BRAIN INSIGHTS TO SHARE: Growing a Brain!




Did you know ........ After eight months a child exposed to a nurturing and stimulating environment may already have 1,000 trillion connections created? 

As Printable #1 shared, it is the experiences a child has that physically wires and grows the brain. In the photo below, you can see the real difference experience makes to a developing brain.

Brain Insights- Growing Brains http://braininsights.blogspot.com/


This week, printable #2 explains a bit more about the growth of the brain and the needed experiences that lead to healthy connections. As a child is provided with opportunities to interact with people and their environment, brain cells make the connections that wire the brain. 



Brain Insights - Early Brain Development http://braininsights.blogspot.com/





Brain Insights~ Encouraging Everyone to understand early childhood developement http://braininsights.blogspot.com/
WE ARE DOING IT!!   Through working together and sharing we ARE making a difference!

I can not be more thrilled to have such a positive response to the printables already!! Numerous people throughout the world have read and shared the first printable already. I am SO very glad to know they are so beneficial!  These are just a couple of the messages I have received.




"Keep them coming!" 

"This information is so useful we use it in parent group discussions and get great conversations going."


"Just watching my 3 yr old son play and thinking about how I can see his genius--thanks to all you've taught. Thank you for taking the valuable time to research and teach about our children's TRUE potential!!!"

THANK YOU...... THANK YOU......THANK YOU!!!

 




You have read this article with the title September 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://slantedshanty.blogspot.com/2012/09/brain-insights-to-share-growing-brain.html. Thanks!

BRAIN INSIGHTS TO SHARE: Early Experiences Wire a Brain


On the Brain Insights website it states: 

"Our focus is to be the recognized company for parents, educators, and varied professionals in providing easily understood information, outstanding products, and inspiring presentations that lead to creating awareness and understanding of all that is best for the development of healthy brains." 

Early Experiences Wire A Brain -Printables from www.braininsightsonline.comWith this goal, I am excited to let you know..... printable Brain Insights materials are NOW AVAILABLE!!


I am frequently told that programs and agencies are using Brain Insights information for staff development, for parenting group discussions and workshops, and workplaces share  with employees.  It is thrilling to know that the information shared is being used in so many ways and in so many places...worldwide!!

Due to all of you working to make a positive difference with this information..... I wanted to make it even easier! Each week new information will be created as a printable. With your dedication to making this information common knowledge, hopefully you will find this to be an extremely simple way to share! 


 

You can print it and post it, put it in newsletters, use it as handouts, share with your next door neighbor, or share on your social networking sites. Your feedback on each one will be welcomed! Also, it would be wonderful if you would comment below to let other people know in what way you are using these. You are likely to spark an idea for someone else! 

Or better yet... e-mail a photo to show how you are using the printables and I can post it to share with others!  

Here also is a WONDERFUL, well done and brief video that clearly explains the impact of experience!  It is provided by Harvard University Center on the Developing Child. Experiences Build Brain Architecture
Enjoy!

It is such fun working with all of you to make a world of difference for children!

Thank you once again for ALL you do!

Deborah



Love Your Baby Brain Packet activity idea - Fuzzy Kisses! www.braininsightsonline.com

This printable includes and activity idea from the Love Your Baby Brain Development Packet. If you want more activities like it to have on hand everyday, go to www.braininsightsonline.com











You have read this article with the title September 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://slantedshanty.blogspot.com/2012/09/brain-insights-to-share-early.html. Thanks!

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

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 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 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 ideasRecently, when I was 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.

In the coming weeks, I am going to be sharing printables on various areas, that explain the ways in which science provides for us the knowledge to understand what really is best for learning and growing brains. 

Early Brain development needs to become common knowledgeIt is my hope that you will help to make this information known and understood. These can be posted and shared electronically, or they can be printed and posted on bulletin boards or used in newsletter or flyers. Feel free to use your imagination as to how these can best be used to finally make the understanding of REAL early brain development common knowledge!!

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!











You have read this article with the title September 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://slantedshanty.blogspot.com/2012/09/let-use-all-we-know-to-ensure-real.html. Thanks!

Get Organized Printable for Your Family


 It is wonderful to start the school year with healthy and happy brains....


Back To School and school success happens best with established routines and organization. So Dr.Lynne Kenney , The Family Coach, has created a downloadable printable to help you get organized at home, for a great school year. Dr. Lynne is fabulous and I so enjoy sharing all she does for the benefit of families. I thought you would enjoy becoming aware of and sharing her tips! 

Brain Insight: The brain feels less stress and can focus attention best when there is a lack of chaos!


  
Along with this, I am excited to announce the winners of the Brain Insights Back to School Give Away!  

I am thrilled to share a full set of The Brain Development Series with these dedicated programs that are making a positive difference for young children. 


Cathy - Transitional K Teacher, Long Beach, CA

Sierra - Owner, Preschool Program, Bloomington, IN

Lindsay - Special Ed. Teacher 3-4, Clinton, UT

Denise - Preschool Teacher

Head Start Program - Laredo, TX  (Spanish Brain Packets)



Thank you as always to everyone of you for your part in developing healthy brains! 

