When it comes to children with ADHD, urging them to “stop fidgeting” is often counterproductive. Recent research from the University of Central Florida indicates that these kids actually benefit from movement. The study involved 52 boys aged 8 to 12, with 29 diagnosed with ADHD and the rest developing normally.
The researchers designed tasks to assess working memory, the cognitive system that helps us learn and understand new information. The children were tasked with organizing jumbled numbers and correlating them with letters flashed on a screen. As they worked, their movements were closely monitored.
Mark Peterson, one of the study’s authors, pointed out that hyperactivity in children with ADHD tends to emerge primarily during executive functioning tasks—essentially, when they are actively engaged in learning. He explained, “What we’ve discovered is that increased movement correlates with better performance in most cases… They need to move to stay alert.”
In essence, compelling ADHD kids to remain seated and suppress their fidgeting may actually hinder their ability to learn effectively. Interestingly, while non-ADHD peers also moved during the tasks, their performance lagged behind. Traditional approaches to ADHD often emphasize the reduction of hyperactivity, yet allowing for fidgeting—such as tapping feet, using a stationary bike, or bouncing on an exercise ball—might enhance their educational experience. In a school environment that often prioritizes standardized testing, this insight could inspire a shift in how educators design classrooms and lessons to better support ADHD learners.
Peterson clarified, “The goal isn’t to let them run wild in the classroom, but rather to create an environment that accommodates their need for movement to maintain the necessary alertness for cognitive tasks.”
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In summary, instead of discouraging movement in ADHD children, we should encourage it as a vital part of their learning process. By doing so, we can help them thrive both academically and personally.
Keyphrase: ADHD children learning through movement
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