Whole Child Development
A recent study published by literacy expert Dr. Susan B. Neuman in the Journal of Educational Psychology, has asserted (yet again) that babies do not actually learn to read by watching videos, staring at flashcards, or chewing on any other part of a bundle marketed as educational media for babies.
Remember how you raised your eyebrows and squirmed a bit when you heard the title, “It’s OK NOT to Share”? (OK, maybe some of you didn’t even bat an eye.)
(*Quick Reminder: My friend Mel is starting her Family Haven eCourse on the 3rd! If you haven’t checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and head on over here! Then come back and read these links, of course!)
Just a quick thought for today:
Play is powerful. It’s the process of authentic learning in action. Children play with new ideas, with social rules, and with just about any random item they can get their hands on. It’s an on-going process of questioning, exploring, and experimenting.
Horton Hears a Who is a Dr. Seuss classic, with revived interest from the younger generation thanks to Hollywood. This story is a great tale of the commitment and unselfishness of Horton, and the importance of cooperation and individual contribution from the Who’s.
I am a passionate believer in play as the best method for teaching young children. And sometimes, the kids teach me a little something through play as well!
Part of a play-based learning philosophy is having materials that will invite the child to play with concepts and ideas. So, being the nut for play and learning that I am, I have shelves and drawers and pockets full of these kinds of materials. A simple material that’s been getting some increased attention from my kids lately is a container full of dice.
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