On November 28, 2006, Julie Ross (left, in the red sweater) gave an insightful presentation on the teenage brain “Teenagers: A Brain All Their Own.” This event was hosted by Active Balanced Community. The training was open to teachers, service providers, probation officers, parents, and anyone who knows a teenager.

 

Julie Ross presented a review of sciencific studies of the brain. With new technology like MRI scans, we are now able to study the brain like never before. Long term studies are producing evidence that the brain developes dramatically during the teen years.

 

The training attracted over 80 particiapnts.

 

Ross explained that studies show your brain needs physical movement of the body to function. The age of a person is generally the number of minutes they can sit still before the mind starts to wander. For example, a 10 year old can sit still and pay attention for about 10 minutes before they need physical movement to keep the brain interested. For this reason, Ross suggested teachers incorporate some type activity with their lesson plans.

 

Ross practices what she preaches, she had the audience throwing frisbees...

 

and walk around the room to share their insights with other participants.

 

This not only made you pay more attention, it made the three hours and fifteen minute presentation fly by!