The Basic Science of Discovery - How to Teach Your Children the Basics of Discovery

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Hi,
Child experts around the world are recommending brain train or gym exercise to make children smarter, brighter and skilful. Dr. Hannaford, the writer of the well-known book titled, "Smart Moves" believes that "our bodies are very much a part of all our learning, and learning is not an isolated brain function. In fact, a child's brain is full of sensitive network of cells and nerve ending that creates an efficient highway for basic learning".

Recent research findings also suggest that optimum learning in children occur when they know and master how to switch-on and switch-off certain areas of brain to retrieve only the required brain functions while the leaving the rest behind. It is a sort of "mix and match" type of mechanism that optimizes the learning process. This selective learning process forms the cornerstone for learning activities that occur at the later stages in life.

Parents may wish to introduce brain train exercises in their homes to help children optimize their learning efforts. Brain train or gym exercises are wholesome and complete in that they have the ability to create an empowered child who is skilled and smart. All the best to you.

Thought for today:
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou

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Q1: I am actually not the parent but the child, wondering about her own identification. I would greatly appreciate your time for any insightful answers to a couple of questions/things I am unsure of.

I had been identified as gifted by my school district early on in elementary school but I do not know my score nor have an idea of what to expect to be the extent of my abilities. Now, in high school, I have begun to doubt my giftedness for some inexplicable reason and there are a few things I would like to know more about:

Is it normal to feel like you're 'plateauing' at a certain age? When I was younger I could remember events and stories with great accuracy and connect things that I saw with other things that I learned, but now it doesn't seem like I do that as much any more...

A: Very interesting query! I would think that if the school has identified you as being gifted, there should be provisions made to cater for your educational needs at school. I am sure you would be placed in a special program to enhance your gifts. Your query appears a little unclear but I'll try to answer based on my understanding of your letter. I believe you mean that as you are growing older, you feel as if you are at a stage of “plateau” which is a stage when something, in this case, your gifts, is still/stable or stop changing (i.e., no improvement or increase).... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Does Giftedness Decline with Age? here.

Q2: My eldest daughter, now 10 has got in to the PEAC programme at school and scored 99% in the IQ testing. Her younger sister now 6 has never been quote "mainstream". She is an introvert, is obsessive about order, colours etc, she has a few great friends and plays well but is never "Miss. Sociable", she has a poor concentration span an always says she is bored at school...Should i have her IQ tested or just let the teachers continue with their behaviour sticker charts?

A: From your description, I would suspect a condition in the Autism Spectrum Disorder but you would need a proper diagnosis to rule that out or determine the condition. It is also possible that she may be gifted just by looking at her sister as it is found that when one child in the family is identified as gifted, the chances are great that other members of the family are gifted.... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Possibly Gifted with Autism/Asperger's Syndrome here.

Q3: My 9 year old son who is in 3rd grade has always scored in the high average in school tests (80 - 90 percentile) in both Maths & English & his teacher has referred to his as being bright, he has always been fluent reader & reads books above his age level....Is it possible that some children who appear to be bright can struggle with written work?

A: Your description is not very clear and detailed, so I am assuming that your son may possibly have dysgraphia. Briefly, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. This condition makes the act of writing difficult lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting, and putting thoughts on paper. Individuals with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers, and words on a line or page.... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Possible Dysgraphia here.

Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach
By Joseph Abruscato and Don A. DeRosa

Science is a quest for explanations. This popular text continues to encourage teachers to help their students learn through discovery, while also providing content on the latest techniques in science teaching. This edition has been thoroughly revised and features a new co-author, Dr. Donald DeRosa of Boston University, a larger trim size, and paperback binding for a fresher, more open feel.

The book Includes The 5 E's Learning Cycle - The 5 E's learning cycle is an instructional design model that presents a framework for constructivist learning theories that can be effectively used in teaching science.

Teaching Children Science: Discovery Methods for Elementary and Middle Grades
By Joseph Abruscato and Don A. DeRosa

This truncated volume is composed of the first nine chapters from Teaching Children Science: A Discovery Approach, Seventh Edition. Like the larger text on which it is based, it takes a constructivist approach to learning and it is written with the same engaging writing style. This brief book of strategies and techniques will help pre-service teachers learn to plan meaningful lessons and units and manage an inquiry-based classroom.

What specific strategies and techniques will help foster discovery learning? The new edition of Teaching Children Science: Discovery Methods for the Elementary and Middle Grades provides the answers to that question. Readers of this book will become teachers who can create classrooms where children look forward to science time as a wonderful opportunity to learn!

Singing to children may help development of language skills
The Guardian May 08, 2011

Parents should sing to their children every day to avoid language problems developing in later life, according to a consultant.

Socially Smart
Hillsborough Patch May 06, 2011

Are there different intelligences? According to Daniel Goleman, not only is there cognitive intelligence (known as IQ), but also social intelligence and emotional intelligence. For many years, as a society, it was believed that the higher your IQ, the better job you would most likely have.

Success by 6: Encourage safe exploration and play
Herald Dispatch May 06, 2011

Responsive care giving involves creating an environment that is safe and predictable, with a variety of materials to explore, accompanied by sensitive, caring and dependable interactions with consistent adult caregivers.

UO: DVD helps spur babies' brain development
KQW May 06, 2011

Scientists at the University of Oregon recently produced a DVD to help parents improve their children's brain development. It's called Changing Brains.

Breastfeeding Your Babies Give Them Better Behavior
E Canada May 11, 2011

New studies show that babies, who are breastfed for at least four months, are much more likely to be well-behaved children throughout childhood. They are less likely to be hyperactive, anxious, or to lie or steal.

Active kids less likely to develop depression as adults
Health Central May 03, 2011

In a study of self-reported levels of physical activity and depression in 2152 women and men from south-eastern Australia, the researchers found that those reporting low physical activity levels as a child were 35 per cent more likely to report depression in adulthood compared to those reporting higher levels of physical activity in childhood.

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