“Brain Matters” by Pat Wolfe

In Pat Wolfe’s “Translating Research into Classroom Practice,”

(Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development —

800.933.2723), she notes, “The neurotransmitters that allow our

neurons to communicate are made up of amino acids, which we

obtain from the foods we eat. This fact gives new meaning to the

saying, ‘You are what you eat.’ ” (p. 65).

(This short, clearly written book about how the brain learns

contains an excellent explanation about the physiology of the

brain, how scientists monitor its activity, and also includes

applications to learning.)

Parents who have an interest in fostering effective learning have

a responsibility to their children of nourishing them with those

foods rich in nutrients for effective learning. Feeding excessive

sugar to young children at breakfast is a sure way to increase

over-activity and reduce concentration for learning.

Another consideration pertains to food sensitivities and

allergies. The Feingold diet should be investigated for children

with tendencies towards AD/HD.

Parents can also promote exercise. Physical and especially

aerobic exercise not only reduce stress, they also contribute to

a good night’s sleep — which, in turn, assists in increasing

attention spans.

Controversy will continue regarding whether AD/HD is attributed

to modern life styles or has always been with selected humans but

only became apparent when literacy sit-down learning was imposed.

Either way, parents have a responsibility to investigate all

available possibilities before labeling a child or subscribing to

pharmaceuticals. Drugs may assist in controlling symptoms but do

not alter the neural connections necessary to modify

distractibility, impulsiveness, or hyperactivity.

– Gene Bedley