Let's Use All We Know to Ensure REAL Brain Development is Happening for ALL Children

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Quality ECE is critical to early brain development

There seem to be two common and somewhat related issues taking place when it comes to the development and learning of young children.

1. People are looking for a short cut or the "magic" program or device that will develop a child's brain. 

2. There is a major focus on pushing young children to learn more academics at earlier ages.

Of course this is all well intentioned. Everyone's goal is for children to be successful in school and in life. But, if this is the focus and desire for children, it is essential that all the knowledge science is providing for us is used for the bases of the experiences children are having everyday.

I find it amazing that due to technological advances, we now understand the developing brain better than ever before, and in many cases just the opposite of what is needed most is occurring for too many children.

Tv and DVD are not best for early brain developmentIt took too long for it to happen, but I am thrilled that the, Your Baby Can Read program has been shut down. The Federal Trade Commission filed false advertising charges, and the company is no longer in business. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is making headway in these critically needed efforts. Read also about the wonderful TODY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young children) Award for the Vinci Touchscreen Mobile Learning tablet that is marketed as good for helping babies learn. 

This quote from the article from Peggy Sissel-Phelan, Ed. D. (a Brain Insights Advisory Board Member)  is terrific:

“It’s likely to convince parents that they are doing something positive for their babies when that couldn't be farther from the truth. People don’t know that without human attention, babies won't develop normally, much less optimally. They will, however, learn how to push the buttons to make the screen react.  Rats can do that!” 

Additionally, it is wonderful that money is being refunded for purchases of, Baby Einstein videos. All of these products have been marketed to say they are good for early brain development, when these are not the optimal way for a child's brain to develop.

Brain Insights provides Early childhood Brain development activity ideasThis is precisely why I created, Brain Insights. I have a deep desire to make REAL brain development common knowledge and easily understood. My passion is to share all that really IS best for children. This is also exactly why I created, The Brain Development Series. These unique packets provide the information and ideas for busy adults to be able to provide what their child really needs. I knew the marketing made it confusing for parents to know what is best, so I wanted to help... and wanted to provide the information in an incredibly easy to use format.

Early Childhood Brain Insights provides information and ideasWhen presenting at a conference in Las Vegas, a concerned mother shared her story about her son. The boy had just turned 3 and had started a new preschool. When picking him up at the end of the day the mother noticed his worksheet (I am stressing the word worksheet here!) was not up on the bulletin board with the others. This woman asked the teacher about it. The teacher then held up the paper and stated, "His is not up because it is incomplete." It had in red marker the word, Incomplete and a red :( sad face drawn on it! The paper was one where he was to trace and then freehand write the letter E several times. This is not appropriate learning or expectations for a child of this age. He should be playing and exploring and experimenting rather than sitting still and trying to write on a worksheet.


Early Brain Development from Brain Insights
We need to do all we can to ensure that every child is getting all that is really beneficial for their growing brains. This happens through real interactions with real people and real objects.

At the same conference I met Kathy Gruhn, the enthusiastic creator of My Baby Compass. These wonderful resources help adults know what is appropriate for children at each age, birth through age 7.

We do not expect a newborn to crawl, a 2 month old to ride a bike, or a 6 month old to play the guitar. We do not expect those things because we know babies are not developed enough at those ages for those skills or activities. It is the same for academics and a young brain. We should not be pushing babies to read and 3 year olds to write. These are not the experiences they should be having to support the healthiest brain connections for later learning and life skills. Children need every adult in their life to have appropriate expectations. This can happen through understanding the basics of early brain development.


With heartfelt thanks,
Deborah 

And most especially.... the children thank you!!


The Brain Development Series provides parents with the information and fun ideas children want ALL adults to know!


Making Brain Development fun and easy - Even during your busy life! wwwbraininsightsonline.com
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Comments

9 Responses to “Let's Use All We Know to Ensure REAL Brain Development is Happening for ALL Children”
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Anonymous said...

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Do keep us informed. Thank you

September 13, 2012 at 12:48 PM
Unknown said...

Cant wait for these posts and to share. Great knowledge here!!!

September 15, 2012 at 12:22 AM
rick ackerly said...

Yes, yes, yes. I look forward to these posts.

September 15, 2012 at 8:27 PM
Anonymous said...

Absolutely wonderful - even Day Care people would greatly benefit from this knowledge.

September 17, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Deborah McNelis said...


Aleah and Rick glad to know of your interest!! The first one is now available! Enjoy sharing!

September 18, 2012 at 5:42 PM
Naomi Richards said...

I cant wait to see the printables. I think parents often compare their childrens development to other parents chidlren and what we need to do is educate them that all children are NOT the same.

September 19, 2012 at 6:56 AM
Deborah McNelis said...

Naomi I can not agree with you more! Each child is a unique and very special individual. Every brain develops differently to create a wonderful world of diversity to enjoy and benefit from!
Thanks for your comment and support. The first printable is now available, and is already being enthusiastically shared!

September 19, 2012 at 9:48 AM

Wonderful article - Thank you on behalf of the children here in Atlanta, and all over...We must join together to share brain health education & brain development information. Deborah you're doing an outstanding job educating.
Thank you,
Healthy Foundations Program

January 22, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Deborah McNelis said...

Healthy Foundations,

I completely agree with you. Joining together to create awareness and understanding is so critically important. It will be a FANTASTIC day for children when ALL adults finally know and provide what developing brains need most!
Thanks for all you do to make this happen!!

(And thank you for the very nice comments and support of the work of Brain Insights!)

January 27, 2013 at 10:19 AM

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