In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding moments of tranquility becomes crucial, especially for toddlers who are navigating the world around them. Quiet time explorative play offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cognitive development for these young minds. Let's delve into the significance of quiet time explorative play and provide tips on how to successfully set up such enriching moments for toddlers.
The Importance of Quiet Time Explorative Play:
Cognitive Development: Quiet time explorative play engages a toddler's senses and encourages cognitive development. Through hands-on activities, they learn about textures, shapes, colors, and patterns, laying a strong foundation for future learning.
Emotional Regulation: Toddlers often face challenges in managing their emotions. Explorative play during quiet time allows them to express themselves in a safe and controlled environment, fostering emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Language Skills: Quiet time activities, such as our quiet books, promote language development. Narrating stories, describing colors, and discussing different textures enhance their vocabulary and communication skills.
Independence and Focus: Engaging in quiet time explorative play encourages toddlers to play independently and concentrate on a task. This helps improve their attention spans and promotes a sense of accomplishment.
Setting Up a Successful Quiet Time Explorative Play Session:
Design a Comfortable Space: Create a designated area with soft cushions, blankets, and dim lighting to evoke a calming atmosphere. This will signal to the toddler that it's time for quiet play.
Select Age-Appropriate Activities: Choose activities that align with the child's developmental stage and pick only one or two activities at the most to minimize children feeling overwhelmed.
Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a routine for quiet time explorative play, preferably at the same time each day. This predictability helps toddlers anticipate and enjoy this special time.
Limit Distractions: Minimize external stimuli by turning off electronic devices and reducing background noise. This allows toddlers to focus on their explorative play without unnecessary interruptions.
Encourage Creativity: Foster a creative environment by allowing toddlers to choose activities based on their interests.
Quiet time explorative play is a precious gift we can give to toddlers (and ourselves), promoting their holistic development in a serene and controlled environment.
]]>In recent years, the use of screens by infants, toddlers, and preschoolers has seen a dramatic increase. This trend has raised concerns among experts regarding the potential impact of excessive screen time on the crucial early years of brain development. A recent study scanned the brains of children aged 3 to 5 and made a concerning discovery: children who spent more than the recommended one hour a day on screens without parental involvement exhibited lower levels of development in the brain's white matter. This area of the brain is essential for the development of language, literacy, and cognitive skills.
The First Study of Its Kind
The study, led by Dr. John Hutton, a pediatrician and clinical researcher at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, is groundbreaking in its findings. It's the first study to establish a link between increased screen use and adverse effects on brain structure and skills in preschool-aged children. These findings emphasize the critical importance of addressing screen time during the early years when the brain is undergoing rapid development.
The Significance of Early Brain Development
Dr. Hutton underscores the significance of the first five years of life for brain development. This period is when the brain is most plastic, absorbing information and forming strong connections that can last a lifetime. Thus, what children experience during these years can profoundly impact their cognitive development.
Excessive Screen Time: A Growing Concern
The study also highlights the concerning rise of excessive screen time among young children. The portability of screens allows them to follow children everywhere, from meals to bedtime, and even to the playground. This trend is particularly alarming because many children are exposed to screens from an early age, with some starting as young as two to three months old.
White Matter and Brain Development
The study utilized a specialized MRI technique known as diffusion tensor imaging to examine the brains of 47 preschool-aged children who had not yet started kindergarten. This imaging method provided insights into the brain's white matter, responsible for facilitating communication between different parts of the brain.
White matter acts like cables, connecting various brain regions, and is crucial for efficient brain function. A lack of development in these "cables" can slow down the brain's processing speed. In contrast, activities like reading, playing musical instruments, or learning new skills have been shown to enhance the organization and structure of white matter.
The Impact on Cognitive Skills
The study also assessed cognitive skills in these children, revealing that excessive screen time was associated with poorer emerging literacy skills, limited expressive language abilities, and lower performance on cognitive tests. While these findings are preliminary, they suggest that children who spend more time on screens may be at risk of developmental delays.
This view shows the three major tracts involved with language and literacy skills: the arcuate fasciculus, shaded in white, which connects brain areas involved with receptive and expressive language. The one in brown supports rapid naming of objects, and the one in beige, visual imagery. The blue color illustrates lower measures of white matter development in children using excessive screen time.
What Parents Can Do
To mitigate the potential negative effects of screen time, parents can follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Exploring Alternatives: Quiet Books
Keeping a child under 5 engaged and entertained while on the move can be quite the challenge. Often, it may seem like relying on screen time is the only viable option, especially during car rides or outings. However, there are innovative alternatives that not only capture a child's imagination but also offer valuable educational experiences. As endorsed by Oprah Daily and multi-award winning, our quiet books emerge as an excellent addition to your parenting toolkit. They offer exceptional portability, feature expert craftsmanship, and provide valuable educational content for your child's growth and development.
Conclusion
While this study sheds light on the potential consequences of excessive screen time in early childhood, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. However, it underscores the critical role parents play in shaping their children's cognitive development during these formative years. Encouraging positive, interactive activities and limiting screen time can be vital steps toward ensuring healthy brain development in young children.
Reference
Hutton, J., Dudley, J & Horowitz-Krausm T. (2019). Screen Time and Brain Development in Young Children. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(12), 1199-1200. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3867
]]>Motherhood, an extraordinary journey marked by love, laughter, and cherished memories, is not without its fair share of challenges. Among these challenges, one universal and often unwelcome companion stands out: the infamous "mom guilt." This pervasive sense of inadequacy and self-reproach can insinuate itself into the lives of many mothers, casting a shadow on their parenting experience. In this blog post, we embark on an exploration of mom guilt – what it truly signifies, the reasons behind its emergence, and, most importantly, the strategies to conquer it.
Understanding Mom Guilt
Mom guilt is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can manifest in various forms. It typically arises when mothers perceive themselves as falling short in their roles as caregivers, nurturers, and protectors of their children. While guilt and shame are emotions most of us would prefer to avoid, they do serve a purpose. Imagine a scenario where you raised your voice at your daughter for forgetting to feed the cat or arrived late for your son's practice. In such instances, the guilt that follows can function as a catalyst for positive change in your future actions.
However, it's crucial to recognize that these guilt-driven emotions can sometimes lead to an unrelenting cycle of self-criticism. Mom guilt can stem from a range of sources, including:
Comparison: In today's age of social media, where idealized images of perfect parenting abound, mothers often find themselves measuring their own journey against seemingly flawless portrayals.
Work-Life Balance: Striking a balance between a career and family life can result in guilt over perceived deficiencies in spending quality time with one's children.
Self-Care: Mothers may grapple with guilt when they prioritize self-care, mistakenly believing that they should always prioritize their children's needs over their own.
Parenting Choices: Decisions related to discipline, education, and various aspects of parenting can trigger guilt when mothers second-guess whether they're making the right choices.
Unrealistic Expectations: Society often places unrealistic expectations on mothers, demanding perfection in every facet of their role.
Why Does Mom Guilt Happen?
