Bilingual can Boost Children's Brain Power

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Hi,
I've got 2 great articles for you today, along with a few other tidbits that I hope you will find interesting. Let's get straight to it! Take care!

Thought for today:
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." - Neale Donald Walsch

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Bilingual can Boost Children's Brain Power
Languages are unique to our civilization. It is an amazing tool of communication too. Those people, who can speak in different languages, are socially superior and mentally stronger. Click to learn more.

Q1: My son is 9 years old and has taken the Terra Nova, he scored in the 99 percentile across the board except for a 35 in word analysis. His IQ portion came back with a 110 total score with the verbal scores all being in the high 90's percentiles .... but his math side being very average 80's.... my question is, why the discrepancy in the achievement vs IQ and would you interpret high scores on the non math portion of the abilities test evidence of high functioning in just one area? Should this be nurtured?

A: The Terra Nova is a standardised achievement test used to provide consistent, accurate, and objective information about students' achievement in various areas of the curriculum. In the administration of the test, individual or group scores may be compared with a criterion or with the scores of other students in the class, school, district, or national norm group. Test results can also be compared over time intervals, which is one indication of growth for an individual or group of students. ..... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Discrepancy in Achievement and IQ scores on the Terra Nova here.

Q2: We waited a year to send our daughter to school because at the time we thought she was a bit docile and she has a later birthday being July 21st (she was recently diagnosed with anxiety disorder which explains her shyness). This makes her older for her grade. Teachers have always made note that she never participates in class discussions, she always finished everything last. Which made her a bit stealth (we now realize this is due to her anxiety...not wanting to be noticed). All her test scores have been in the A range never scoring out of the 90's. She also was always in advanced groups for class in all subjects....

A: WISC-IV scores are normed by age and not grade; and I can see the reason for concern here. This is a concern especially if the child is retained a grade or so. It has been reported that with younger children, there may be little statistical difference in the standard scores when scoring by age or by grade in the case of retention and they do appear to meet the discrepancy either way. However, it may be different with older children..... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Age versus Grade on Intelligence Tests here.

Q3: I have a question about my daughter. She is a 4 years old cute little one. 4 yrs and 9 months to be exact. She started talking at about 8-9 months, she used to play peek-a-boo when she was 3 months, if give a cloth, she was very fluent in language by 15 months, fully potty trained by 2 yrs both day and night. We are in US now, but originally from India, we had to stay in India for a couple of months when she was 3...

A: Her development is a little advanced compared to her peers as she is close to five years. As for reading, it is advanced as well though not too much especially as she has had stimulation at a very young age. Generally, these days there are many devices that help children advanced at a faster pace which may resemble some gifted characteristics but hard to determine at such a young age.... Continue to read Dr. Sandhu's answer on Reading Skills for Kids here.

The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language
By Kendall King Ph.D, Alison Mackey Ph.D

In The Bilingual Edge, professors and parents King and Mackey wade through the hype and provide clear insights into what actually works. No matter what your language background is - whether you never passed Spanish in high school or you speak Mandarin fluently - King and Mackey will help you:

Select the language that will give your child the most benefits
Find materials and programs that will assist your child in achieving fluency
Identify and use your family's unique traits to maximize learning

Fancy private schools and expensive materials aren't needed. Instead, The Bilingual Edge translates the latest research into interactive strategies and quick tips that even the busiest parents can use.

Raising a Bilingual Child
By Barbara Zurer Pearson, Ph.D

If you would like your children to experience the benefits of becoming bilingual, but you aren't sure how to teach them a second language, then Raising a Bilingual Child is the perfect step-by-step guide for you. Raising a Bilingual Child provides parents with information, encouragement, and practical advice for creating a positive bilingual environment.

It offers both an overview of why parents should raise their children to speak more than one language and detailed steps parents can take to integrate two languages into their child's daily routine. Raising a Bilingual Child also includes inspirational first-hand accounts from parents. It dispels the myth that bilingualism may hinder a child's academic performance and explains that learning languages at a young age can actually enhance a child's overall intellectual development.

IQ Isn't Enough for Success
Forbes Jun 11, 2012

If you think professional success is all about IQ, you better think again. While an exceptional IQ is the necessary condition for outstanding achievements, it doesn’t warrant personal and professional success.

Spanking can lower a child's IQ
the Province Jun 17, 2012

Research shows that kids who are spanked or hit with an object have lower IQs; they shut down their learning powers. They are also more aggressive, particularly boys, and get in more trouble than kids who are not spanked. Children who are spanked also have sexual problems and low self-esteem as adults.

Top 5 natural choices for a healthier child
Kansas City Star Jun 18, 2012

Children are particularly susceptible to dangerous chemicals because of their lower body weight. It takes a much smaller amount to harm their developing bodies. Do Your Part and create a healthier home and a healthier child by reducing your family's exposure to questionable chemicals. Here are my top 5 alternatives to the dangerous chemicals your child probably comes into contact with every day.

Dad's Love Helps Child's Personality Development
Psych Central Jun 13, 2012

A new study discovers that while mothers have a unique social and emotional bond with each child, a father's love contributes as much - and sometimes more - to a child's development.

IQ Scores of Famous People
Global Christian Post Jun 16, 2012

An intelligence quotient, or IQ, is a score derived from one of several standardized tests designed to assess intelligence. The IQ score is something people often talk about, but an IQ is not everything, and there are some surprising results when looking at some famous people's IQs.

Obesity may lead to poor math performance in children
Fun Education Jun 19, 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2008, more than one-third of children and adolescents were considered overweight or obese. Even more troubling is the fact that obesity among this population has more than tripled in the past 30 years.

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