Book Review
“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