Exercise Linked to Improving Attention

/ Talk Toomey Háblame Speech Pathology Services, LLC/

As a speech-language pathologist, I can tell you that when kids and teens have improved attention, whether or not they have ADHD, their language skills and overall cognition are also improved. Studies show that exercise is linked to improved attention. As educators, clinicians, caregivers, and parents, it can be easy to say that there just isn't time to go to the park, play outside, walk to a friend's house, or go for a bike-ride. Your days are measured by productivity and you (the educators, clinicians, caregivers, and parents) are held accountable. How can you, the educator, spare time for an extra recess break when you have state testing quickly approaching? Parents and caregivers, where will you squeeze in time for an after school bike ride or walk to the park? The homework needs to be finished, lunches need to be packed for the following day, and the laundry still has to be folded and put away.

Though life is busy, I encourage you to find time to add in some movement each day. Teachers, maybe your extra time outside or incorporating movement can be target a whole group following directions activity such as Simon Says, listening and attention tasks with Hullabaloo, parachute games for younger children, or trying new outdoor learning activities for older children. Parents, try to aim for 2-3 days each week to engage in extra activities with your children. Find lunch options that are easier for you and allow you more time with your kids. Pre-packaging veggies and snacks for lunches on Sundays will save you a lot of time during the week. You can even have your children help you with this and work on receptive and expressive language skills, concepts, following instructions, labeling foods/drinks, and task follow through. The lunches will be made in no time, and you will probably have a little bit of time for a stroll down the street each day after school or dinner. 

See how you can fit more movement into your child's day. You may be surprised at how being more active also improves his or her ability to attend and do better with their language skills!

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear from you if you have questions or want to be informed about a certain topic. 

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