Book Club: Let's Get Brainy
Post #3 on insights from "A Moving Child is a Learning Child" by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy.
So, a little background on the human brain in the diagram provided here. Basically, our brains start developing as babies from the bottom up. First we develop physiological capabilities such as breathing, digestion, and primitive reflexes. From there, we develop our physical senses, followed by our motor skills, followed by social/emotional understanding, and finally after we've got all that covered, our brains get to the point of abstract thinking, idea creation, and formal learning.
Of course, brain development is not something we'd want to cut corners on, right?! The fact is, the higher level of thinking we need in school and as adults to function in society, depends on the formation of our sensory awarness, physical cababilities, and emotional intelligence.
Needless to say, each of those depends on the other as well. One amazing things we sometimes see in the dance studio is cognitive delays manifested in a child's physical capabilities and vice versa. Practicing those motor skills and hitting the proper milestones in early childhood are crucial to children's skills down the road.
In Little Beats classes, we are working sensory and motor development through music and dance but in a way that also helps our children experience language and social stimulation fostering secure attachments with their caregivers. The stimulation of class gives our little dancers confidence to be curiuos, take risks, and continue aquiring new skills. Talk about efficiency!?
So what's the bottom line?
Keep in mind the progression track of a growing brain. Notice where your child is in his/her development and what skills or milestones seem to come easier than others. Be sure to provide various experiences (especially those things that your child might be more challenged by) to round out your child's learning.
