Have you ever wondered what makes learning so much easier for some students than others? The answer lies in the brain's cognitive functions—essential processes that influence everything we do. As a certified Arrowsmith Instructor at Brehm Preparatory School, I’ve seen firsthand how strengthening these functions can transform a student’s educational journey.
Introduction:
The Arrowsmith Program is grounded in the principle of neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to change and grow. Think of the brain as a muscle; with the right exercises, it can become stronger and more efficient. This program is a game-changer, especially for students with learning differences, because it targets the weaker areas of their cognitive functions, making academic tasks not just manageable, but achievable.
Overview of the Arrowsmith Program:
At its core, the Arrowsmith Program targets six key areas of cognition through an intense, individualized exercise regimen. We assess 19 cognitive areas in each student’s brain and develop tailored exercise plans to address their specific needs. These areas include social-emotional skills, working memory, non-verbal communication, reading, writing, eye tracking, fine motor skills, processing speed, task initiation, motor planning, and language.
Most of our exercises are computer-based, allowing us to compile daily data on each student’s progress. To ensure a holistic approach, we share testing results with our speech and language team, creating a unified strategy for every student's development. By the end of the year, we reassess to measure the growth that has occurred—and the results are often remarkable.
Benefits for Students:
Strengthening cognitive functions through the Arrowsmith Program can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for accommodations in the classroom. This targeted approach is much like building muscles at the gym—the more focused the exercise, the stronger the area becomes. But the benefits go beyond academics. The program also addresses the social and emotional needs of our students, helping them gain confidence and succeed in all areas of their lives.
Case Studies:
We’ve seen countless success stories with the Arrowsmith Program. Take, for example, a student who came to us unable to tell time on a clock—not only did they not know which hand was which, but they couldn’t grasp the concept of time itself. After completing the program, this student could not only tell time but could read complex clocks with multiple hands. And that’s just one example. Another student struggled with writing, from holding a pen correctly to pressing down too hard. After working through the Motor Symbol Sequencing exercise, they improved their handwriting, spelling, and even the content they could produce in a 30-minute writing sample. These are just two of the many stories that demonstrate how the Arrowsmith Program changes lives.
Conclusion:
Cognitive functions are the bedrock of learning and performance, influencing every aspect of life. The Arrowsmith Program’s focus on rebuilding and enhancing these functions makes it an invaluable tool in special education. By helping students strengthen these essential areas, we’re not just improving their academic outcomes—we’re giving them the confidence to succeed in everything they do.
Discover More About the Arrowsmith Program’s Impact
To understand how these cognitive enhancements translate into real-life success stories and personal transformations for students, read Jocelyn Keehn's blog, "Transformative Lives Through the Arrowsmith Program." In that post, Jocelyn shares in-depth examples of how the Arrowsmith Program has positively affected students' confidence and academic performance at Brehm.