Understanding the underlying causes of mom guilt is pivotal in effectively addressing it. Here are some common reasons contributing to the emergence of mom guilt:
Social Pressure: Society often imposes unattainable standards on mothers, perpetuating the notion that they should excel in every conceivable way. This relentless societal pressure can exacerbate feelings of guilt when mothers inevitably fall short of these idealized standards.
Cultural and Family Expectations: Family traditions and cultural norms significantly influence a mother's perception of her role, often leading to guilt when she perceives herself as failing to meet these expectations.
Self-Imposed Pressure: Many mothers subject themselves to immense pressure, striving for an unattainable level of perfection in their parenting journey.
Lack of Support: Limited support systems, whether from a partner, family, or friends, can intensify the challenges of juggling the multifaceted responsibilities of motherhood.
Coping with Mom Guilt
The good news is that there exists an antidote to the relentless self-criticism often associated with mom guilt: self-compassion. As outlined in available research, self-compassion comprises three core elements: self-kindness (replacing harsh self-criticism with self-compassion), recognizing our shared humanity (finding common ground with others rather than isolating ourselves), and practicing mindfulness (staying present and acknowledging our emotions).
Self-Compassion.
Research led by Emerson (here for full article) and her team demonstrates that a brief self-compassion writing exercise, as short as 15 minutes, significantly helps parents—approximately 83 percent of whom were women—alleviate their guilt and enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of parenthood. Here is a great starting exercise put together by Dr Neff - Professor of psychology at the University of Texas.
Breathing
So, how can we shift away from self-blame immediately and nurture positivity within ourselves? When guilt begins to overwhelm us, Emerson recommends a technique known as "soothing rhythm breathing." Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold your breath for two seconds, and then exhale slowly for six seconds. Repeating this cycle several times can help soothe your nervous system and anchor you in the present moment. Afterward, take a moment to engage in positive self-talk.
How Others See You.
Considering that we often extend more kindness and compassion to others than we do to ourselves, Maryam Abdullah, the parenting program director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley, suggests envisioning how you would offer support to a friend or family member in a similar situation. Chances are, you wouldn't berate your friend; therefore, it's essential not to be too harsh on yourself.
Think of someone in your life who loves and supports you, someone you turn to when you're feeling vulnerable. "You can even use the terms of endearment this person uses in your self-compassion self-talk to invoke their presence," suggests Abdullah.
In the end, motherhood is a journey filled with its unique set of joys and challenges. Remember that you are not alone in experiencing mom guilt, and there are effective strategies to help you navigate it. By understanding its root causes, embracing self-compassion, seeking support, and focusing on the positives, you can begin to overcome this common struggle. Embrace the imperfect moments of motherhood, for they often hold the most valuable lessons and cherished memories. Always remember that being a good mom doesn't mean being a perfect mom, and your love and dedication to your children speak volumes, even in the face of mom guilt.
]]>As parents and caregivers, one of our most important responsibilities is to equip our children with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and setbacks. Building resilience in toddlers and preschoolers lays a strong foundation for their emotional well-being and coping skills as they grow. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, adapt to change, and thrive despite adversity. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies to foster resilience in young children, helping them develop the skills they need to face life's ups and downs with confidence.
Emotional Literacy and Expression: Teaching toddlers and preschoolers to recognize and express their emotions is a vital first step towards building resilience. Encourage open conversations about feelings, helping them label emotions like happiness, anger, sadness, and frustration. Create a safe space where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment, allowing them to develop emotional intelligence and a sense of self-awareness.
Problem-Solving Skills: Engage children in age-appropriate problem-solving activities. Encourage them to think critically and brainstorm solutions to simple challenges they encounter daily. By allowing them to explore different options and make decisions, you're helping them develop a sense of autonomy and the ability to tackle problems independently.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Introduce healthy coping strategies early on, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and physical activities like stretching or dancing. Teach them that it's okay to take a break and engage in activities that help them relax and regain their composure when they're feeling overwhelmed.
Encouraging Perseverance: Celebrate effort and perseverance rather than just outcomes. When toddlers and preschoolers encounter difficulties, praise their determination and hard work. Show them that setbacks are a natural part of learning and growing, and that trying again is a valuable skill.
Supporting Independence: Provide opportunities for children to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and make choices. Allowing them to accomplish tasks on their own boosts their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment, which are key components of resilience.
Nurturing Social Skills: Help children develop healthy relationships by teaching them effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving in social interactions. Encourage sharing, cooperation, and understanding of others' feelings, which contribute to their ability to handle social challenges and conflicts.
Positive Self-Talk: Guide children towards using positive self-talk by modeling it yourself. Encourage them to replace negative thoughts with constructive ones. When they make mistakes or face difficulties, help them reframe their thinking to focus on the lessons learned and the potential for growth.
Fostering Flexibility: Expose children to new experiences and changes, which help them develop adaptability. Embrace spontaneity and show them that changes can lead to exciting discoveries. By demonstrating a flexible attitude, you're teaching them to navigate uncertainties with an open mind.
Encountering Failure: Normalize the concept of failure and reiterate that it's a natural part of life. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them. Let them see that even adults face setbacks, and the key is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
Creating a Supportive Environment: Surround children with a loving and supportive network of family and friends. A strong support system helps children feel secure and valued, providing a buffer during tough times.
Building resilience in toddlers and preschoolers is an investment in their emotional well-being and future success. By nurturing emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, positive self-talk, and a flexible mindset, you're equipping them with the tools they need to handle life's inevitable challenges. Remember, resilience is a lifelong skill that starts early, and your guidance plays a pivotal role in helping them develop into resilient and confident individuals.
]]>Early math skills play a crucial role in a child's overall development. It goes beyond counting and recognizing numbers; it lays the foundation for logical thinking, problem-solving, and critical reasoning. Research has shown that children who have a strong early math foundation are more likely to succeed academically and have better long-term outcomes.
Engaging in early math activities helps stimulate brain development in young children. It enhances their ability to think abstractly, make connections, and solve problems. Early math experiences also improve memory, attention span, and spatial awareness, which are essential skills for future learning.
Early math skills have real-life applications that go beyond the classroom. Children who develop a strong foundation in math are better equipped to handle everyday situations involving numbers, measurements, and patterns. They can estimate quantities, understand time concepts, and make sense of shapes and spatial relationships.
There are numerous ways parents and caregivers can foster early math skills in toddlers and preschoolers. Incorporating math into daily routines, such as counting objects during playtime or involving children in cooking and measuring ingredients, can make learning math fun and practical. Additionally, using math-related books, puzzles, and games can engage children and enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts - hello Little Farm Numeracy, Little Koala and Abacus maxi and mini!
Early math proficiency sets the stage for future academic success. Children who excel in math during their early years are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards learning and have higher achievement in later grades. Strong math skills also open doors to various career opportunities, as math is a fundamental skill in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and finance.
Early math skills are not only important for academic success but also for overall cognitive development. By providing young children with opportunities to engage in math-related activities, parents and caregivers can lay a strong foundation for their future learning and success. So, let's encourage and support early math exploration in toddlers and preschoolers!
]]>Did you know that by the age of three, a child's brain is already 80% of its adult size?
