I haven’t been able to contact a professional. However, this week I gain plenty of information through the Harvard website and podcast. First, I have always looked at having a strong educational foundation as very vital, at the top of the list. My reasoning for having a strong foundation was mainly for educational growth. It’s important to realize that health is important as well for children. A strong foundation increases the risk of learning and health. Secondly, children should not be experiencing stress. Normal stress is good for children and teaches them how to cope with life and helps them develop. Although, stress can harm a child’s body, raise stress hormones, kill brain cells, and increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Lastly, I was pleased with the analogy that the brain is similar to plastic; it can be molded and shaped. Indeed as the brain becomes older it is less like plastic and harder to change. I see this all the time working with older children, it seems harder for older children to process information at times. One thing that stood out most to me is that it is never too late for a child to learn. A child who starts learning at a younger age is more likely to reach their maximum potential versus a child who starts later in life.
These are issues that children experience all the time such as not having a solid foundation and experiencing high levels of stress. It’s important as educators that we realize the issues and find ways that demonstrates solutions in the classroom.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that people are aware of toxic stress in children today like you mentioned. I think a lot of young children are shuffled around from sports practice, piano lessons and then back home for homework. That is a lot of stress for a five year old. I can only imagine life long effects on the body and brain of a child. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the impact stress can have on a child's life. It is scary to think of what can happen to them if they stress themselves out. I also see the importance of catching learning difficulties early since it is so hard to change a child's mind as they get older.
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Children experience stress in so many different ways. Oft times children from low income families are burdened with where they will get their next meal, which brings on stress. The brain is definitely one of the most miraculous parts of the human body. Just to think that we as educators have the power to aid children in building a strong educational foundation is tremendous.