A Proposal to Pilot Physical Activity Breaks Into a Classroom to Increase the Concentration of Children with ADHD.

Abstract

This project considers how implementing a physical activity break resource pack into the classroom can be used to promote concentration of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is rapidly becoming more common in Scotland, interfering with how a child develops and interacts in his or her environment. The proceeding literature review discusses the characterisation of the disorder and highlights the academic experiences and challenges that students with ADHD face when enrolled in education, such as inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Although not all individuals with ADHD experience the same difficulties, some being primarily hyperactive and impulsive, where as others may be predominantly inattentive, most find it hard to keep their mind on one thing at a time, making it hard for students to focus their attention long enough to learn. Generally the literature indicates the lack of implementation of physical activity breaks into classrooms, specifically to increase the concentration levels of the pupils. However, there is extensive evidence showing the benefits physical activity can have for both typically developing children and children with additional support needs such as ADHD. Occupational Therapy is a profession that can work with a wide variety of client groups to help them overcome barriers and engage independently in meaningful occupations. Skills such as exquisite problem solving, grading and adapting will allow the occupational therapist to create a professional, advantageous resource pack, which can be implemented into classrooms to help pupils remain engaged in school occupations, as well as relieving teachers of unnecessary pressures. Although this project may have benefits for all children in the classroom, the project leader is specifically concerned with the benefits it may have for children with ADHD.