During the first few years of life, a child's brain undergoes rapid development and growth, forming new neural connections at an incredible rate. This period of rapid brain development is critical for shaping a child's future cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
There are several ways to enhance neural connections in young children, supporting their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Here are a few strategies:
By providing young children with stimulating experiences, encouraging physical activity, promoting positive social interactions, providing nurturing and responsive caregiving, and limiting screen time, we can help enhance neural connections in their brains and support their overall development.
]]>Reading is an essential skill that opens doors to learning and provides lifelong benefits. However, for some children, reading can be a daunting task. Here are some methods to introduce reading and help children develop a love for it:
In conclusion, introducing reading to children can be a fun and exciting experience. Using these methods, you can help your child develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.
Educating AMY creates handmade activity books is a significant first step to fostering a passion for reading. With no language barriers or words, they are great for developing language and pre-reading skills.
Introducing Reading: Methods to Help Children Develop a Love for Reading by ChatGPT, a language model trained by OpenAI. Retrieved from "https://chat.openai.com/chat." OpenAI is an AI research laboratory consisting of the for-profit corporation OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc. [https://openai.com/]
]]>Are you ready to have your mind blown?
A study led by neurologist and neuroscientist Gottfried Schlaug found that professional musicians who started playing before the age of 7 have an unusually thick corpus callosum. This white matter serves as an information superhighway between the left and right sides of the brain.
To further investigate, Schlaug studied children ages six years old who played instruments and those who did not for a minimum of 2.5 hours a week. Their brain was scanned at six years old and again at nine years old. The study found that the corpus callosum region that connects movement-planning areas on the two sides of the brain grew about 25% relative to the overall size of the brain in the children who played for at least 2.5 hours a week. Those who averaged only an hour or two of weekly practice and those who dropped their instruments entirely showed no such growth. The children practiced instruments, such as a piano or a violin, that required two hands.
In every subject, the researchers found that the size increase in the corpus callosum predicted the improvement on a nonmusical test that required the children to tap out sequences on a computer keyboard.
Schlaug and colleagues saw this as evidence that musical training can bolster neural connections.
References
MILLER, G. (2008, April 16). Music Builds Bridges in the Brain. Science. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.science.org/content/article/music-builds-bridges-brain
]]>Sensory pathways peak in the first few months of life, whereas higher cognitive function doesn't develop until much later. Higher cognitive function includes attention, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
In the proliferation and pruning process, simpler neural connections form first, followed by more complex circuits. The timing is genetic, but early experiences determine whether the circuits are strong or weak. Source: C.A. Nelson (2000). Credit: Center on the Developing Child
Council for Early Childhood Development (2010)
Did you know, in the first five years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second? This shows the importance of those early years in developing the future brain. Neuroplasticity is a term coined by scientists to describe the brains’ ability to change, modify and adapt. In young children, the brain is the most adaptable, which is why young children can learn new languages and skills with ease. However, as the brain heads towards adulthood, it becomes less "plastic", making it harder to learn new skills. This explains why it’s much harder to learn a language as we get older – the brain is already formed and although possible, it’s harder to achieve.
Did you know that experiences shape the brain? The first five years are crucial because childhood experiences directly impact brain development. An anatomical study of the brains of children who experienced deprivation vs children who were not deprived showed that their brains were physically different. Isn't it crazy that something non-physical (stable environment vs toxic stress environment) creates something physically different.
Brains subjected to toxic stress have underdeveloped neural connections in areas of the brain most important for successful learning and behavior in school and the workplace. Source: Radley et al (2004); Bock et al (2005). Credit: Center on the Developing Child.
For more information, check out the Center of the Developing Child
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-science-of-ecd/
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Research suggests early math skills are a better predictor of academic success than early reading skills.
Despite this, although we have embraced early literacy, the same does not hold true for early math. Did you know, American preschools and kindergartens spend on average 58 seconds a day on math! Not only that but children are also often taught to memorize rather than understand the concepts of math. We are under the impression that children can tackle math later, yet research clearly shows that exposure to math is crucial for academic success. Perhaps this is why so many of us struggle with mathematics.
Babies and Math?
A study published in the Journal of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences played between 4 and 12 syllables to infants between one and four days old. Then they showed them pictures of either 4 or 12 colorful shapes with smiley faces. Guess what? The babies fixated on the number of shapes corresponding to the number of sounds they had heard twice as long.1
Furthermore, evidence suggests that 6-month-old babies have innate addition and subtraction ability. In a study by the University of Arizona, 5-month-old babies were shown one doll and then watched a screen placed in front of it. The scientists then put a second doll behind the screen and removed the screen. Researchers could tell the babies expected to see two dolls. However, when researchers removed a doll or added extra ones without the baby seeing, the babies stared longer because the results “were a violation of expectation”!2
It is not unique to humans; animals too possess this trait. Guppies can discern between ratios, and lemurs can learn numerical rules.
Counting through memorization.
The typical approach to math in young children is to memorize number sequences. Learning to count by memorization teaches children number words and order, but it does not teach them number sense any more than singing the letters L-M-N-O-P in the alphabet song teaches phonemic awareness.3
Milestones in math
One-to-one correspondence. It is understanding the actual value of each number rather than rattling off memorized sequences. This starts around two and a half to three years and builds. To see where your little one is with this milestone, hold up one finger and ask her to count, then two fingers, then three. Usually, kids will count to 2 or 3 and then say “lots” or “all of them.” Once you have completed this step, you know where they are in their comprehension.
Subitize – being able to identify the quantity quickly without counting individually. For example, if you show a set of four things, you know they are four without counting. Subitizing is an excellent skill for little ones to learn and usually builds between 3 and 4 years old.
Tips to help with math apprehension
Number Songs:
Ten little monkeys
10 in the bed
Five speckled frogs
1, 2 buckle my shoe
One potato, two potato
Hickory Dickory dock
Ants go marching
References
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Have you heard of the Polgar Experiment? After studying hundreds of great intellectuals, Laszlo Polgar, a Hungarian psychologist, found a common theme: early and intensive specialization in a particular subject produced geniuses. He wanted to prove his theory and make his progeny, prodigies. He also believed that when children are taught that success is brought through hard work, they become something so much more important as adults. They become happy! After publishing his findings, he started looking for a wife willing to jump on board. His grandiose plan impressed a Ukrainian foreign language teacher named Klara. After their firstborn, Susan, found a chess set while rummaging through a cabinet at the age of four, Laszlo decided that this was the perfect test. He would make the first female grandmaster. Chess, after all, was the ideal activity to demonstrate how to create a genius; it was an art, a science, was competitive and produced results that were objective which could be measured over time. Laszlo believed that genius has little to do with genes and 99% to do with hard work. Guess what? Susan Polgar became the world's first female chess grandmaster. Not only that, Polgar replicated the experiment with his other daughters Judit and Sofia; who both became grandmasters too. Are they bitter towards the experiment? No, not at all. As Judit states, If I felt a sacrifice was too much, I would stop; I feel happy with my life the way it is. Judit is known as the strongest female chess player of all time.
