Re: What Science has to say about how children learn

From: Nina Sazer O'Donnell
Email: nina.sazerodonnell@gmail.com
Date: February 14, 2006

Comments

Hi Kelly:

This is an ongoing challenge for us all. I'd suggest you try sharing some of the tips from the Mind in the Making web site and check it so you can see when the TV shows will air - one of the reasons we're producing them is to address this very issue.

Another innovative solution I know of is something that was done at San Francisco's Exploratorium (their children's museum). They made an exhibit that was actually children at play (sand, water and other areas where kids could play) and then had research-based signage that explained what kids were learning.

Unfortunately, because many parents don't remember school or learning as play and are anxious about their children doing well, they worry that play won't prepare their children for what they need to do. We all have to keep explaining and sharing the research that will hopefully help to change this erroneous perception.

Another strategy might be to give parents a real learning experience at a parent meeting or event. You could teach them something in a way that integrates social, emotional and intellectual learning and then try to teach something only using worksheets or a non-integrated activity and then ask them how they learn best...

Hope this helps,

Nina