When it comes to kids with ADHD, telling them to “stop fidgeting” might just be the worst advice you can give. A groundbreaking study from the University of Central Florida reveals that these energetic kiddos actually learn better when they’re free to move around. In a fascinating experiment, researchers observed 52 boys aged 8 to 12—29 of whom had been diagnosed with ADHD—while they tackled tasks designed to assess their “working memory.” This is the mental system we use to process information, solve problems, and grasp new concepts.
The tasks were simple yet demanding; the children had to organize jumbled numbers and remember a letter flashed on the screen. As they worked, researchers took note of how much the kids moved. Mark Bennett, one of the study’s authors, previously found that hyperactivity in ADHD kids isn’t a constant state but becomes noticeable when they engage their executive brain functions, especially during learning activities. The results were eye-opening: when these kids were allowed to move, they often performed better. Bennett stated, “What we’ve found is that when they’re moving the most, the majority of them perform better… They have to move to maintain alertness.”
So, what does this mean? Forcing kids with ADHD to sit still can actually hinder their ability to learn. Interestingly, the non-ADHD kids fidgeted too but didn’t perform as well as their ADHD peers when restricted from movement. Instead of focusing solely on curbing hyperactivity, perhaps we should consider allowing these children to fidget, bounce on an exercise ball, or even pedal a stationary bike. In a world fixated on standardized testing, this new understanding could inspire educators to rethink how they structure classrooms and lessons to support ADHD learners.
Bennett sums it up nicely: “The message isn’t ‘Let them run around the room,’ but you need to be able to facilitate their movement so they can maintain the level of alertness necessary for cognitive activities.” Speaking of maintaining alertness, if you’re interested in family planning, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatment from March of Dimes. And if you’re considering home insemination, this makeamom.com site is an authority on the topic, offering insights and products that might just help your journey. For a deeper dive, you can also explore this blog’s advertiser disclosure.
In summary, it’s essential to rethink how we approach learning for children with ADHD. Instead of stifling their natural movements, we should embrace them as a tool for better engagement and understanding.