For a right-brain learner, especially one who is visual-spatial, kinesthetic, and learns differently, attention and anxiety challenges are very common. Too often, these problems get worse as the work gets harder, test pressures increase, and assignments are longer.
Note, while a fraction of our students have ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, and some have a diagnosed anxiety challenge, the interventions we discuss can help virtually all our students. Some as an integrated part of the 3D Learner Program ® and also as a stand alone program to improve attention and reduce anxiety.
Parents often ask us about the best natural solutions to attention and anxiety challenges.
The best way to naturally improve attention and reduce anxiety is to take an integrated, strength-based approach that targets the brain-body connection, emotional regulation, and cognitive skills—all while honoring how the child learns best.
Note, this works well for:
- Students with attention and/or anxiety challenges
- Student athletes who want to improve their academic and athletic performance — our ability to improve athletic performance often helps us to engage a child.
- A high performing student where parents recognize the benefits of improving attention and to better manage stress can give their child a significant advantage
To discuss your specific challenges and how we might be able to help,
call us at 919-371-5295 or click here to schedule a
“How the Interactive Metronome and the Safe and Sound Protocol can help your child” conversation
The 3D Learner 5-step process framework to improve attention and reduce anxiety.
1. Understand that attention and anxiety issues are very common, especially in smart kids who learn differently.
- Understand that attention issues are often the inability to pay attention to that which is boring or frustrating
- Look for triggers and proactively address the issues
- If hydration is an issue, have your child drink more water
- If they lose attention when they are tired, have them get more sleep
- If your child loses focus during the first hour of class, because the medication has not kicked in yet, get up earlier and give them the medication
- Do cross midline exercises before doing homework and at 20 or 30-minute intervals
- If they respond poorly to harsh criticism and get angry, try staying calm
2. Train the Brain and Body to Work Together
Right-brain learners often struggle with attention due to weaknesses in timing, rhythm, and processing speed—not because they lack motivation or effort.
Best Tools:
- Interactive Metronome® (IM): Improves timing, attention, working memory, and self-regulation through rhythmic, engaging, whole-body exercises.
- Brainware Safari®: Strengthens core executive function skills like focus, working memory, and visual processing through game-based, cognitive training.
- Visual- motor/ balance movement programs: Enhances balance, rhythm, and coordination, improving self-regulation and focus.
At 3D Learner, we have used the Interactive Metronome ® for over 25 years.
Examples:
“After just 5 weeks, my daughter is a different kid. Much more attentive, less anxious and much more fun to be with”, Tony A Coral Springs
Alex struggled with behavior and attention issues. His baseball batting average was 65 and he had hit one home run the prior year. With our training, he went from 2 suspensions to none, he was able to get much better grades, his batting average went from 265 to 390 and his home run production went from 1 to 10. He went from batting 7th to the 4th spot in the lineup. His coach called him the Iceman, because he was really calm under pressure.
Matthew was reading at a tortuously slow 125 words per minute. His parents wanted accommodations for the SATs, but he did not have a qualifying condition. With the Interactive Metronome and Reading Plus ® he was able to improve his comprehension 2 grade levels, his reading speed from 125 to 300 words per minute and to improve his SAT scores by 175 points.
We now provide this service at our Durham, NC office and it can be done via zoom, worldwide.
To discuss your specific challenges and how we might be able to help,
call us at 919-371-5295 or 561-361-7495 click here to schedule a
“How the Interactive Metronome and the Safe and Sound Protocol can help your child” conversation
3. Calm the Nervous System and Build Resilience
Right-brain learners often operate in fight-or-flight mode, especially in traditional school settings.
Best Tools:
- Safe and Sound Protocol® (SSP): A non-invasive, music-based intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that calms the autonomic nervous system, improving emotional regulation, auditory processing, and social engagement.
- Breathwork and Movement Breaks: Integrate deep breathing, yoga, or structured movement every 20–30 minutes to reduce stress and refocus the brain.
- HeartMath® Tools: Teaches kids to regulate heart rate variability and build resilience through fun, biofeedback-based emotional regulation strategies.
3D Learner has been using the Interactive Metronome ® for over 25 years and we have been using the Safe and Sound Protocol for over 5 years — the combination is excellent for:
- Students with attention and anxiety — a formal ADHD diagnosis is not necessary
- Student athletes who want to improve academic and athletic skills
- High performing students who want to take their skills to the next level
4. Teach the Way They Learn
Right-brain learners are often frustrated because their strengths (visual, spatial, experiential learning) are ignored in traditional environments. This mismatch increases anxiety and attention difficulties.
Strength-Based Teaching Strategies:
- Use visuals, mind maps, color coding, and hands-on learning.
- Limit passive listening and rote memorization.
- Tap into their creativity, interests, and need for movement.
Build success experiences to reinforce confidence and decrease anxiety.
5. Create a Strength-Focused Environment at Home and School
- Celebrate small wins and focus on what’s going right.
- Collaboratively set goals tied to their interests.
- Minimize shame, comparison, and labels.
- Use calm-down corners, fidgets, and visual schedules to support independence and self-regulation.
To discuss your specific challenges and how we might be able to help,
call us at 919-371-5295 or 561-361-7495 click here to schedule a
“How the Interactive Metronome and the Safe and Sound Protocol can help your child” conversation
