March 10, 2002
NO NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED MARCH 20, 2002
I'M TAKING A VACATION
MUSIC AND ADD/ADHD
A compilation of information by BJ Madewell
When it is time for your child to get started on homework .... or for you to pay the bills ... maybe you should turn on the music.
If your child says he can study better when he listens to his favorite music. He may be accurate. -- Especially if his favorite music happens to be by Mozart.
Studies have shown that music may be an important factor in aiding children in learning, retaining information, and communication skills.
Researchers looked at the effects of listening to Mozart’s music and found --it helps listeners become relaxed and attentive -- even if they don’t really like classical music. Don Campbell, author of The Mozart Effect, says listening to Mozart actually helps the mind organize time and space.
Other claimed benefits include:
Ability to study for longer periods of time
Improves test scores
Cuts learning time
Calms hyperactive children and adults
Reduces errors
Improves creativity and clarity
Heals the body faster
Integrates both sides of the brain for more efficient learning
Raises IQ scores 9 points (research done at University of California, Irvine)
BE
AWARE that the Irvine study was done on college students -- therefore it is
not a “given” that the results would necessarily transfer to ADD/ADHD
students but .... I figure it’s worth a try and can’t hurt. (BJ)
DO ADVERTISERS NEED TO TALK TO TEACHERS ABOUT MUSIC???
Think of these examples: the ABC song many of us learn in kindergarten and advertisement jingles and sayings. I still find myself singing the spelling of encyclopedia -- as remembered from hearing it sung by Jiminy Cricket on the Mickey Mouse Club (Boy, that really tells you my age, doesn’t it?)
Major corporations such as Shell, IBM, and Dupont use music -- Baroque pieces, to cut learning time in half and increase retention of new material. Don Campbell, author of The Mozart Effect, claims “43% of the world’s largest industrial companies provide music to their employees.” I figure if major corporations feel such music is beneficial, who am I to argue? Have you ever noticed the music playing in the background as you grocery shop? They aren’t spending money to pay for the music just for the fun of it!
Personally, (BJ Madewell) I use Baroque pieces -- mostly Mozart and Vivaldi to calm myself and my students during particularly trying times of the school day. Music also helps me unwind in the evenings after a day of 3 students “forgetting” to take their medication. Some students actually request I put on the “weird” music.
Research says that movement, music, and laughing can actually change the chemistry of a person’s brain. (In a previous newsletter, I strongly advocate smiling as much as possible when working with ADD/ADHD students --just seeing a “happy” face, seems to help ADD/ADHD students.)
IF THAT ISN’T ENOUGH TO CONVINCE YOU .....
A news article reported that researchers have discovered direct evidence that music stimulates different regions of the brain responsible for memory, motor control, timing and language. Also, researchers have found specific areas of mental activity that are linked to emotional responses to music.
SO ... TURN ON THE MUSIC!!!!
I highly recommend reading the book THE MOZART EFFECT by Don
Campbell. He also has a website.
www.mozarteffect.com
Other websites to visit concerning MUSIC AND ADD/ADHD
http://www.auditoryintegration.net/
http://www.dnamusic.com/
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Consider getting some classical music and playing it.
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of then information is from classes and workshops I've taken during my 25+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
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Please fwd to others who may benefit.
BJ
Madewell
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