Brain Development In Children
by Cailey Erickson
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ACTIVITIES TO HELP CHILDREN GROW
Dump a basket of shapes on the floor and ask the child to sort them based on what shape, size, or color they are. Ask the child to spell out the words.
Let the children draw/write whatever they want for as long as they please. If they feel comfortable doing so, let them present it to the family or their friends.
Let children fold paper into different shapes and animals, making collages.
Get colorful and creative beads and string; let the children make their own necklaces using the beads they choose (please watch them during this activity! String and beads are easily swallowed).
Get brown/other colored paper bags, and allow the children to decorate them with markers, string, glitter, etc. Let the children act out their own plays with the puppets they’ve created.
Get a bunch of stacking blocks. Let the children stack and sort them as they please, and when they’re done, ask them which group of shapes is the biggest/smallest.
Get out a box of dominoes; stack them upright and see how long the children can make the line, then show them how to topple them over.
After showing the children pictures of buildings (houses, bridges, castles, etc…) ask them to build/draw something that resembles it.
Get out a bunch of colorful playdough and clay. Show the children how to mold it into shapes, then let them go on their own. Show them what happens if they mix certain colors together.
- Give them a small, simple puzzle to work on. Ask them to memorize which piece goes where, and let them work on it until they want to stop. Help them build up their speed.
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES
Visual-Spatial - think in terms of physical space, as do architects and sailors. Very aware of their environments. They like to draw, do jigsaw puzzles, read maps, daydream. They can be taught through drawings, verbal and physical imagery. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video, videoconferencing, television, multimedia, texts with pictures/charts/graphs.
Bodily-kinesthetic - use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon. Keen sense of body awareness. They like movement, making things, touching. They communicate well through body language and be taught through physical activity, hands-on learning, acting out, role playing. Tools include equipment and real objects.
Musical - show sensitivity to rhythm and sound. They love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically, tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CD-ROM, multimedia.
Interpersonal - understanding, interacting with others. These students learn through interaction. They have many friends, empathy for others, street smarts. They can be taught through group activities, seminars, dialogues. Tools include the telephone, audio conferencing, time and attention from the instructor, video conferencing, writing, computer conferencing, E-mail.
Intrapersonal - understanding one's own interests, goals. These learners tend to shy away from others. They're in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time. They are the most independent of the learners.
Linguistic - using words effectively. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words. They like reading, playing word games, making up poetry or stories. They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words, read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, tape recorders, and lecture.
RECIPES AND SNACKS
TIPS FOR ASSESSING SCHOOL READINESS:
Does your child express confidence in themselves?
Do they express willingness to learn and be creative in ways that they are comfortable with?
Do they ask questions about what school is like?
Do they express a maturity that shows that they are mentally and physically ready for what school has to offer?
Are they able to recognize what they are doing/how they have to do it?