In the fall of 2008, we began an exciting new adventure at Halton Hills Christian School. Following the solid methods developed by Barbara Arrowsmith Young of Toronto, we have started a cognitive abilities class. The Arrowsmith program is a vastly different approach to dealing with students with learning disabilities. Previously, students were taught strategies to compensate for their learning disabilities and the classroom environment was modified to accommodate these students and their needs.
The Arrowsmith program is based on the theory of neuroplasticity. It is now a recognized fact that the brain is pliable and elastic, not fixed as we used to believe. Therefore, it is now possible to physically change the brain in response to stimuli and develop new neural pathways. The exercises created by Barbara Arrowsmith Young over the past 25 years now make it possible for the brains of children with certain learning dysfunctions to be strengthened to the point of average or above-average functionality.
We have students coming and going out of the Arrowsmith room for 50%, 62%, or 74% of the school day, depending on their individual program. To assist them, we have 2 experienced teachers, trained in the Arrowsmith methodology, and 1 teaching assistant to aid in the classroom activities.
Students work on a variety of 11 different cognitive exercises. All students complete pen and paper work, some students work on computers, and some students use MP 3 players to complete auditory work. Students are required to do 70 to 100 minutes of homework, 6 times a week. The activities are unique and they definitely challenge the brain! The exercises work the brain as if it is a muscle. The new promise is that, as the exercises change the brain?s abilities, children begin to learn at the natural rate of their peers; they no longer require remedial support, program modification, or other forms of compensation. It is our hope and prayer, as the year unfolds, that we will witness these changes firsthand!
For more information visit www.arrowsmithschool.org
Television Documentaries
CBC - "The nature of things" (an excellent overview of neuroplasticity)
CBC - "The Lens" (a one hour exclusive special on the Arrowsmith Program)
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