memory

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 →

Digital Distraction.

Jj is for Jottings 115.  Digital Distraction.

 

WHAT IS DIGITAL DISTRACTION?

Digital distraction is that constant checking of phones and multi-tasking which we see going on around us all the time (or even engage in ourselves).  There is a theory that our ancient food-foraging survival instinct has evolved into info-foraging.  It is sort of a hijacking of the same system that was critical for our survival in terms of seeking out food.  It has now been directed at seeking out information, and the result is digital distraction.

Photo of an alpaca with his nose in the air, saying: "There is no digital distraction in this paddock, thank you very much."

“There is no digital distraction in this paddock, thank you very much.”

Continue reading →

Interactive Reading With Children.

Jj is for Jottings 96.  Interactive Reading With Children.

There is a difference between reading to children and reading with children.  Reading TO children is just that – reading a story without any sort of discussion or interaction.  (For disquieting statistics on reading to children, see here.)  On the other hand, interactive reading with children, or reading WITH children, is an active process rather than a passive one.  In this case, you are encouraging the child to think, predict, remember and discuss the story, and other related topics may also arise.  Therefore it has all the benefits of reading to children, plus many more.

Photo of newborn alpaca on the ground, her mother and another alpaca sniffing her, with the caption: Too young for interactive reading with children, but the right age to start reading TO her.

Too young for interactive reading with children, but the right age to start reading TO her.

Continue reading →

Oral Storytelling.

Jj is for Jottings 95.  Oral Storytelling.

Oral storytelling is wonderful for developing listening skills (no pictures – so there is no visual ‘cheating’) and language.  It also encourages memory and can stimulate imagination.  You can read about the importance of listening here and here.  You can tell the story, or you can encourage your child to tell the story.  Your child may not be confident enough to tell stories from the outset.  However, after hearing you tell stories and with some encouragement, they may begin to feel like having a go.  Even if your child doesn’t feel like telling stories, the listening, language and memory benefits are still there. Continue reading →

Rhyming, Climbing, Miming… (Part 1)

Jj is for Jottings 50.  Rhyming, Climbing, Miming… (Part 1)

Geisha had a little cria,
But in this pic you cannot see ‘er!
(With thanks to David for this one.)

 

Children are not often introduced to nursery rhymes, these days, and in fact most seem to have little exposure to rhymes in their early childhood.  People seem to think that the old-fashioned nursery rhymes are silly and don’t make sense Continue reading →

Comments Made by Experienced Teachers.

1. Shanti decided she would jump onto Glenn’s back to get a good view of the toenail cutting. 2. “A good position – I think I’ll sit down.” 3. Settled in to watch the full performance.

Jj is for Jottings 35. Comments Made By Experienced Teachers.

Following are some observations I have made and some comments made by experienced teachers in the last couple of years. I find that experienced teachers have an excellent understanding of what enhances learning and what undermines learning, partly because of their long experience 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 →