Research has shown that in addition to trauma, another common classroom disrupter and hindering factor in the learning process is boredom. According to Professor Jackie Andrade of the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, “If someone is doing a boring task, they may start to daydream. Daydreaming distracts them from the task, resulting in poorer performance. A simple task, like doodling (or scribbling), may be sufficient to stop daydreaming without affecting performance on the main task.”
In all of the pilot studies I have done, the I Create What I Believe! (ICWIB!) Program has shown that using simple drawing and scribbling activities, children can move from states of high anxiety to calmer, more receptive, cognitive states. In the process, they learn how to detect when their system is stressed and restore balance autonomously without disrupting the whole class. This also led to a reduction in behavioral problems and a marked improvement in learning and comprehension. (Middle School) (Head Start)
We all are aware of the impact that early childhood experiences (ACE) can have on one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I think finding simple and affordable solutions are critical for not only helping an individual child, but also to breaking the chain of generational poverty, and/or abuse. I personally know firsthand how childhood trauma can impact one’s cognitive, emotional, and physical health and well-being. This is the reason I have spent the last 40 years of my life developing tools and assisting both children and adults recover from the wreckage of their own childhoods.
With this in mind, I invite you to explore some of the ICWIB! art activities and videos for FREE.