Recent research demonstrates that when parents adopted a "growth mindset," children had better educational outcomes than children who did not. Although research hasn't definitively stated at what point in a child's development this mindset is critical, early results shows that earlier in development holds key!
What is a maternal growth mindset? It is the belief that a child can grow their abilities through work and effort (the mindset Polgar adopted). In contrast, a maternal fixed mindset is thought that a child's abilities will remain fixed regardless of how much educational investment a mother provides to a child.
So, it seems that parental mindset is critical in the educational outcomes of a child!
How about one of the greatest geniuses of all time? Einstein seems to agree. He states:
References
Elansary, Mei & Pierce, Lara & Wei, Wendy & Mccoy, Dana & Zuckerman, Barry & Nelson, Charles. (2021). Maternal Stress and Early Neurodevelopment: Exploring the Protective Role of Maternal Growth Mindset. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. Publish Ahead of Print. 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000998.
Flora, C., 2005. The Grandmaster Experiment. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: <https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/articles/200507/the-grandmaster-experiment> [Accessed 11 January 2022].
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Young children take time to develop the ability to put themselves in other people's shoes. They are in the "me" stage. The fact that toddlers grab and do not share may frustrate and embarrass us, but it really shouldn't. Remember, when your toddler refuses to share, the other person will know first hand that this is normal behavior, and they likely experience it daily, too...no judgment!
Have you also noticed that toddlers tend to want to hold on to something more when another child has decided that they want to play with it? Yup, these situations tend to supercharge big emotions on both sides.
As a parent, I decide on the action to take based on a few factors.
Another thing to bear in mind is that if your child does snatch off another child, snatching back only teaches them that force works. So although it is embarrassing and frustrating when a child takes something with force, it is better to try to coax the child to give it back in favor of another toy, perhaps than snatching.
Also, remember, tiredness, hunger, overstimulation all cause toddlers to go from 0-1000 in 2 seconds flat, which is when diverting is the only option!
How do you handle sharing tantrums?
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Have you ever wondered why the human eye sclera (the white portion of the eye) is white? Have you noticed that in other animals and even primates, the sclera is pigmented? Well, one theory is the co-operative eye hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that we have developed this way because much of human communication is silent and through our eyes. That's why poker players wear sunglasses when playing - they can impair the sending and receiving of social signals. Eye expression is an innate way of understanding what someone is thinking, feeling, or their next move. To infer that someone might have noticed something we haven't, or simply understand that others might have a different perspective from us, is known as the Theory of Mind. Most animals have a limited Theory of Mind and as such, the theory suggests why humans alone have developed such striking differences between iris and sclera.
Such attentiveness to eyes may be interpreted as indicating a babies' apparent interest in other people, which begins with staring into the eyes of a parent or cuddling into the parent for comfort. Interestingly enough, when you look into the eyes of some newborn babies, you feel that sensation…you know why? Research shows that when we lock gaze with a baby, our brainwaves sync!
This simple gazing into a parent's eyes begins to develop into smiling or cooing, which is rewarding for parent and child alike.
This initial and constant communication between baby and parent becomes increasingly coordinated, reflecting in early forms of communication; for example, when a baby reaches her arms toward her parent, the meaning of this action is apparent…I want to be held…which leads to the parent picking up the baby. This then is the beginning of two-way communication between baby and adult. Later this arms up gesture will be replaced by speech… "up".
From here, humans develop more complex communication skills…Sharing a toy, for example, or simply pointing at something, all of which leads to the development of more advanced communication skills.
It is easy to understand how increasingly sophisticated human thinking emerges as communication develops in everyday interaction. Initially, the baby's words refer to things in the here and now. Still, as time goes by, they can communicate experiences not connected with the here and now. The child could recount a historical experience at preschool or fabricating intricate storylines and imaginary people.
Finally, the claim that human thinking can be likened to computer systems is based on a flawed assumption that meaning is fixed, as it is in a computer. Instead, human communication is rooted in shared ways of interacting, which is very different!
References:
Why we show the whites of our eyes. https://medicalxpress.com/pdf396254065.pdf
Relationships and progressive human communication skills. https://childandfamilyblog.com/relationships-progressive-human-communication-skills/
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hidden busy book name: creative play
As a mom, I can truly say that having an online support system has been wonderful! A community of other moms navigating and doing life together is invaluable. As a mom, I have been the one to need advice on many accounts, and I welcome this support! But not only am I a mom who needs support, I am also a Speech-Language Pathologist who wants to offer support! It is my passion to empower and teach other moms about very important areas of child development- speech, language, and literacy. I hope to answer some of the questions you may have by providing you with researched-based information and strategies. I want to help you become your child's biggest supporter and teacher!
Let's start at the beginning and talk about milestones. "Milestones" may be a scary word that elicits fear or anxiety for some. Worry that their child is not measuring up or that they are failing in one or more areas. However, this does not need to be scary. Try to view milestones as a road map for your child - a guide to show you where they are and where they need to go. The question is - how do we get them from point A to point B? It is said that information is power, so when we have all the information about where our child is at and where they need to go, then we can better support our child. Milestones are not meant to discourage you as a parent; rather, they are meant to help you.
Now that we know "milestones" are not scary, let's talk about them! There have been years and years of research on child development, and although each child is unique, we know that there are norms (a range in abilities that are expected at certain ages). There are norms for when a child should sit, crawl, walk, and speak. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have the opportunity to educate and empower parents in the areas of speech, language, and literacy.
The terms "speech" and "language" may be new terms for some and are two very different areas that we are experts in. Below I am going to define each and talk about the milestones for each.
Speech
When we talk about speech, we refer to the sounds that a child makes, how they say words, or their articulation of words. A child needs to have coordination, and their muscles need to be fully developed in order to correctly make a series of sounds to form words. Certain sounds are easier to make than others, and this is why a child says 'mama' or 'dada' before they can say words like 'milk' or 'help.'
Check out this helpful visual that shows which sound we expect at which ages. If your child is not correctly producing these sounds by the age expected, it is important to reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist for support as the sounds may not correct with age. If a child continues to produce sounds in error, it will make it hard for others to understand them and/or affect their spelling.
Language
When we talk about language, we are referring to how a child uses words to communicate and how they understand what is being said to them. Language is divided up into two areas:
1) Expressive Language- this can be verbal or written expression
2) Receptive Language- this is how a child understands questions and directions
In this article, we are going to focus on language and HOW a child communicates! Before a child even says their first words, they learn to interact with the world around them. They will start to observe people by turning their head and gazing in the direction of others' voices and faces. These pre-language skills are the foundation for first words and important milestones in a child's development. You may start to notice gaps in your child's development as early as 8 months when they reach the stage of intentional communication, which means they start to understand cause and effect and start to communicate to a person with purpose. You should consider reaching out to a Speech-Language Pathologist for a consultation/assessment if your child is NOT:
• Engaging in eye contact
• Trying to imitate gestures, such as waving or clapping their hands
• Interacting with you by laughing or smiling in play and/or songs
• Babbling or imitating sounds
• Responding to their name
• Smiling when they hear a familiar voice
• Turning their head towards sounds
Knowing the number of words is important as well, as we EXPECT a child to have at least one or two words at 12 months, and by 18 months, they should have at least 10-50 words. However, there is more that we are concerned about when it comes to language OTHER than just the number of words a child has. We want to know how they are communicating and what they are trying to do to communicate. This is why the number of words is not always in and of itself an indicator of a language delay, BUT it is important to know! Here is another visual that shows the number of words (a range) that we expect at certain ages.
