What is MC2®?
Motor Cognition Squared (MC2) is a method of blending physical and cognitive exercises that begin simply and build to become progressively more complex. MC2 exercises are based upon the concepts of neuronal migration, neural-pathway development, and learning theory.
Movement combined with cognitive exercises stimulate regional brain processes that facilitate neurons (axons and dendrites) to migrate and form stronger pathways that foster communication across brain regions. MC2 students improve ability to sustain attention and inhibit impulsive behavior, which leads to more efficient planning and organization for problem solving and purposefully self-directed behavior. Students also improve their fine and gross motor skills that in turn improve handwriting, balance, and cognition.
Negative behavior traits and lack of motivation often emerge as one struggles with learning and achievement. These behaviors can be the result of untreated problems associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, gifted asynchronous development, and stroke or traumatic brain injury. Children and adults may develop learned helplessness behaviors as they experience small and large failures every day.
The MC2 program has consistently helped struggling students become more confident, competent, and successful within 5-8 months. Students develop and improve inhibition, divided attention, and visualization skills that are necessary for social, academic, and vocational success, and self-esteem.
Neurological pathways are stimulated by engaging in specific motor activities. These activities are similar to some occupational and physical therapy concepts that are used to create new pathways that bypass damaged brain circuitry in treating individuals suffering from brain injury. Cognitive exercises are then simultaneously performed once the motor skills are learned and consolidated.
It is the blend of cognitive and motor exercises that is the key to developing improved regional brain processes involved in academics, attention, inhibition, and problem solving. Sitting at a computer doing ‘brain exercises’ does not yield the same results as MC2, because the computer does not incorporate motor systems that facilitate cognitive functioning. Pre and post testing is used to overtly show parents and caretakers the improvements made over the course of the MC2 process.