As an avid reader of our newsletter, you'll know we've touched on the topic of play numerous times, here and again, here for example. As a play-based program, this is a topic of great interest to us, and we hope it is to you as well! We wanted to pass along some info on an upcoming presentation on play at the Lamoille Family Center:
“The Brain Science of Play”
Play connections in the early years lay the foundation for life! Play is children’s work and is vital for learning and development…and now we have the brain science to prove it! Those who attend this free workshop will gain strategies to support children (birth to 5 years old) and learn how play relates to three important developmental skills: memory, behavior control and mental flexibility. This workshop explores how a parent’s and provider’s role is critical to a child’s development and growth as a competent and active learner. Participants will leave with a better understanding of executive functioning and how “play” ties into brain science. This workshop is hosted by the Lamoille Family Center and presented by Puppets in Education. Childcare is provided for this event!
When: Wednesday, April 29th 6:00 - 8:00
Where: Lamoille Family Center
To Register: call 888-5229
More on the Brain: Understanding Executive Function/Activities to Support Developing Executive Function in Children
Outside of education or the social sciences, the term "executive function" may be an unfamiliar one, however, executive functioning is something that we are all expected to do every day. So, just what is it?
According to the Harvard Center for the Developing Child, executive function can be described as the following: "the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. The brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses."*
According to the Harvard Center for the Developing Child, executive function can be described as the following: "the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. The brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses."*
And, for all of us out there who benefit from some visual and auditory learning (like the writer of this newsletter!) those same folks have put together a clear, concise video about executive function, see below.
These executive functioning skills relate closely back to our March series on behavior and development. In the early years, we see children just beginning to establish the roots of executive functioning, with ages 3 to 5 providing an important window of opportunity for dramatic growth in these skills.* These are some of the skills that serve children as they grow and develop as learners, and help them to be productive and successful into adolescence and adulthood.
So, how do we as parents, families, and teachers foster the growth of executive functioning skills? Luckily, there are some concrete, research tested methods which are play based, enjoyable, and another wonderful way to spend time with your children. Here are some age specific suggestions from Harvard's Center for the Developing Child:
In considering some of these activities, it's good to remember to follow your child's lead. Allow these opportunities unfold organically. There does not need to be a set time in the day set aside to work on executive functioning, it can and should happen through natural interactions such as listening, observing, taking advantage of moments to have conversations, using imagination, telling stories, or playing games.
For more on executive functioning and young children, head over to Harvard's page. Their Center on the Developing Child is a true wealth of knowledge, and worth exploring. They are, after all, Harvard. Happy reading!
*Information gathered from: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/key_concepts/executive_function/
Classroom Happenings
Infant I: It's been a good week for getting more of the babies outdoors more often, and we're looking forward to consistently warmer temperatures (and so are the little ones). We've been working on the transition to new sleep sacks again this week; the children are becoming better accustomed to having their arms more mobile, and soothing themselves and to prepare for sleep. More of the babies are making movements toward rolling over, which is very exciting.
Infant II: Again this week the children have shown focused attention on dumping, pouring and scooping with small scoops and muddy water. For instance, children have zeroed in on filling a large bucket tiny scoop by tiny scoop until it is to the brim with water. This kind of persistence shows how engaged the children are and how their development is unfolding.
Toddler I: The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been a book of choice this week as the children discuss themes of spring. The stuffed animal caterpillar joins the children in reading this book as well. Early in the week, we have been working on setting the table together prior to meals and talking about healthy eating choices: We have veggies first, we limit our sugar and starches.
Toddler II: This week the class made a height chart together, and once it dried, they were able to record their heights. In circle time this week, the class opted for more active choices, including singing and stretching. Outdoors, the children noticed ALL of their bird feeders had vanished from the trees. The kids discussed the idea that the bears took them away. The children also used long sticks to "fish" from the "dock" on the playground. The topic of fish came up, which might be an investigation for next week.
Pre-K: The highlights of the week included an interest in birds. For some children this was a new interest, while others connected this topic to their explorations in Toddler II last spring. The class began their own bird feeders, which they have hung on the front playground...we will have a full report on their status next week. We're going to try different foods and styles of feeders to work on the skill of planning into the future. Other bird activities included: bird drawings/representations, birds in dramatic play, and listening to bird sounds on the computer.
Thanks for Reading
-Sam