Genius depends on good genes and experiences. Stories have the ability to transport little ones virtual worlds. But, which stories are best ?
Every Mom wants a little Einstein in the house – because smart kids, have an advantage.
Unfortunately, genius does depend on good genes. But better brain chemistry can be fostered, through better body chemistry and experiences.
Real and “virtual”.
Stories transport little ones (and big ones) into virtual worlds.
But, which stories are best ?
It’s time for a story…..
Researchers from the University of Waterloo videotaped the interactions between Moms and tots, aged 18-25 months, during story time. On one occasion, the Mom read an “educational” story, on the other, she told a story, using a picture book as a guide.
The recordings revealed that a picture book story evoked more discourse…….
The Moms encouraged thinking, by asking questions, such as
“where do you think the squirrel is going to go?”
And supported reflection, by relating events in the story to the child’s life, with statements like
“we saw a squirrel this morning in the backyard.”
Stories are not created equal
Traditionally stories were told, not read.
But, as a modern parent, you have the option to choose from hundreds of off the shelf stories. Each book is carefully crafted and beautifully illustrated, it is designed to take the reader into a wonderland. It is easy to see these “stories” as more educational.
But these scripted books have a limitation……..
They are following a script. Scripted means the language is “fixed”. The words are pre-determined. Static, not fluid. Limited, not infinite.
And developing brains NEED MORE.
Toddlers don’t read
They follow the pictures, while they listen to the story. To all intents and purposes, the written word is superfluous.
It is the picture that paints a thousand words.
And experiencing words, jump starts brain connectivity.
Tell me more
So don’t be afraid to TELL STORIES to your little one.
PS. If you’re not sure where to start, use picture books or photo albums as your guide – the educational value is in the exposure to lots of words.
Further reading
Your baby needs a hands free kit to learn more
You’re doing everything you can, to help your little one learn. Everything ? You might be overlooking something very simple….. your baby’s posture.
Send your dog to school to keep up with your education
Yupee – it is holiday time. Finally a chance to put down those books and vegetate, BUT don’t switch off completely. Use the time to educate your dog.
In the big scheme of things the human brain is a meat eater
The human brain is the biggest of all, so human mothers should be breast feeding as long as chimp moms do, but we don’t, thanks to our carnivorous nature.
Being a Mom is a huge responsibility and knowing how to protect and optimize your family’s health is challenging. Get tips and strategies from the world of science and help your little ones have Better Body Chemistry so they grow up healthy and avoid the lifestyle diseases.
I have put together a series of TIPS to help Moms create Better Body Chemistry…