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]]>They understood what was being said and were capable of speech, but were merely reluctant to respond.
“Our findings suggest that inhibited behaviors like shyness don’t hamper language acquisition overall but instead relate specifically to how toddlers express themselves through words,” the researchers say.
For their study, published in Child Development, researchers asked parents of 816 children to file reports on their children’s language progress at home, at 14, 20 and 24 months.
Scientists also evaluated the children at home and during lab visits, by asking them questions and gauging their comprehension and speech skills.
The findings showed that girls showed higher levels of shyness and language skills compared to boys.
To encourage shy children, researchers suggest trying to develop self-confidence, social skills and independence. One easy way is to arrange for playdates with other toddlers.
Better yet, enrolling tots in preschool has been shown to be a highly effective way of speeding up their language skills, particularly when they’re learning with older, more developed kids.
Another study out of Ohio State University found that preschool children with poor language skills showed marked improvement when they were placed in classrooms with higher-achieving classmates.
(Relaxnews)
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]]>The early years of a child’s life are critical for future learning. Do you know that the latest Harvard research indicates that between birth and four years of age, brain development is at its optimum function?
Why then, are we not taking advantage of this period? Maybe the question is rather, how do we take advantage of this period?
“At BrainBoosters we capitalise on the first four years of a baby’s life. We call this period “the window of opportunity” – during this period, babies are able to absorb information, making all learning effortless, “says BrainBoosters Co-founder and Head of Product Development, Karina Strydom.
The BrainBoosters methodology is focused on introducing concepts such as colours, shapes and numbers to children from the time they are born. “Our methodology is based on introducing colours, shapes and numbers in isolation. Our parenting programme allows parents to interact with their children, while teaching these important concepts, “says Karina.
According to The Scientific American Mind, children who learn their colours, shapes and numbers earlier tend to do better at school. “Colours, shapes and numbers are all around us. These concepts form part of a vital foundation that is needed in order for future learning to take place, “says Karina.
What is so special about these concepts? Why are they important for kids to learn? According to research, colour is not in itself a mathematical concept, but is used in activities such as sorting, matching, grouping and classifying. The ability to recognise and discern the difference between shapes is necessary to see physical differences between objects.
“We teach children ten shapes with our method. Recognising the difference between a hexagon and a pentagon will help children to distinguish between a “b” and a “d” and a “6 “and a “9”,” says Karina.
This might seem really complicated to teach to a baby, but it really is a very simple process. “All our programmes are centred on play. We believe that learning is child’s play and have created products and activities that facilitate active engagement between parent and child, while important concepts are being learnt” says Karina.
For more information on Brain Boosters, visit: www.brainboosters.co.za
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