If your child is not meeting their communication milestones, I would encourage you to reach out! Statements such as "if you wait and see, they will start talking" or that "boys talk later than girls" are far too common and are not true. Early intervention is key to a child's success now and later in life.
Literacy
Literacy is another area that we are trained in and very passionate about! A large number of children are not being taught literacy directly through a structured, research-based approach and are struggling with reading. This significantly impacts a child's ability to communicate and be successful academically. We know that approximately 1 in 6 Canadians are illiterate, and I am very passionate about changing this by teaching children how to read and coaching parents in this area. Unfortunately, this topic is so large that I will not be able to cover it in today's blog post!
I want to end this article off on an important note: DO NOT WAIT AND SEE! While it may be true that some kids develop language a bit later, that is not the norm. Most children who are not meeting their milestones will need support (minimal support in parent coaching or maximal support in the form of direct therapy). We want to close the gap as soon as possible so that your child can succeed! By waiting and seeing IF a child catches up to their peers, we lose valuable time to help our child learn and grow. These are critical years in terms of learning and development, and we need to be aware of this! We need to use this time to the best of our abilities to help our child reach those milestones, and this is where I am here to help! If your child is not saying words yet or is not saying the number of words we expect for their age, I encourage you to join in on our free early language workshop to learn more. I developed this workshop to provide parents with valuable information on speech and language development to support families and children in some small way!
Written by: Melissa Gagnon, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Owner of Empower Communication Services
www.empowercommunication.org
Key Concepts
1. Children aren't born resilient; they learn it
2. Teaching young children resilience sets them up a lifelong habit.
3. Encourage healthy risk taking
4. Demonstrate Resilience and Healthy Coping Skills
5. Celebrate Failures and Welcome Mistakes
Introduction
Please take a moment to think about how your children react when they scrape a knee or take a small tumble. Most likely, if they're in the middle of having fun, they jump right back up again and keep going. Sometimes, there might be a few tears, and then they forget about it and move on. This is the blossoming of a resilient spirit. Kids aren't born resilient; they learn it. For example, your toddler falls on the playground, quickly glances your way to see your reaction, then reacts accordingly. In other words, if you make a big deal about it, your kid makes a big deal about it (and vice versa).
As children grow older, resilience starts to filter into other aspects of their lives, from how they handle peer pressure to a bad test grade to experiencing an emotional blow, like a death or illness in the family. How you set the stage early on for your kids to develop resilience will go a long way in handling stress in the future.
No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to protect your children from every misfortune, unhappiness, and obstacle. Bad things are going to happen; it's inevitable. Plus, what might seem like small potatoes to you can be a massive problem for a young child.
For example, you may not think it's a big deal if you have to miss Jimmy's birthday party, but your preschooler is likely horrified at the thought. However, if you work with your child to build resilience, then the situation doesn't become the end of the world. Helping kids develop the ability to navigate life's challenges, big and small, helps them handle stress more effectively. Plus, it also helps them realize they are capable individuals.
The sooner you start teaching resilience, the better because, like with many things, it sets up a lifelong habit. Therefore, when your children are still young, consider these helpful tips to help them build resilience.
Establish a communicative relationship with your children in which they feel comfortable coming to you for guidance. However, this doesn't mean solving their problems or taking the tough stuff off of their plates. It means to give them your full attention and then ask them questions to help guide them through possible solutions. This will help your kids develop essential problem-solving skills that can boost their resilience.
Of course, you don't want your preschooler attempting to slide headfirst down the banister. But what about sliding down the pole at the playground? Encourage your kids to take healthy risks that make them step out of their comfort zone a bit without resulting in a significant physical injury if they fail. These baby steps help your kids realize that trying something new could bring a lot of rewards, and if they fail, it's not the worst thing that can happen. In fact, they'll likely learn to try, try again, developing critical reasoning skills in the process.
Speaking of healthy risks, get your kids outside and running around, whether it's on a playground, playing a sport, or just bouncing around the backyard. Not only does physical exercise help people cope better with stress, but it also allows your kids' opportunities to fall and get back up again (literally)!
You can tell your kids to breathe and bounce back until you're blue in the face; if you don't practice what you preach, you won't get too far. Let your children see you handle stressful situations calmly, overcome challenges, solve problems, and learn from your mistakes.
Teach your children positive ways to deal with the challenging parts of life, whether it's deep breathing, singing a song, or drawing a picture. Help your kids label their emotions, so they know how to express themselves healthily.
There is nothing wrong with messing up and failing. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes. What's important is that when it happens, you learn from it. Therefore, let your kids know that mistakes are great because they are learning opportunities. Children that don't have resilience tend to avoid trying new things for fear of failure. Encourage your child to try out things (those healthy risks) and handle whatever comes their way. Remind your children that if they get stuck, you'll always be there to help talk them through it.
Building a strong connection with your children is at the heart of anything you want to teach them. Educating AMY offers incredible products and resources that can make connecting with your children enjoyable, simple, and engaging. You can help your kids develop the skills they need to grow into confident, independent individuals.
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Key Concepts.
1. Executive function is not innate and must be developed
2. Development of executive function is linked to academic achievement
3. Physical play, storytelling, and role-play develop executive function
4. Don't assume toddlers have no focus - help them develop it!
Introduction
Think for a moment how hectic it must be in an emergency room on a busy night, with patients coming in through the doors every second. It might seem like absolute chaos to a person looking in, with nurses, doctors, and other personnel swarming around, pushing stretchers, running down halls, and maneuvering various pieces of equipment. Yet, amidst all of this noise, they successfully treat patients, keep things running smoothly, and remain focused and calm. This is an example of executive function at work, self-regulating, prioritizing, and focusing despite distractions. Executive function begins to develop in babies and is not fully mature until they are well into their twenties. However, the most critical time for executive function development is between zero and five years old. Research shows that when children are guided well in the early years, they may have fewer issues during the teenage years.
Executive Function in Not Innate in Children
When it comes to children, executive function plays a significant role in handling various situations, how they learn, their choices, and how they solve problems. There are essentially three facets to executive function; inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, these abilities are not innate. Children do not have a preexisting notion or tendency to exhibit executive function; they have to learn and develop it with thoughtful guidance and encouragement from the adults in their environment.
Developing the Essential Skills for Executive Function
Parents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone else who interacts with children daily, have the responsibility of setting up opportunities for children to develop the essential skills for executive function. Here is a closer look at these three critical skills:
How Executive Function Relates to Academic Success
A research article published in The Journal of Child Development concluded that if a child had impaired executive function in kindergarten, they had a significantly increased risk of having difficulty with mathematics, reading, and science in later grades. Additionally, these children had higher incidences of internalizing and externalizing problem behavior. Therefore, it's vital to work with children to develop these skills to build a healthy executive function capacity. If children experience negative situations, stressful environments, or worse, it can hinder their ability to develop these skills. These children may struggle to develop executive function in these situations, even as they grow into teenagers and beyond.
