BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Very Active When Imagining

Research shows that the brain is very active when imagining. The higher thinking areas of young children’s brains benefit greatly from opportunities to pretend.

Increasing amounts of research are demonstrating  that this type of play leads to a greater ability to self regulate. For an article on Nurturing Your Child’s Imagination from Sue Hubbard, M.D go here.

BRAIN FACT: Development Of Children's Brains Is Enhanced When Regularly Exposed To Green Spaces For Play

The development of children’s brains is enhanced when regularly exposed to green spaces for play or physical activity. Outdoor play can lead to better motor coordination, fewer attention problems, and an increase in memory.

“By the time most children attend kindergarten, they have watched more than 5,000 hours of television–enough time to earn a college degree.” This statement is from a recent report from the National Wildlife Federation entitled: Whole Child: Developing Mind, Body and Spirit Through Outdoor Play. You can read this extremely valuable report here: 

The Naturally Developing Brains Activity Packet will be released soon. It is filled with ideas and information on how each included activity contributes to healthy brains. You can get pre-production pricing now at www.braininsightsonline.com.  ~ Proceeds from the packet contribute toward nature pre-school efforts. They can also be purchased as a fund raiser for your program or organization!

BRAIN FACT: Research Shows That DVDs And Television Do Not Enhance Language Learning

The brain learns language rapidly in the pre-school years. Research shows the best way to learn language is through direct interaction in everyday life activities.  DVDs and television do not enhance language learning.

In the recent study, Do Babies Learn From Baby Media?, researchers compared four groups and found: “The highest level of learning occurred in a no-video condition in which parents tried to teach their children the same target words during everyday activities.”   You can access the research here: 

Language development can be done so easily without DVD’s even during busy everyday life! You can have ideas right in your pocket with, The Brain Development Series.

BRAIN FACT: Brain Circuits Involved With Empathy Are Also Partially The Same As Cicuits Involved With Violence

Resent research reveals that the brain circuits involved with empathy are also partially the same as circuits involved with violence.   The researcher states, "We all know that encouraging empathy has an inhibiting effect on violence, but this may not only be a social question but also a biological one -- stimulation of these neuronal circuits in one direction reduces their activity in the other."

To read an article on this go to Science Daily.
 
A wonderful new program called Roots to Empathy is showing impressive results. Read the innovative and positive project aimed at preventing bullying in this article, Fighting Bullying with Babies.

BRAIN FACT: Brains Of Infants And Toddlers Are Too Immature To Be Taught To Read

The brains of infants and toddlers are too immature to be taught to read. Children at these ages can only memorize. It is most advantageous to teach actual reading when the brain has matured. Young brains benefit most from being read to, having fun interactions with people, and playing with real objects.

Frequently I am asked about the, “Your Baby Can Read” program. It is always great to use this as an opportunity to explain how the developing brain really learns. I am thrilled to let you know, The Today Show reported that experts agree that this program is not valuable to developing brains. Watch here!

It will be wonderful when everyone is aware of the knowledge we have to help all children develop best!  This can be done so easily even during busy everyday life. Sharing real brain development activities and information is made easy with, The Brain Development Series.

BRAIN FACT: Continuous Or Intense Stress Can Affect Children's Brain Development

Continuous or intense stress can affect children’s brain development. When children have repeated or long term exposure to stressful experiences this results in increased levels of stress chemicals that can cause lasting damage. However, children actually learn how to cope when exposed to regular stress. This occurs when a caring adult consistently responds to the child.

I am thrilled to see a recent article in The Seattle Times by Jerry Large discussing a symposium on the impact of stress on the brain and how critically important it is to address these issues. You can read the article, The Science of Healthy Children here.

In my brain presentations on the impact of relationships,  I often show the clip of the still face experiment mentioned in this article.  You can view it here: 

BRAIN FACT: The Easiest Time For The Brain To Learn A Second Language Is During The Pre-School Years

The easiest time for the brain to learn a second language is during the pre-school years.  Research indicates there may be additional benefits when learning multiple languages.  Children can develop better overall verbal skills, a better vocabulary, and sequencing abilities.

This article, Brain Boosting Activities, from Sue Hubbard, M.D. The Kids Doctor, points out the value of multiple language learning along with other areas that support optimal brain development. 

