Research shows that the more skills children bring with them to kindergarten – in basic math, reading, even friendship and cooperation – the more likely they will succeed in those same areas in school. Hence, “kindergarten readiness” is the goal of many preschool programs, and a motivator for many parents. Now it’s time to add language to that mix of skills, says a new University of Washington-led study. Continue reading “Want to help your child succeed in school? Add language to the math, reading mix”
Category: Education
NeuroNet Goes to China!
We recently travelled to China to see how schools in Beijing are using NeuroNet, as well as to share the science behind NeuroNet with parents and teachers in Shanghai.
These 4-year-old students at DePan Education Center in Beijing loved having Nancy practice with them.
We loved watching these 3-year-old students during their NeuroNet practice! Just 20 minutes a day provides structured practice for preschoolers to develop the learning sequence of “watch and listen, then think and do.”
While in Beijing, we had time to visit Tienamen Square, The Emperor’s Palace, and the Great Wall. It was impressive to think of the years of history represented here.
As we left the Great Wall at 7 pm, I thought of my family and friends in the US where the sun was just coming up for them at 7 am. We all share the same sun!
We climbed the steps of the Great Wall and took this picture overlooking the Great Wall from a window in one of the guard towers. 
The next day, we were invited to present the NeuroNet Program to the 21st Century International school, and then to tour their school. At the entrance, the school’s mission statement and pictures of staff let parents know the purpose and people of the school.
The children practice good habits daily: brushing their teeth, washing their faces, and eating healthy snacks. They take their shoes on and off many times and change into their pajamas for nap. All good for a child’s knowledge of their personal body space, along with the development of good habits.
Also while in Beijing, we enjoyed MANY delicious dishes of local cuisine. If it was cooked or peeled, I ate it! What an amazing adventure.
In Shanghai, we introduced the science behind NeuroNet Learning to over 100 teachers, administrators, and parents at WuNan Kindergarten. Located right across from the American Embassy in Shanghai, WuNan is a public school and international school combined.
WuNan has an amazing collection of resources: a child size kitchen to learn cooking, a small swimming pool for water play, an indoor gym, and a science room with microscopes and other equipment.
Teachers at WuNan Kindergarten use the SAW Teaching Model — Science, Art, Writing. The children make a science picture, then make an art picture based on the science, then they write something about the science.
It was amazing experience to watch NeuroNet in action at the DePan Education Center and the 21st Century School in Beijing. And it was an amazing honor to share the science behind NeuroNet with parents, teachers, and administrators at the WuNan Kindergarten and the Kiddie Winkie Montessori School in Shanghai. We are grateful for our friends and staff who made this trip possible!
Want to learn more about NeuroNet for your PreK to Grade 2 classroom? Click here to request an online demo today!
Curiosity is key to early childhood success in math and reading
Curious children are better able to grasp basic math and reading, according to a new study investigating a possible link between curiosity and early academic success among young children. Continue reading “Curiosity is key to early childhood success in math and reading”
Class clowns: Playful boys viewed more negatively than playful girls, study finds
Study confirms gender differences in how teachers perceive playfulness — and provides insights into the potentially damaging effects of discouraging playful behavior in the classroom. Continue reading “Class clowns: Playful boys viewed more negatively than playful girls, study finds”
Two behaviors linked to high school dropout rates
While the national high school dropout rate has declined, many school systems still struggle with a high number of students who do not finish high school. Continue reading “Two behaviors linked to high school dropout rates”
Lessons in nature boost classroom engagement afterward, researchers report
Third-graders who spend a class session in a natural outdoor setting are more engaged and less distracted in their regular classroom afterward than when they remain indoors, scientists found in a new study.
Continue reading “Lessons in nature boost classroom engagement afterward, researchers report”
School year ‘relative age’ causing bias in ADHD diagnosis
Younger primary school children are more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than their older peers within the same school year, new research has shown.
Continue reading “School year ‘relative age’ causing bias in ADHD diagnosis”
Study Finds Attending a Middle vs. a K-8 School Matters for Student Outcomes
Students who attend a middle school compared to a K-8 school are likely to have a lower perception of their reading skills, finds a new NYU Steinhardt study.
Continue reading “Study Finds Attending a Middle vs. a K-8 School Matters for Student Outcomes”
Kids praised for being smart are more likely to cheat
An international team of researchers reports that when children are praised for being smart not only are they quicker to give up in the face of obstacles they are also more likely to be dishonest and cheat. Kids as young as age 3 appear to behave differently when told “You are so smart” vs “You did very well this time.”
Continue reading “Kids praised for being smart are more likely to cheat”
Inattentive kids show worse grades in later life
Researchers studied children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and found that inattentiveness was linked to worse academic performance up to 10 years later, regardless of ADHD, even when they accounted for the children’s intellectual ability.
Continue reading “Inattentive kids show worse grades in later life”
