Brains Do That?

I recently got a post from a local teacher friend on FaceBook.  It’s from Light Bulbs and Laughter.  The title is “My 11 Rules for Engaging Students’ Brains: An Unscientific List From a Regular Teacher”.  As I studied the list, I realized it is mostly true for preschool-aged children, as well.  Allow me to use this teacher’s list (with a few changes and additions):

• Make sure (your child) knows that brains can grow, and change and get smarter.  Brenda: As your child grows and learns new things, point out to her that when she was younger, she was unable to do that, say that, or didn’t know that.  Tell her you are excited to see what the next new thing will be.

• Make sure (your child) feels safe and valued…then make it fun! Laughter releases endorphins.  This is a good thing.  Brenda:  I know you are making sure your child is safe, but SHE may not realize it.  Point out to her when you do things to keep her safe.  “Hold my hand while we cross the street.  I want you to always be safe because I love you, and don’t want anything to hurt you.”

• Have (your child) make predictions. Our brains love this. Especially when we’re right.  Brenda: Ask her to guess where you are going as you prepare to leave the house with her. While you are driving, ask her to tell you where she thinks you will turn if you are going to the grocery store.

• Make it visual.  Brenda: If you have house rules written down, be sure to place a picture beside each rule to notate the rule.  Ex. If she is expected to take her dish to the sink after eating, put a picture of a plate and flatware beside that rule.

• Get (your child) moving.  Brenda:  Children, especially preschoolers, by their very nature, are not hot-wired to be still for long periods. When you are in the car for a long trip, schedule stops often so she can M-O-V-E!

• Get (your child) talking. Brenda: Ask questions. Give information. Label.

• Get (your child) listening to you and to others. Brenda:  Actively listen to her. Nod your head as she speaks. Wait for her to finish before responding.  Ignore your phone. Children learn what they live!

• Help (your child) make connections between what she is learning and what she already knows. Brenda: A cup tips over. As you help her clear away the spill, remind her of what happened as she was playing in the tub and a container fell over. “That’s right. We must be careful sitting the cup down.”

• Do something new.  Brenda: Even something new like hopping or skipping to the car is a novelty for her.

• Play music. Studies show that brains focus better right when music is turned off.  Use it for transitions.  Brenda: If you need for her to know when she will be going for a nap, put on a favorite CD 15-20 minutes before she needs to transition.

• Repetition. Brains need repetition to remember. Repetition. Really. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.  Brenda: Don’t expect her to remember something the first time you tell her.  Tell her again. And again. And again!

 Happy Gentle Parenting.

©2015 Brenda Holland-Robinson