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: Vocabulary At Age 3 Predicts First Grade Reading Success

"Vocabulary at age 3 predicts first grade reading success. First grade vocabulary predicts eleventh grade reading level."
     -Andrew Biemiller, Vocabulary Development and Instruction: A Prerequisite for School Learning,     Handbook of Early Literacy Research (Volume 2), New York, NY: Guilford Press 2005.

BRAIN FACT: Reading A Book While Holding A Child Contributes To Brain Growth In Many Ways

Reading a book while holding a child, contributes to brain growth in many ways.  Brain connections are made through visual stimulation, the opportunity to hear direct language, and from close physical contact.

Publish Post

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today is the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss and NEA's Read Across America.  On Friday I told you about reading activities, events, and the importance of reading in brain development here.  For more information Parenting.com has a great article with ideas of how to introduce a baby to reading and great activities to do while reading.  Check it out here.

So don't forget to break out your favorite Dr. Seuss book today and everyday and read to the child in your life. 

Read Across America

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents."
                                   ~ Emilie Buchwald

For the past 13 years the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates and honors Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2nd with Read Across America.  The goal of this day is to have every child in the U.S. reading in the company of a caring adult.

This is such a great goal.  Reading has so many benefits for a developing brain.   When a child is read to cells in the brain are triggered within seconds.  Some existing connections in the brain are strengthened while new connections are formed.  This helps create a more defined and complex wiring of the brain that will benefit a child for the rest of their life.  Reading to a child is so important that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that Pediatricians prescribe reading activities to parents during their well child visits. Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school and the National Commission on Reading found that reading aloud to a child is the single most important intervention for developing literacy skills.

Literacy skills development isn’t the only brain benefit that results from reading to a child.  Even reading to an infant is extremely valuable.  When reading a book, the child has the opportunity for visual stimulation, and hearing words.  A child needs to experience direct language.  Television and DVD’s do not provide the interactive language the brain needs.  The time spent cuddling while reading is also very important.  This closeness helps the brain make valuable connections contributing to healthy emotional development.  Young babies find the sound of the voice reassuring and calming.

Books also provide a way for children to gain new perspectives and learn about people, places and things outside of their immediate environment.  Reading with children also presents the possibility for children to open up about feelings or things that are bothering them in a comfortable way.

Unfortunately only 53% to 58% of children ages 3 to 5 are read to daily.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if 100% of children were read to daily?  “Read Across America” is a great effort toward this goal.  Starting this weekend there are reading events across the country. I invite you to share this information with everyone. Post it on your social networking sites and tell educators or people that have young children.

• Oh The Places You Will Go Reading- On Saturday February 27, 2010, Target is sponsoring a free reading of Oh The Places You Will Go, along with Dr. Seuss inspired games, activities and giveaways.  To find more information or to find a location near you visit click here.

• Cat-a-Van – NEA is sponsoring a van touring the country to bring special events to cities across the US.  For more information visit nea.org/readacross.

In addition to attending or sharing any of these events you can still participate in Read Across America on March 2 and then everyday at home!  Below are ideas for activities you can do while reading with your child:

            Brain Insights For Read Across America

            Reading Rockets Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

            Dr. Seuss Activities

If you know of other events or reading activities please share your comments below or email me. It will be wonderful to hear the ideas you have to share. So snuggle up with a favorite book or a fun new one and enjoy. I have a new one I cannot wait to get to myself. Happy Reading!

Give Kids A Smile Day!

braininsights not only likes happy brains but likes to see healthy smiles as part of a child’s development.  A child that is in pain or that cannot chew food properly is going to have increased stress and decreased nutrition which all lead to negative experiences for the brain.  Luckily, the American Dental Association sponsors the Give Kids a Smile Day each year where dentists across the country provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families.  This year the event takes place on February 5th.  To find out more information or to find a participating dentist in your area visit the American Dental Association’s webpage.

You may also be interested in the Colgate Healthy Bedtime Habits Program for Parents and Kids.  Colgate teamed up with Reading Is Fundamental to provide a FREE Colgate Character Toothbrush after completing a log of the healthy habits your child does such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and reading a book before bed.  Not only does a bedtime routine help your child sleep better it helps encourage positive brain development and with this offer you get a free toothbrush.  It’s a win-win for everyone!  Click here for more information or to sign up.

For more information on children’s dental health visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website.