Restorative Environment

"In the era of test-centric education reform and growing fear of liability, many districts considered recess a waste of potential academic time or too risky.(Louv, P.1)"

In elementary schools today recess is being phased out. Many kids do not get to have a break during class to go out and exercise. Teachers are expected to keep on track to prepare the kids for the standardize tests to pass the grade they are in. Therefore, teachers are viewing recess as a waste of time when they could be teaching them more information. It is important for children to be able to go outside and release energy. Children need to let energy out because they are sitting inside all day. Being able to play on a playground helps to exercise and release energy to go back in the class and focus again. Recess is very important and should not be phased out.

[Photo From: http://www.njplaygrounds.com/blog-n-photos/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/crim_2.jpg]

"Critics charge that often-prescribed stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, though necessary in many cases, are overprescribed, perhaps as much as 10 to 40 percent of the time. (Louv, P.3)"

Many people feel that medications for ADHD are over prescribed. Many people also feel that mediations are not the answer to solve ADHD problems. I feel that medication prescribed in the right way is very helpful. My brother has ADHD and it is very obvious when he does not take his medication. Without his medications he can not focus in school, sit still, and is very distracting to teachers and other students. Therefore, the medication helps him to do better in school.  ADHD medication is prescribed by weight and doctors prescribe it based on evaluations to specific needs of each person. I think it is not over prescribed just more people are aware and have ADHD on different levels.

[Photo From: http://70.32.92.106/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Prescription-Drug-Addiction-Treatment.jpg]

"If it's true that nature therapy reduces the symptoms of ADHD, then the converse may also be true: ADHD may be a set of symptoms aggravated by lack of exposure to nature. (Louv, P.11)"

I think this is true because with schools taking out recess students that have ADHD can not release their energy. Students with ADHD need the time to run around. Being able to go out side and have the freedom to go where they want and play where they want is important. Keeping kids with ADHD trapped inside and making them sit still all day will not help them deal with their ADHD. I do not think it is nature alone that helps reduce the symptoms but being able to choose to play and do what the feel help reduces the symptoms.

[Photo From: http://img2.timeinc.net/health/images/gallery/condition-centers/causes-of-adhd-400x400.jpg]