BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Very Active When Imagining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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