We’re back to school. The first term in the new year has started and I know everyone has been busy getting off to the best start possible.
In this first issue of The Learning Brain for 2016 you can take a look at some free back-to-school downloads that you might find helpful.
Plus read how scientists now believe our capacity to remember is 10 times greater than previously understood.
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PS: There is a whole new set of the Maths Skills Booster worksheets for you as well.
Latest Research
Texting at nights effects teens’ sleep, academic performance
Does your teenager spend time texting their friends at night? A new study is the first of its kind to link night time instant messaging habits of teenagers to sleep health and school performance. Read more.
Brain Research on 2nd Language Learners May Help Predict Learning Success
A new study of brain connections in second language learners was published last month in the Journal of neuroscience.
It showed that specific brain connection patterns appear to be related to 2nd language learning ability. People with naturally stronger connections in those brain areas learnt the second language better than others whose connections were weaker. Read more.
What’s New?
New programs to prevent attention, hyperactivity and learning problems for disadvantaged children
Children disadvantaged by poverty and social deprivation can suffer brain development changes that lead to behavioural problems and lower school success, according to recent research.
Now, two programs implemented in the USA have been shown to prevent these problems and prepare children better for success at school. Read more.
The Learning Capacity Podcast
Frackman! Activist Dayne Pratzky’s Learning Journey into the Fight Against Coal Seam Gas
You might be wondering what coal seam gas has to do with learning, but for ordinary Australians, and now film maker Dayne Pratzky, the Frackman, it’s become a major issue.
Australia is currently experiencing a “gas rush”, and when the Queensland Gas Company arrived at Dayne Pratzky’s home to inform him that drilling for coal seam gas was about to commence on his property, a battle started that would see Dayne become a global activist fighting against a multi-billion dollar industry. Listen to his story & hear what he learnt.
Memory
Memory Capacity 10X Greater than Previously Thought
Research by neuroscientists at the Salk Institute in the USA suggests that our brains have 10 times more capacity to remember than previously thought.
“This is a real bombshell in the field of neuroscience,” said researcher, Professor Terry Sejnowski. Hidden under the apparent chaos and messiness of the brain is an underlying precision that was hidden from us, the Salk research revealed.
An interesting outcome from the research is that it could help computer scientists build ultra precise, but energy-efficient, computers capable of sophisticated learning and analysis, such as speech, object recognition and translation. Learn more.
Free Download
Maths Skills Booster – February Worksheets
Thanks again for sending through your Maths Skills Booster feedback, it is very encouraging. Here are a few recent comments:
- Helping me realise I’m doing well
- Very worthwhile and appreciated
- Teaching a variety of autistic students
- Reinforcement of concepts
Ready for your new set of Maths Skills Booster Worksheets? You can download the February worksheets here.
Did you miss out on the original Maths Skills Booster? You can get it here.
Printable Back-to-School Downloads
Going back to school and adjusting to new routines can be tricky for kids with learning and attention issues – and for you. But having the right tools can make the transition easier. Understood has designed these free back-to-school downloads to start the school year off right.
Book of the Month
The Teenage Brain
A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
Dr. Jensen, a neuroscientist, Harvard University professor and a mother, explains the recent explosion of adolescent brain research and how this research can help us better understand and help young people. This book also highlights opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of young people during the second decade of life. Read more.
App of the Month
Priority Matrix for iPad – Manage Effectively
Great for busy parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to find an easier way to juggle everything that you need to do, Priority Matrix is a task management tool that helps you get things done. It helps you make sense of what is urgent and what can wait. You can indicate due dates, start dates and repeat dates with push notifications and it seamlessly syncs between all your devices.
What’s On?
The National Future Schools Expo and Conference will be held this year at the Australian Technology Park, Sydney on March 2 to 4, 2016. Learn more.
Back to School for 2016
It’s that time again! Why not take a look at these 30 techniques to quiet noisy classrooms – from kindergarten to high school. Read more.
10 Tips for a successful transition to high school
Has your child just
started high school?
Here are 10 Tips for a
successful transition.
Strengthening brain pathways
Fast ForWord provider,
Nicola Glew tells her story.
Strengthening brain
pathways and increasing
learning capacity for
her students.
Help your child on the spectrum start school
A little preparation can go
a long way in easing
the transition to school
for your child on
the spectrum.
The amazing neuroscience of drummers
What does the brain of
a drummer look like?
When a drummer gets
into the beat, where
is the rhythm
flowing from?
School places for children with disabilities
What are your rights
if your child with a
disability is denied
a school place?
Why don’t all children develop resilience?
Science shows that
children who do well
despite hardship have
had at least one stable
relationship with a
supportive adult.
Read more.