Saturday, January 21, 2012

BRAIN ENGINEERS - PART C


Sensory Stimulation
Senses are like pathways to the brain.  The more senses you activate, the more likely the message will get to the brain and stay in the brain.  If you’ve been to my workshops, you’ll remember the Cone of Experience.  (People remember 10% of what they read; 20% of what they hear; 30% of what they see; 50% of what they see and hear; 70% of what they say or write; 90% of what they do.)  This model was developed by Edgar Dale in the 1960’s.  Although it is not researched based, it certainly makes a lot of sense when we think about planning instruction in the classroom.

Novelty and Challenges
The brain responds to new and interesting things. 
Children need challenges (attainable) to keep them motivated.

Repetition
Repetition strengthens connections in the brain. 
Games, partner projects, and technology can provide interesting repetition.

Prompt Feedback
Use pair sharing, self-check games, and group activities.

Pre-Exposure
Expose students to skills and content you will be focusing on.
Introduce vocabulary ahead of time.
Preview new themes with a video, field trip, story, etc.

Parent Power
Here are some suggestions you can share with your families:
*Read to them
*Give them time to discover and learn on their own.
*Play games with them.
*Choose high touch toys over battery operated toys.
*Talk to them and answer their questions.
*Limit television and computer time.
*Encourage outdoor time and exercise.
*Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep.
*Provide nutritious foods.