How Can I Help My Child Develop Their Executive Function?
There are many activities you can do with your child which develop these executive functions. Here are some of our suggestions:
Games and Puzzles
Do not assume young children have no concentration and focus! While it is true that children are not born with these attributes, a caregiver must help a child develop these skills. Provide your child one toy/puzzle or game to play with and complete. For example, this may be a stacking toy or a color/shape matching activity from our busy book. Ensure that you have cleared away any other toys lying around which will fight for your child's concentration. You will be surprised that when a child has one toy to focus on, they will usually complete an activity before moving on. This helps develop memory, self-control, and focus. Research shows that when there are many toys around a child, they play with each toy for a reduced amount of time and less creatively than if they had fewer toys! Check out our blog post on toy clutter for more information.
Physical Games
Playing physical games is not only an excellent workout for your little one but is a great way to develop executive function. Build a simple obstacle course - for example, use chalk on the ground to draw circles - take a couch cushion off and have the dining table accessible. Then ask the child to spin in the circle, jump on the couch cushion, then crawl under the dining table. Do it with your child for added fun!! As the child gets better, increase the complexity with additional stations and instructions. For example, you can increase complexity by including a puzzle station and a station at the end with a bowl of coloured objects. When you issue your child's instructions at the start, the final instruction should be to select a color from the color station. This will mean your child has to remember the color while doing the obstacle course. You can play with your child's competitiveness and time them too! You can make it even more fun by playing music and stopping it during the course where your little one has to "freeze" until you play the music again. This activity is excellent for self-control.
Story Time
Research shows that children from cultures with rich storytelling have better memories. As such, one of the best tools to enhance memory is to invite your child to talk about their experiences and reflect on them. Ask your toddler about her snack or lunch. For example, ask him, "was your lunch crunchy?", "did you feel angry today?" "what made you feel happy today?". Encourage the child to take the lead (guiding them when they are stuck) to develop healthy associations with their emotions while growing their memory in a fun way. If your child is in daycare/preschool or kindergarten, ask them, "who did you play with" or "what was your favorite game at school."
Role-Playing and Creative Play
Having children role play is a great way to increase creativity and invite you into their world. If your child is playing doctor, ask her, "what is wrong?" and "how will you treat me?". If they're playing "kitchen," ask them what they are cooking and the flavor. Encourage them to be descriptive! Will your worm soup be squishy, hard, slimy?! Asking these questions helps the child draw on their experiences to formulate their narrative in a fun way. If you're on the go or at home and have one of our busy books, ask them to pull some characters out and encourage them to make up their own stories! They will draw heavily on their own experiences, and this practice will solidify their experiences, emotions and promote creativity.
Therefore, it's essential to provide a positive environment for children. Having meaningful conversations with them, playing various memory games, engaging in physical exercise, and creating situations that encourage children to problem-solve are great ways to help build these skills in tandem.
Providing children with age-appropriate tasks and materials is another way you can help them develop executive function. At Educating AMY, you can find more helpful tips and interactive products to help your child start developing critical skills and become more independent. Gradually, if you allow your kids to do more things independently, their executive function enables them to determine their actions with less input from you or other adults.
Reference:
Morgan, P., Farkas, G., Hillemeier, M., Pun, W. & Maczuga, S. (2018) Kindergarten Children's Executive Functions Predict Their Second‐Grade Academic Achievement and Behavior. The Journal of Child Development. 90(5): 1802-1816.
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Key Concepts
1. Reciprocal relationship between teacher and student and strong collaboration between parents and other students.
2. Children are encouraged to learn in depth about things that interest them.
3. Students are unique learners and various learning approaches are utilized.
Introduction
Reggio-Emilia began in a small Italian town of the same name and is a student-centered approach to early childhood education. Following World War II, many women in Italy were determined to create a better education for future generations. Using what little resources they could find, local men and women built a school for young children in the small town of Villa Cella, just under 5 miles from Reggio Emilia. It was the first post-war school of its kind, and it garnered the attention of nearby primary school teacher Loris Malaguzzi.
Laying the Foundation for the Reggio Emilia Approach
Reggio Emilia's residents had experienced many challenges due to the war and politics of the region. Malaguzzi visited Villa Cella, and he decided it was critical to discover more about how young children learn and develop, leading him to become a psychologist. He strongly supported the idea of teachers and parents being an integral part of their children's learning. At the time, these schools were created and run by parents, which meant they counted on the local community for resources and assistance.
While the Roman Catholic Church typically oversaw schools throughout most of Italy, as more and more women entered the workforce, the need for more of these community-created schools grew. Plus, many people desired more input and involvement in their children's education. Malaguzzi persuaded the local government to take over what was called "the people's schools," and in 1963, the first municipal preschool opened.
A center for very young children, three months to three years, opened in 1970, providing an environment that catered to the children's unique developmental needs. The Reggio approach stressed and recognized the importance of early childhood education, and parents supported the movement and continued to be very involved with the schools. This strong relationship between families and schools is the foundation on which the Reggio Emilia approach has developed over the years.
Key Principles of Reggio-Emilia Education
Reggio Emilia education recognizes children as capable individuals who can steer their own learning course. Together with teachers and parents, students learn and develop based on various experiences and the world around them.
Collaboration and Student-Centered Learning: One of the most vital principles of the Reggio Approach is a reciprocal relationship between teacher and student. Plus, a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and the other children. Students take the helm in their education, with those around them acting as guides and partners. Both students and teachers learn together within a group setting specifically designed for exploration and discovery. In the Reggio Emilia world, the classroom is often referred to as "the third teacher" because it provides many in-depth learning opportunities, another important principle.
In-Depth Learning: Children are encouraged to learn more about things that interest them, scratching well beneath the surface to discover a topic inside and out. Teachers help by observing students, learning their interests, and guiding them to choose their project or adventure. Then, students decide in which direction their research will go, whether the process takes two weeks or the entire school year. Teachers ensure that the students have what they need in the classroom to utilize a variety of mediums to express themselves.
Multiple Forms of Expression: A Reggio Emilia classroom celebrates the concept of students being unique learners through incorporating numerous ways to teach various concepts. For example, teachers might introduce a new idea through art, music, speech, and even puppets. This ensures that every child can form a connection and understanding with the material.
The Reggio Emilia approach to education recognizes the vital role parents play in their children's learning. At Educating AMY, we strive to help parents and children find creative and valuable ways to learn together through developmentally-appropriate products and hands-on experiences.
]]>1. Teachers integrate arts and experiences into every subject, whether it is science or math.
2.Students are encouraged to take charge of their learning,
3.Schools cultivate the whole-child, developing intellectual components and physical, emotional, artistic, and spiritual facets.
Introduction
The Waldorf education style consists of focusing on three main goals, learning by thinking, feeling, and doing. The curriculum and approach to teaching and learning concentrate on practical hands-on activities and integrating the arts into every subject. The ultimate goal is to create empathetic, lifelong learners that have a genuine love for learning and exploring the world.
