brain

How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

Jj is for Jottings 154.  How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

In this article we will cover some of the latest research on how smartphones affect the brain.  We have previously discussed  the effects of screen time on children.  Amongst other aspects, this included language delay in children exposed to screens at an early age.  We have also discussed the effects of digital distraction, which relates to a range of technological devices.  Here we will look into the specific effects on the brain of smartphones, rather than screens in general. Continue reading →

Brain Gym.

Jj is for Jottings 138.  Brain Gym.

WHAT IS BRAIN GYM?

Brain gym is a series of movements which claim to enhance whole-brain learning.  An alternative term is “educational kinesiology”.  The word “education” comes from the Latin educare, which means “to draw out”.  “Kinesiology” is from the Greek root kinesis, which means “motion” and is the study of the movement of the human body. Continue reading →

Neuroplasticity and Power.

Jj is for Jottings 123.  Neuroplasticity and Power.

The topic of neuroplasticity and power is related to this article which defines neuroplasticity and this article on neuroplasticity and complaining.  Every experience we have and every thought we think affects the way our brain develops and changes.  In turn, this affects our physiology and psychology.  The interplay between neuroplasticity and power has consequences in all aspects of life, from the playground bully to leaders in business and beyond.

Photo of kitten with ball of paper in her mouth and the caption: Neuroplasticity and Power. Shanti says, "I have such power over this paper. Will neuroplasticity mean I will turn into a lion?"

Neuroplasticity and Power. Shanti says, “I have such power over this paper. Does neuroplasticity mean I will turn into a lion?”

Continue reading →

Neuroplasticity and Complaining.

Jj is for Jottings 113.  Neuroplasticity and Complaining.

 

Following on from the previous article on neuroplasticity, we will now be more specific – how complaining rewires the brain for negativity.  Research shows that most people complain once a minute during a typical conversation.   Although complaining might feel good, but just like smoking or eating a whole box of chocolates in one sitting, it doesn’t do you any good. Continue reading →

Personality Type in Addition to Intelligence.

Jj is for Jottings 110.  Personality Type in Addition to Intelligence.

Intelligence isn’t the only factor when considering how people operate.  We need to consider personality type in addition to intelligence.

In the previous post, we discussed the 8 types of intelligence, which is a broader view of intelligence than is tested by conventional IQ tests.  This helps us to see ourselves, our children and other people in a more understanding light.  If you are strong in one particular area, it can be difficult to understand why others don’t “get” what is obvious to you.  But knowing that there several types of intelligence allows us to be more accepting of differences between people.  And the person who doesn’t cotton on to this apparently obvious thing?  They may be thinking the same thing about us in a different area of intelligence.  Quite humbling, really. Continue reading →

The Effects of Screen Time on Children.

Jj is for Jottings 90.  The Effects of Screen Time on Children.

Picture of 4 children on a haystack with caption: Avoiding the effects of screen time on children - Zara, Amy, Seth and Zack reading "Aa is for Alpacas" AND outside.

Avoiding the effects of screen time on children – Zara, Amy, Seth and Zack reading “Aa is for Alpacas” AND outside.

 

By now, there have been many studies done on the effects of screen time on children.  My own observations on this subject are here and here.  And here is an article on parental concerns about screen time.  So, let’s have a look at some of the recent research. Continue reading →

Cutting Out Visual Props.

From the colour I thought it was Geisha on the shearing table (she’s medium fawn), but when I saw her face on the next frame it turned out to be Nina – white! I should add that the alpacas are not suffering whilst on the shearing table – not keen, but not suffering, and the result feels so wonderful – no more itchy grass seeds against their skin, and ….freedom! Looking at her this way makes me want to tickle her tummy.

 

Jj is for Jottings 41.  Cutting Out Visual Props.

Enlarging upon the comment on Jottings 40 made by Ann on Facebook, who said she finds another great listening activity is to read a story to children without pictures – spot on!  When you ask them questions about the story afterwards, you will really begin to find out their ability to listen and to Continue reading →

A Neuroscientist’s Comments on Child Development.

Jj is for Jottings 28. A Neuroscientist’s Comments on Children’s Development.

Baroness Greenfield, a neuroscientist at Oxford University, maintains that technology is re-wiring brains, particularly for young people growing up knowing nothing else. She asserts that a young person who hasn’t yet developed a clear and strong sense of identity and social skills will respond differently Continue reading →

Your Brain on Junk Food.

Finally, an introduction to two more of the alpacas’ “friends”. Shikha, a chocolate Burmese (very dark – I think he must be 70% chocolate!) and his sister, Shanti, a lilac Burmese. I’m not sure how friendly the alpacas are with the cats. The cats certainly go into the paddock with the alpacas, but they need to be wary because I’ve seen the alpacas chase them occasionally, especially Geisha.

Jj is for Jottings 27. Your Brain on Junk Food.
New Australian research from Deakin University and Australian National University confirms that junk food damages the brain. The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning, so if it isn’t functioning properly, then our brains aren’t, either. Continue reading →

Handwriting Boosts Brain Power.

I promised a better photo of Marshmallow. This time she has taken over Sam’s basket when he was busy doing something else. She would sometimes lay an egg in his basket. Once I found an egg underneath Sam. Perhaps he was hoping it would hatch!

Jj is for Jottings 25. Handwriting Boosts Brain Power.

When we write, we use whole strokes to depict a letter. In doing this, we activate parts of the brain responsible for thinking, memory and language. Writing engages many more parts of the brain than typing, quite apart from developing a greater range of fine motor skills. Continue reading →