Welcome to the November 2016 edition of The Learning Brain.
It’s almost the end of the year. This one seems to have gone extra fast, but maybe that’s just because we have been so busy. But there’s no time to rest yet. There is a lot happening.
In this newsletter, you will be able to register for 2 webinars in November (Attention/ADHD and Executive Function), get new free resources, and check out 2 school holiday brain builder programs.
Plus, read about the Build English Fast neuroscience - based program that is helping English Language teachers around the world get better results, faster.
PS: If your school has students learning English as a second or other language, you might be able to take part in multi-country research project.
What's On?
2 Webinars in November
This month you can learn about Attention & ADHD and how
Executive Function impacts early learning.
|
Executive Function & Dr Rebecca Rowland Thursday 17th November |
What You Need to Know About Attention & ADHD Dr David Rabiner & Dr Ed Hamlin Friday 18th November |
| REGISTER HERE | REGISTER HERE |
School Holiday Programs
|
Brain Builder BootCamp |
School - Ready, Set, Go |
reading skills |
social skills |
| Learn More | Learn More |
What’s New?
Build English Fast: For English Language Learners in Australia & New Zealand
The Build English Fast program is being introduced to Australia and New Zealand, following its success in countries as diverse as USA, Turkey, China and Thailand.
Build English Fast speeds up English language acquisition for students learning English as a second or other language.
It fine tunes their brains to recognise the 44 phonemes of English, and adds intensive oral reading practice with immediate feedback.
LearnFast has been invited to participate in a multi-country research project focussing on Build English Fast. We are looking for 20 schools to take part. How does your school participate? More information.
Latest Research
Looking Into the Brains of Habitual Short Sleepers
Some people habitually sleep much less than the recommended amount, yet report feeling no ill effects. A new University of Utah study, finds that patterns of neural connections in the brains of so-called “habitual short sleepers” suggest that some of these people may be efficient sleepers, but may also be more tired than they realise.
Many kids not ready for kindergarten
Many children are still learning to control their behaviour as they enter kindergarten and may need educational support to develop that critical skill, indicates one of the most conclusive studies to date of early childhood self-regulation. Read more.
The Learning Capacity Blog
How Poverty & Disadvantage Impacts Learning for 730,000 Children
More than 730,000 children in Australia are living below the poverty line.
These disadvantaged children are at risk of having their learning compromised.
The Poverty in Australia 2016 Report, released last week, found the number of children living in poverty is increasing.
The report was written by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) in collaboration with the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales.
Find out how poverty and disadvantage can disrupt learning – see this infographic (courtesy of We Are Teachers and Scientific Learning Corporation).
Free Download
Maths Skills Booster – November Worksheets
Thanks again for sending through your Maths Skills Booster feedback. It is always great to see how students are benefiting from this simple tool. Here are a few of the comments we received last month:
My daughter's maths has greatly improved since using this tool- I've passed them on to my Maths team for students to take home and practise
- Great for reinforcing taught concepts
Ready for your new set of Maths Skills Booster Worksheets? You can download the November worksheets here.
Did you miss out on the original Maths Skills Booster? You can get it here.
Graphic Organisers to Help Kids With Writing
Graphic organisers are simple yet powerful tools that can help kids with dysgraphia, executive functioning and other issues that can cause trouble writing. Understood is sharing 5 downloadable graphic organisers commonly used for primary school but can help high school students as well.
Book of the Month
The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimise Brain Health and Performance at Any Age
The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness cuts through the clutter of misconceptions and conflicting media coverage to help readers discover what really works, and what doesn’t, to improve brain health and performance at any age, to delay or prevent cognitive decline, and become smarter consumers of both media coverage and scientific research in the process.
App of the Month
Social Adventures
Created by parents, Social Adventures offers an eight-week social skills awareness program that can double as individual lessons for practicing relationship behaviours and initiating interactions. Designed for children aged 3-13 years with autism spectrum disorders and social difficulties, this app offers valuable practice in thinking about social situations and how to behave in them.
School Ready, Set, Go
at school really positive.
Build early learning and
social skills.
Find out how
Brain Builder BootCamp
Did your child enjoy school this year or was it a struggle? Imagine if learning was easier for them.
Find out how
57 Free Learning Resources
Looking for help with Learning Difficulties: APD, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Executive Function, Dyscalculia, Working Memory?
Get free resources here.
See
BrainHQ
on
CNN
New research shows
video games can train
our brains to be
stronger, faster and
reduce the risk of
developing dementia.
4 Ways to Counteract the Effects of Stress on the Brain
Is there "good" stress
and "bad" stress?
Find out 4 ways to
counteract the effects
of stress on the brain.
Effortless Studying? Creating Lasting Memories
Imagine if playing a new video game or riding a rollercoaster could help you prepare for an exam or remember other critical information. A new study in mice shows this link may be possible.