Complexities and Predictability

Have you ever wondered why a child will ask you to read the same book over and over or perhaps never tires of rolling the ball back and forth? A newly published study may shed some light on this learning technique of young children. Nicknamed the “Goldilocks effect”, the study examines the attention span of infants in relation to the complexity of the world around them. The results showed that infants focus only on situations that are neither too difficult nor too easy.

“The study suggests that babies are not only attracted by what is happening, but they are able to predict what happens next based on what they have already observed,” says Kidd, lead author on the report. “They are not passive sponges. They are active information seekers looking for the best information they can find.” Children who are engaged in a sensory rich learning experience are best equipped to receive and retain new information. The repetition of a fun activity likely yields new information each time for your child and provides an opportunity for them to test their predictions based on their latest observations.  ”Parents don’t need to buy fancy toys to help their children learn. They make the best use of their environment. They are going to look around for what fits their attention level. Kids learn best from social interaction,” reminds Kidd.

from Minds on Music

Music in your routine

Photo It can be very simple to surround your child with music – the greater the variety, the better! Singing simple songs together can get the morning off to a great start. Child-safe instruments and some recorded music can provide happy times of self-entertainment or together time. Quiet, soothing music before naps and bedtime establishes a wonderfully reassuring sleep time routine. A dance around the kitchen can soothe the supper-time “fussies.” A cuddle and a lullaby at the end of the day adds the sweetest and happiest of memorable moments. -Theresa Case

Again, again!

Photo "Have you ever wondered why a child will ask you to read the same book over and over or perhaps never tires of rolling the ball back and forth? A newly published study may shed some light on this learning technique of young children. Nicknamed the “Goldilocks effect”, the study examines the attention span of infants in relation to the complexity of the world around them. The results showed that infants focus only on situations that are neither too difficult nor too easy. 'The study suggests that babies are not only attracted by what is happening, but they are able to predict what happens next based on what they have already observed,' says Kidd, lead author on the report. 'They are not passive sponges. They are active information seekers looking for the best information they can find.' Children who are engaged in a sensory rich learning experience are best equipped to receive and retain new information. The repetition of a fun activity likely yields new information each time for your child and provides an opportunity for them to test their predictions based on their latest observations. 'Parents don’t need to buy fancy toys to help their children learn. They make the best use of their environment. They are going to look around for what fits their attention level. Kids learn best from social interaction,' reminds Kidd. -Source and study link

Organize and conquer

"The brain’s job from birth to 7 is to organize itself. And that music is the only activity that simultaneously stimulates every area of the brain, thus helping the brain to organize all the sensory information it’s taking in.... Music is full of structure and patterns and logic, which is exactly what your brain needs to help organize all that information.... [Albert Einstein's] mother was told by his school that he was stupid, and that she should withdraw him. Instead, his mother bought him a violin, and we know him as one of the smartest men in history. To what does Einstein credit that? Yup. The violin. (His momma should get some of that credit, too.) He said that he worked out problems that he was stuck on by playing his violin. He loved the music of Mozart and Bach the most.... "Classical and Baroque music in its composition is very structured and organized. One of the rules is that you don’t repeat a theme over and over again. Instead, you have a theme, and then variations on that theme. Dr. Michael Ballam of Utah State University says, “The human mind shuts down after three or four repetitions of a rhythm, or a melody, or a harmonic progression."... Now, no promises that your house will magically declutter itself if you put some Bach or Haydn on. But if you [and your child] need to start thinking clearly, give it a try." -Miss Analiisa

Routines

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Transitions are often hard for toddlers and young preschoolers. Routines help them predict and prepare for what’s coming next. Whether it's bedtime or coming to Kindermusik, children need to know what's coming. Knowing what to expect gives children the confidence and security they need to understand the world. Our Hello and Goodbye songs help the children transition.

Try singing a special song when it's time for a diaper change, another when the child wakes up, and another very relaxing one at bedtime. Keeping the bedtime routine the same as much as possible every night can help immensely in ensuring cooperation!

Wishy Washy Weeee! COORDINATION

Playing instruments, such as sandblocks or zig zag blocks with a back and forth alternating movement, like the movements of "Wishy Washy Weeeee!" gives the child an opportunity to develop eye-hand coordination. The eye leads the hand movements, so that the internal knowledge becomes the basis for the movement. This connection of movement with sight is essential in writing, drawing, playing an instrument, learning a sport or dancing.

Wouldn't it be fun to do the hand-rubbing action of "Wishy Washy Wee" in the bathtub (and splash a little on "weeeee"!)? You could do it even when you see water elsewhere with your child by making the sign for water and then singing "Wishy Washy Wee". You can try singing it fast or slow, quiet or loud, high and low, or even echoing each other.

Again!

Repetition is an important part of learning, especially for children.

Young children learn primarily through the senses and whole body experiences. Growth and development are shaped by a child's impression of the world. Repetition of experience aids in solidifying what a child learns.

Doing things again and again reinforce a concept, helps a child fine tune skills and be able to feel comfortable with an experience.

If you get tired of repeating the same thing try adding a little twist to it - 

try a little scaffolding.