When did Waldorf schools first appear?
The Waldorf school concept was born from Rudolf Steiner’s efforts, an Austrian educator, scientist, and artist, and the founder of anthroposophy. In 1919, Emil Molt, the Waldorf-Astoria Company owner, a cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany, approached Steiner about developing a school for the employees’ children.
This was during the aftermath of World War I, when Germany was facing a rocky economic and social landscape. Steiner asserted that it was time for renewal. He agreed to create the school and formed the Independent Waldorf School in September of 1919. To this day, schools that follow the principles set forth by Steiner are known as Waldorf Schools.
The Waldorf principles of learning
A few key concepts define the way students learn in a Waldorf school.
Imagination fuels learning
Waldorf schools strive for a rigorous curriculum, but it is not about memorizing facts and figures and learning information. Instead, teachers integrate the arts and various experiences into every subject, whether it is science, reading, or math, to generate a well-rounded approach to each area.
The idea is that a child’s imagination, especially during the crucial years of early development, must be nurtured and encouraged to let creativity bloom. In fact, in the preschool classroom, and even the kindergarten classrooms, a Waldorf curriculum focuses more on imagination instead of academics, helping children learn through hands-on experiences and play. The Waldorf curriculum recognizes distinct developmental phases in children and aims to design a curriculum that supports these different phases.
Foster a sense of inner motivation
Students in a Waldorf classroom are encouraged to take charge of their learning, becoming engaged with everything they do to foster a sense of intrinsic motivation. In other words, children should learn because they want to, not merely to score high on a test or do better than a classmate. When this inner motivation is present, it develops lifelong learners.
Cultivate the whole child.
Steiner was the founder of anthroposophy, which stressed that the human intellect could connect with the spiritual world. In this sense, Waldorf schools strive to cultivate the whole-child, developing intellectual components and physical, emotional, artistic, and spiritual facets. If a child changes in one of these areas, the idea is that this change will influence the whole-child. When a child learns in this environment, the idea is that she will grow into a confident, well-rounded individual that possesses a high moral standard and is passionate about attaining her goals.
Students that attend Waldorf schools often approach problems with creativity and adaptability. They can take things that they have experienced and apply them to new situations to find solutions. Teachers in Waldorf schools are encouraged to collaborate with each other and build positive relationships, as well as adapt and respond to the individual needs of their students. As a parent, you are your child’s primary teacher. At Educating AMY, we help you integrate a variety of learning styles into your child’s life by using resources that encourage imagination, creativity, and play.
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1. A child plays with 5% of their toys
2. Studies indicate fewer toys increases concentration and focus
3. Fewer toys promotes frugality and respect for material goods
Do you ever wonder why your toddler gets more excited about playing with that cardboard box than the flashy toy you spent money on. Often children don’t need more toys, as research shows that kids on average, own up to 238 toys but only play with about 5% of them. Other studies show having fewer toys benefit your child’s development in the long run and help them advance specific social, emotional, and motor skills. Play is a space with children learn, so it’s important to support them in the best ways.
When your child has fewer toys to play with, they have more space to be creative and use their imagination to build a playscape. Too many toys can lead to too many distractions. Many toys are developed with special sounds, flashing lights, and mechanical movements. All of that can lead to stagnation in your child’s ability to put more energy into creating new worlds and characters of their own. Look for toys that bring more open possibilities, such as building blocks, which can provide your child with tools to create small cities or pretend meals.
This may also be a great way to encourage your child to explore the outdoors and find cool rocks or sticks that they can turn into fun objects. Before toys, humans only had the outside world to entertain themselves and have fun. Fewer toys around the house will help your child think of other ways to express themselves and let out some energy, like climbing trees or playing hide and seek. It will also help keep your house a little more peaceful and less cluttered. You won’t be tripping over as toys as much.
Having less distracting toys around during play also helps children learn to focus on specific activities. A study published in the Journal of Infant Behaviour and Development suggested fewer toys allow younger children to engage in more focused play for longer periods with a single toy. Children can spend time world building with fewer toys, which facilitates the development of their focus and imagination. It also encourages children to think outside of the box and use different household objects to help create their world.
On a different note, having fewer toys teaches your child to be more frugal. It gives them an understanding that they don't always need it, even though they may want something. This idea need not go extreme to the point of no gifts. But it can let them know that even if they’re at a store and see something they like, they don’t always need to buy it. Having fewer gifts can also help your child learn to show gratitude for the toys that they do have and for the moments when they get a new toy. From benefiting your child’s development and imagination to keeping your living space a little less hectic and your bank account a bit more stable, having fewer toys can help in many ways.
1. Respect each child is unique
2. Maximize sensitive periods during development
3. First 6 years most critical
4. Allow children to teach themselves
Introduction
The concept of teaching children in such a way that it develops the whole child is not a recent trend. In actuality, it’s a critical component to developing lifelong learning, and several teaching methods strive for this all-important holistic development. One example is the Montessori Method, developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. For over 100 years, educators have used the Montessori approach to foster a hands-on pathway to learning that promotes independence and a genuine love for discovery and exploration.
The Key Principles of the Montessori Method
Several principles serve as the foundation for the Montessori Method. The main guiding points are:
Respect for the Child
Every child is unique, which means each child has a different learning style that is part of what makes the child an individual. The Montessori Method recognizes and values this quality, respecting all children and their interests and needs.
Maximize Sensitive Periods
There are several different stages that children progress through during their development in which they are better able to grasp particular concepts and skills. Montessori dubs these stages as sensitive periods and focuses on setting up an environment that works in tandem with these phases. Children encounter hands-on experiences that help them maximize their learning potential during these specific stages.
Young Children Have Absorbent Minds
Montessori learning recognizes that a child’s first six years are some of the most critical in terms of development. These early years are when boys and girls start to understand themselves and the world around them, making connections that lead to in-depth learning opportunities. Therefore, in Montessori classrooms, you’ll find an environment designed to support and build children’s independence, confidence, and love of learning.
Provide a Prepared Environment for Learning
The Montessori principles are put into practice within a thoughtfully curated environment that encourages optimal learning. You can recognize a Montessori classroom by the low, open shelves, left to right display of materials in order of progression, and how children can move freely around the room.
The materials are sensory-based learning tools that isolate one specific concept and encourage hands-on learning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. The environment also features defined areas for each primary Montessori curriculum component: practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, and culture.
Allow Children to Teach Themselves
The set up of the Montessori environment encourages children to take the lead in their learning. This auto-education process allows children to choose what they will learn about while the teacher observes and offers guidance as their interests change. When children are allowed to choose, they become more engaged in a task, concentrating on it more fully for a more extended period.
Overall, the Montessori Method fosters concentration, a love of work and learning, encourages self-discipline and social awareness, and seeks to develop the whole child. It’s an educational style that promotes learning through play, which we certainly stand behind at Educating AMY. We carefully design our products to ensure they help children learn valuable concepts and skills as they progress through crucial developmental steps.
Introduction to serve and return?
