Brain Integration Optimizes Learning to Read Potential

1. Brain integration is a fragile condition
2. Brain dis-integration leads to perceptual blind spots, poor performance & learning problems
3. Brain integration enables access to all brain functions and optimal ability to learn
4. Physical body balance helps to maintain brain integration
   
   

Brain Integration is a Fragile Condition.

Stress of life and stress of learning can cause dis-integration of the functions of the brain. The stress of learning to read abstract symbols that have no inherent meaning can cause enough stress to interrupt and shut down the needed brain functions for learning -- learning becomes a struggle. When the brain is dis-integrated, it is harder to think clearly and access information we know, to move with coordination and in the way we want, or to learn something new. 

We all go into brain dis-integration and the mental, emotional and physical dysfunctions associated with it when we undergo enough stress. 

The disrupting effects of stress may be below the level of our consciousness and yet they may deeply affect our conscious awareness and our learning, emotional and physical performance.

For example, all of us have probably suffered the stressful experience of not remembering someone’s name or a particular word during a conversation or in answer to a question.  The more we push to recall the name or word, the worse our chances of recall become because we deepen our level of brain dis-integration by increasing our stress about “not remembering their name.”  Later, when we are no longer under stress, we relax and renew our state of brain integration.  Then, out of the blue it seems, in pops the name or word, clearly and easily.

Consider how you have felt when you could not remember a name or word under pressure.  How do you imagine a student feels while being quizzed or asked to perform something that is very stressful for him?  Can you now imagine what his state of brain dis-integration might feel like?
 

Brain Dis-integration Leads to Perceptual Blind-spots,  Poor Performance & Learning Problems

When stress interrupts the firing timing and sequencing of areas of the brain, perceptual and performance blind spots begin to appear in the individual’s awareness. 

 

As a result of disruptive stress, the individual has only a limited capacity to learn, perform or express himself.  When he can re-integrate his brain and body, then he can begin to perform better and learn again.

 

The recurrence of brain dis-integration and the subsequent lack of successful learning and performance produce a lot of mental and emotional stress on the individual. 

 

Each individual develops behaviors and characteristics to protect him from the discomfort of that stress. These behaviors remove him from the action of learning and limit the amount of learning is likely to occur.
 

Brain Integration Enables Access to all Brain Functions & Optimal Ability to Learn 

Access and integration of all related areas and functions of the brain are needed for successfully undertaking any task. Even a seemingly simple task like identifying where a loud noise came from requires a lot of interaction between all parts of the brain - right, left, front, back, top and bottom sides of the brain.  When integrated, we know in an instant where to look for the source of the noise.  When dis-integrated, we easily confuse input that comes in from the left and right, front and back, top and bottom, and may not be able to identify correctly where the sound originated.

 

Learning success promotes the likelihood of more learning success. While failure causes additional stress and may make learning difficult.  When the brain is integrated, learning is most possible and new tasks begin to bring positive outcomes. The reward of positive outcomes promotes enthusiasm for taking on the next challenge.

Physical Body Balance Helps to Maintain Brain Integration

Body balance and organization is essential for maintaining brain integration.  When the reader sits with his body well aligned, the reader’s body and brain remain well connected.  He can think clearly and stabilize his perceptions when his brain and body are well connected.

 

When poor body mechanics put stress on the brain, the brain is more likely to become easily dis-integrated during the stress of learning.