxiety and depression. His conclusions include: 1. Psychotherapy and medication remain the two main treatments for anxiety and depression. 2. The chemicals activated in the brain when taking anti depressant medication are the
Exercise- The Magic Cure Read More »
Since brain researchers like Ratey are often accused of looking at the physical aspects of our being at the expense of environmental conditioning, Ratey takes time this week to share research done in the 1960’s that resulted in the formation of head start to overcome environmental delays in children raised in poverty. Research has consistently
Nature vs. Nurture Read More »
Help a child learn how to build words by playing WORD PIRATES together. It’s a fun game that is quick and simple to play! The best part…if you can build a word that has 4 letters or more you get to wear a pirate patch! That is pretty motivating when you are a young student!
A recent article in our local newspaper had this headline, “Strong body, strong mind. Kids who exercise do better in school.” That is the Ratey’s point this week as he says, “When we exercise, we’re also exercising the areas of the brain involved in the full suite of cognitive functions.” Ratey points out that our
Growing Brain Cells Read More »
We’re going to start the new year reviewing a book by Dr. John Ratey who is a leading expert in the field of how exercise improves brain functioning. While we have always believed that the purpose of exercise is to make our bodies feel better, research now shows that exercise allows the brain to operate at
Exercise the Brain Read More »
The new book has not yet arrived as promised so some reflections on the season. Did you know that Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus 750 years before his birth? I have always tuned into the 39 chapters of Isaiah that talk about the judgment on Israel for their many sins. Did you know that
The holidays lead to a wide variety of feelings for everyone, but especially children who deal with stress and grief due to poverty and family issues. You can be a bright source of joy that is based on true hope, peace, and love. In your hours with your mentees leading up to the winter break:
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I recently participated as a panelist in a discussion after a screening of Race to Nowhere, a film by Vicki Abeles, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. The film addresses the pressures placed on students to perform and the demands that come with striving to achieve academically. Several issues may contribute to
Are Our Children Under Too Much Pressure? Read More »
Help your child learn to read by playing 4 in a Row Reading Game Simply click on the link for a printout of the game, bring a die in your mentoring bag and you are ready to play and learn with your child. As your child practices reading these basic words, they will soon be able
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