The Brain and Learning
The primary purpose for children going to school is so that they can learn. Teachers are responsible for educating students about various subject matter such as math, science, language, and arts. They also help students develop many skills such as their social and cognitive skills. But did you know that the human brain is always changing due to stimuli in the environment, something that is known as plasticity (Weiss, 2000). This means that the brain is constantly changing and developing because of the environments that we are frequently exposed to. How does this work you may ask? Well in short, brain cells, known as neurons, grow and make connections to other neurons as we learn from new experiences. As we grow, we either strengthen these connections or we lose them if we stop being exposed to these environments (Weiss, 2000).
Although students take part in a wide range of subjects in school, as parents, you can aid in their brain development and even broaden their capabilities by making sure to introduce them to new and different activities. For example, put your child in different classes outside of school like music, crafts, or dance lessons. Or make them join a sports team, chess team, debate team, etc. These are all activities that would stimulate the brain through different means. In this way, your child can develop and have a wide range of strengths and abilities which will only benefit them as they become equipped to face the world.
PARENTS: Watch the following videos on brain and learning!
KIDS: Press the link below to play some fun games!
Reference:
Weiss, R. P. (2000). Brain-based learning. Training & Development, 54 (7), pg 20.
Weiss, R. P. (2000). Brain-based learning. Training & Development, 54 (7), pg 20.