Exercise 4 Learning
Time-In Strategy
"Time-In" is a targeted strategy for kids with ADHD and other behavioral issues. By understanding the students' physiology and how to work with it, educators can reduce focusing simply on some of the traditional strategies - such as missing recess, critical feedback, and isolation - and incorporate a more proactive approach using exercise - particularly Exergaming (a highly interactive technology in the form of video games that require the player to be physically active to participate).
"Students obtain numerous behavioral and psychosocial benefits from physical activity...'Time-In' is an essential strategy to use with students struggling with ADHD - to assist them in gaining the benefits that physical activity can bring."
John Ratey, M.D.
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
Author of SPARK
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Exercise works with the physiology of the brain to improve behavior.
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Exercise causes the release of neurotransmitters that activate the attention system, improve mood, decrease anti-social behavior, and increase pro-social behavior.
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This increases the opportunities to access executive functioning (i.e. problem solving, planning, sequencing, etc.) necessary for learning.
Schools are just beginning to understand the advantages of using Exergaming in Exercise Learning Centers (ELCs) to support educational goals.
The Time-in strategy is being used as a behavioral intervention (e.g. IEPs) of targeted antecedent exercise, particularly in an ELC.
Students, who are normally reluctant to exercise, are motivated to play Exergames.
In addition to the benefits that the exercise provides to the attention system, mood, and learning, kids want to play Exergames with friends, thus strengthening social relationships.
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