*** For a 20% discount on Brain Development Activity Packets you can take advantage of the Promo Code: Back2School ***
 
ALSO
 
 
Back to School Discount on Brain Insights Workshops and Presentations!  
 
If you are looking for an inspiring staff development presentation, workshop for parents, or lunch and learn session at your workplace, I am also offering a Back to School discount on these as well. Contact me by September 30th to get 50% off workshops that are booked in 2012.
 




 Have a Very Enjoyable School Year!!





You have read this article with the title September 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://slantedshanty.blogspot.com/2012/09/get-organized-printable-for-your-family.html. Thanks!

Back to School with Brighter Brains and Better Mornings


Early Brain Development tips for back to school from Brain Insights

Did you know brains like routines and do not like chaos?  The start of a new school year can invoke dread or relief depending on the amount of routine you establish for your family.
Mornings certainly can be a trying time for families.   

As a caring parent you have the challenge of trying to get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time and want to leave home with everyone in a positive mood, ready for learning … and all wearing shoes!
Through understanding brains and trying some of the following tips, you will be able to more easily reach this goal! 
    
Establish daily routines

Consistent routines that happen in nearly the same way each day, provide a sense of predictability for young children. The brain feels comfortable and safe when it knows what to expect next. 

Tips:
  • Set a schedule. When children know what happens first, next and last, this reduces the need for you to give constant reminders. Children become more self-directed as a result of an established routine.
  • Start the routine with a healthy breakfast. Eating a well balanced breakfast that includes protein provides the brain with the nutrients to function well. Research shows children who eat a healthy breakfast a have a more stable mood throughout the day.
Early brain development tips on nutrition from Brain InsightsHowever, eating sugary cereal, doughnuts, or sweetened juices will result in the brain needing food again only 30 minutes later. The brain then feels stress and releases stress chemicals. As a result a child may experience feelings of agitation, aggression, and anxiety. Young developing brains do not yet know how to control all of these feelings. This is why it is called, "out of control" behavior.
  • Ensure everyone has had enough sleep. Sleep enhances cognitive functioning and influences moods. Having enough sleep contributes to a more positive mood. When the brain lacks the sleep it needs, brain systems become out of balance. Children's (and adult) brains become more easily agitated when sleep deprived. 
            

  • Do all you can to keep bedtimes and bedtime routines as consistent as possible.
  • Provide calm activities like reading a book, giving a massage, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music as part of the bedtime routine.
  • Eliminate watching television or using other electronics with bright lights prior to bedtime routines.
  •  Provide "brain calming" foods as a bedtime snack such as warm milk, a banana, toast with almond butter, or oatmeal with a bit of peanut butter added.

Realize that your child doesn’t have a motivation to get out of the house quickly. 

A child’s brain prefers to play, have fun, and to spend time with you.  Your mature brain has the ability to override your desires to sit and have another cup of coffee, read the paper, take a
walk… etc.
Brain Insights tips for positive interaction for back to school ideas 
Tips: 

·      Use games to help motivate children. These also create a fun time spent together before having to separate for the day.
  • Game Example:
STOP AND GO
Have your child start to get dressed, Say, “Go”.
Tell the child to keep going until you say, “Stop”.
Repeat this with varied long and short and long periods of time getting dressed.

  • Turn on upbeat and fun music. Encourage your child to finish dressing by the time a song ends.

  •  Use empathizing statements with an understanding tone of voice, such as, “I know, sometimes you don’t like to get going early.”  Or “I understand how much you would rather be playing right now.”   Sometimes just knowing that someone else recognizes feelings, helps a child cope.

  •  Provide choices. When children are given options and are more directly involved in the activity, this results in more cooperation. For example:  Ask, “Would you like to brush your teeth or comb your hair first?”.

Children’s brains pick up on emotional atmosphere very quickly…. And react to your stress level. 

Family times are enhanced with activity ideas from Brain InsightsReduced levels of stress lead to better memory, better problem solving, and increased ability to pay attention.

Tip:
·       
       As tired as you might be, you can reduce stress levels by doing as much as you can in the evening. You can give baths, pack diaper bags/school bags, read/sign papers sent from school, prepare your work bag and lunches, lay out clothes, socks, shoes, and jackets, etc. When it is then time to separate for the day, your child will likely feel more ready to go! 
·       


Have a Very Happy New School Year!!



For further understanding of your child's brain and for additional fun interaction activity ideas for your busy every day life go to: www.braininsightsonline.com 

*** For a 20% discount on Brain Development Activity Packets you can take advantage of the Promo Code:  Back2School ***

Early Brain Development Activity Packets The Brain Development Series from Brain Insights
 


You have read this article with the title September 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://slantedshanty.blogspot.com/2012/09/back-to-school-with-brighter-brains-and.html. Thanks!