Seven Unexpected Ways to Increase Your Child’s Learning

When most people hear words such as “learning,” “smart,” or “memory,” they automatically think of the brain.  In school, we teach “to the head” only, asking students to sit in chairs for long periods of time, listening and looking almost exclusively at abstract symbols, even when they are very young.

Very few people think the rest of the body has anything to do with academic success. But surprising results from brain research indicate that learning cannot occur without cooperation between the body and the brain.

Emotions and Stress

Because of the way the brain is wired, emotional states run our lives.   Every activity in which your child engages is infused by his emotions.  Emotions are constantly changing, and are easily influenced.

Emotions such as joy encourage brain cell development by releasing chemicals such as dopamine. When children are happy and calm, they learn and remember more than when they are anxious, tense or irritated.  Your child’s brain releases dopamine in response to pleasurable circumstances such chocolate ice cream.  But even more importantly, the brain releases dopamine in response to security, recognition, and success. Read more