BRAIN FACT: A Child Will Make Trillions Of Connections In The First Five Years

While the brain makes connections throughout life, a child will make trillions of initial connections in the first five years. Research demonstrates that play and interactive experiences in nature have a very positive impact on healthy brain development.

Carol Torgan, Ph.D has put together a extremely valuable list of over 200 resources related to play. You can enjoy it here. 

BRAIN FACT: The Developing Brain Learns Best Through Play

The developing brain learns best through play. Children need each day filled with opportunities to learn through fun and interactive experiences. Pushing young children toward academics is not supportive of optimal development.

"Play-based preschools and kindergartens show significantly better long-term outcomes, both academically and socially, than didactic and overly academic programs for young children. Yet false assumptions about the importance of learning discrete cognitive skills, such as decoding and phonics, at an early age have led many schools to adopt developmentally inappropriate practices in kindergarten."

This statement is included in a policy brief  from The Alliance for Childhood. HERE is the complete brief.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: The Grand Issue!

Click Here to read the November braininsights Newsletter.  This issue is full of brain development resources.  Check it out!

Sign up to have the newsletter delivered directly to your inbox here. 

BRAIN FACT: Babies Need Loving Interaction

Babies need loving interaction, touch, and parents that are tuned into their needs, as much they need nutrition.

Numerous people have been in contact with me recently due to this critically important understanding. As a result I sharing this previous blog with the exciting research that demonstrates the impact loving a baby makes! 

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.   

BRAIN FACT: Age Appropriate Activities Support Optimal Development

Providing activities that are just right for the child’s stage of development is going to enhance brain development best.  Activities that are too advanced or too easy do not support optimal development.

I recently connected with Susan at Productive Parenting. This site is very valuable for providing activities for the appropriate ages. http://www.productiveparenting.com/

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.   

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Begins Learning Math Concepts Early In Development

The brain begins learning math concepts early in development. Through experiences with objects brain connections are made for learning about comparisons and even quantity.

Research demonstrates interesting findings with babies and math abilities. Click HERE to read more.

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.  

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Needs To Filter Out Distractions To Be Able To Focus

If an activity or topic is not interesting  the brain may not pay attention.  The brain needs to filter out distractions to be able to focus. Intriguing or fun activities can help the brain to develop the concentration areas of the brain.

The brain is primarily focused on survival, so attention will likely be diverted if distracted.  Here is further information about different areas of the brain focused on attention. 

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Naturally Motivated To Learn

The brain is naturally motivated to learn.  Just providing fun and interactive experiences through everyday life leads to a brain that is ready to learn more.

To meet the needs of eager to learn brains easily, brain development activity packets give you ideas to do even during a busy day!

BRAIN FACT: A Lack Of Routine Can Create Stress For The Brain

A lack of routine and boundaries can create stress for the brain. Children feel comfortable and secure when provided with expressed expectations, routines, and the predictability of limits.
       
Zero to Three provides resources with a focus on the benefits of routines.

BRAIN FACT: Some DVDs Can Actually Reduce A Toddler's Vocabulary

"Some DVDs can actually reduce a toddler’s vocabulary. It is true that the number and variety of words you use when talking to your baby boost both his vocabulary and his IQ. But the words have to come from you—a real, live human being."  ~From: Brain Rules for Babies, by John Medina

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.  

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Adapts To The Environment And Experiences It Is Exposed To In Early Life

The brain adapts to the environment and the repeated experiences it is exposed to early in life.

This story written by Heidi Holman provides a perfect example of how quickly the brain adapts.

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.   

BRAIN FACT: Too Much Stress Or Chaos Can Lead To A Child That Is Fearful Of Exploring

Too much stress, continuous chaos, or an inconsistent caregiver can lead to a child that is fearful of exploring, uncertain of their abilities, and is distrustful of others.

A member of the braininsights group on Linkedin shared this valuable blog this week.

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.  

BRAIN FACT: Children Will Develop A Willingness To Approach New And Unfamiliar Tasks As a Result Of Secure Attachment

As a result of a secure attachment children will develop a willingness to approach new and unfamiliar tasks, and will develop a stronger ability to put up with the frustration of failure and have the patience to try again.

A recent study shows the positive results of early attachment in the teen years.

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.