Early childhood development relies on a consistent interaction (serve and return) between child and caregiver. New neural connections form as a child instinctively "serves" through babbling, moving arms and legs, pointing, words, and facial gestures, and the caregiver responds in a meaningful way. These interactions are critical in forming neural connections between brain areas responsible for behavioural control, motor skills, language, memory, visual and emotional areas. They are the basis that will build all future foundations.
What is an example of serve and return?
In an example of early literacy serve and return, when a baby sees an object and gestures towards it, the caregiver responds with its name. Naming makes connections between the sound and corresponding objects in the baby's brain. At a later stage, the caregiver builds on this by showing a child that objects can also represent these sounds on a page. With continued support, a child learns to read and write eventually.
Five easy steps to serve and return!
1. Notice your child moving their arms and legs, a babble, a coo, a word, pointing a finger, and the shift in the child's focus of attention. This is a serve. By noticing these serves, you let the child know that they are heard and strengthen the bond between you.
2. Return the serve through supporting and encouraging. Return with a facial expression, language such as "I see that, that is a bird," or comfort through a hug. Perhaps pick up an object they are looking at and bring it closer to the child. Supporting a child's curiosity allows them to feel nurtured, knowing that their serve is returned.
3. Name it! When you have made a return about something of interest, make sure you name it. This forms important connections between objects and the sounds associated with them, critical for early language skills. You can say anything such as "peekaboo makes you happy?" "yes, that is a monkey." Naming allows children to understand the world around them and lets them know you care.
4. Take turns and wait for your turn! Let the child process what has happened and wait for them to take their turn; it may take a moment! Waiting allows the child to formulate their response properly.
5. Practice endings and beginnings. Babies and toddlers are great at signaling to you when they are done with an activity; they may avert their gaze if they are babies, drop a toy and wonder somewhere else, or start to fuss. When you allow your child to take the lead in these moments, you support their independence in exploring their world.
What evidence is there that serve and return is so essential?
A great number of studies demonstrate the relationship between serve and return interactions and their impact on a developing child. Several studies have utilized brain imaging technologies to research the influence of nurturing and supportive interactions. For example, a research article by Romeo and his team in 20181 found that through neuroimaging analysis, children who had more serve and return conversational interactions displayed greater activation in the left inferior frontal regions called Broca's area (brain responsible for language). This result demonstrates the relationship between language development and serve and return interaction. Furthermore, Sethna and his team in 20152 found that other areas were also affected when serve and return interactions are insufficient, causing an effect on emotional regulation and socio-emotional functioning.
Not only that, but these serve and return interactions directly dictate actual formation in brain matter! Research by Kok and his team in 20153 found that when a mother was less sensitive to their infants, their babies' brains had a significantly smaller subcortical grey matter volume.
Do I need to have my attention on my child all the time?
No, you certainly do not! Your child also needs to be bored and allow freedom for self-discovery. However, when you interact with your child, ensure that you focus on them on those moments. When there is a responsive and loving environment, a child will flourish.
Are educational toys and multimedia useful in growing a healthy brain?
The most important interaction with your child is a serve and return interaction; no toys are needed! Research also shows that less is more with toys. Buy less and buy with purpose and use them in a meaningful way. Television/iPad/iPhone are all not recommended for children under three as children engage in passive play rather than active play.
References
1. Learning through play develops the whole child
2. Young children build their knowledge of the world through playful experiences
3. Play helps children foster the following essential life skills that are critical for developing the whole child
Introduction
Even before children learn to walk or talk, they learn about the world around them through their natural ability to play. Children who are still in the early stages of infancy start to learn and make essential connections by playing games, singing songs, and exploring their surroundings. When children learn through play, they reap many benefits, including strengthening vital skills like communication, critical thinking, social awareness, and much more. The best thing about learning through play is it develops the whole child.
Today, most children go to school to learn concepts like reading, math, science, and other academic subjects. While these things are important, it’s essential to recognize that children have a vast array of needs and skills. Skills like collaborating with others, understanding emotions, problem-solving, and creating new concepts are crucial pieces of the life puzzle. It’s vital to plant the seeds for these skills during the early stages of a child’s development to foster lifelong learning.
Why is learning through play effective?
Perhaps, noted psychologist, Jean Piaget, said it best, “A child’s work is play.” Young children build their knowledge of the world through playful experiences and interactions with their environment. Whether engaging in free, guided, or structured play, children become more immersed in the activity because it interests them. Therefore, they are more invested and can maintain their focus better.
Learning through play is effective because it typically includes one or more of the following qualities:
Learning Through Play Encourages Holistic Development
Children from birth through five years of age are in some of the most crucial years of their development. This is when it’s best to lay the foundations of lifelong learning. The more opportunities young children have for learning through play during these critical years, the likelier they are to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Play helps children foster the following essential life skills that are critical for developing the whole child:
To find out more about how the wonderful world of play can help your child make meaningful connections, and develop essential skills, make sure to explore the rest of Educating AMY for valuable resources and ideas. When you take the time to set up opportunities for your children to play and discover on their own and with others, you’re opening the door to a lifetime of learning.
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Introduction to Brain Architecture
The brain architecture comprises millions of connections, which allow for high-speed communication across neurons that focus on different brain functions. However, because the first few years are the most active in developing these new neural connections, caregivers must provide adequate care so the child can form a strong foundation for essential skills later in life.
Did you know that the first three years after birth are the most critical years of your child's brain development? Let us excite you with a little bit of science. Your child's mind is forming more than 1 million new neural connections every second, yes, every single second. Can you imagine that! We indeed find it hard too! They are essentially little scientists. So basically, in these years, the brain develops simple circuits, which will become more complex and more robust if they are used, and the ones that are not used will be demolished through a process known as pruning. But what does this mean? Basically, during these years, your child's brain focuses on developing a few skills and abilities - motor skills, behavioral control, language skills, improving memory, visual skills, and emotions. These then form the basis for all further growth and development to become whatever they want to become when they grow up, how they interact with others, their resilience, and even how healthy they are. So, we could go far to say, the future of human-kind, animals, and the whole planet depends on this. Okay, maybe we became a little too philosophical here. Back to business - the two critical ingredients to enhancing the circuitry are (1) experiences and (2) serve & return. More on serve and return in a blog coming up.
What about the interaction between genes and experiences in shaping the brain?
Although genes indeed form the blueprint for constructing these connections, it is the experiences that shape the brain for the future. This is because circuits are reinforced with repeated us and thus provide a foundation for the future. One of the main inputs to healthy brain development is a process called to serve and return. When this response is absent, unreliable, or inappropriate, brain architecture can be disrupted and develop abnormally. Thus, genes and experiences work together to construct a healthy brain. As illustrated in the graph below, it is much easier to establish robust brain circuits earlier than fix them later in life.
Stress vs. Toxic Stress
Experiencing stress and subsequent activation of these stress responses produces physiological reactions to the body to deal with threats and is a normal part of development. The issues arise with prolonged activation of the stress response coupled with absence of supportive relationships. Research shows that prolonged stress can cause impairment in developing neural connections, particularly in areas devoted to higher-order skills.
*Information from Centre of Developing Child - Harvard University: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/brain-architecture/