How Children Learn

Answers to Quiz Jean Piaget Little Scientists Sensorimotor Birth – 2 years Through their senses and their own actions 6 Pre-Operational 2 years – 7 years Children do not yet understand concrete logic and cannot mentally manipulate information Symbolic play and manipulating symbols Bright

Jean Piaget 1896-1980 The first to study children in a scientific way Focused on how children learned Cognitive development theory consists of 4 stages (see handout) Children should be given learning tasks suitable to their learning stage

Bell Work 11-30-16 write the following Most researchers – agree that the brain plays a major part in directing behavior & determining intelligence. Recent studies – scientists found that connections form pathways – these pathways controlled particular actions and thinking tasks Neuroscience – the modern study of the brain Shown that a child’s experience can help determine the physical structure of the brain (intelligence) Kids need Stimulating environments Bright colors and fun activities

Bell Work 11-30-16 write the following Most researchers – agree that the brain plays a major part in directing behavior & determining intelligence. Recent studies – scientists found that connections form pathways – these pathways controlled particular actions and thinking tasks Neuroscience – the modern study of the brain Shown that a child’s experience can help determine the physical structure of the brain (intelligence) Kids need Stimulating environments Bright colors and fun activities

Intelligence The ability to interpret or understand everyday situations and to use the experience when faced with new situations or problems

Methods of Learning Incidental Learning-unplanned learning Cause and effect situations Push both feet against the bottom of the crib and body moves forward Trial and Error-tries several solutions before finding one that works What happens when I touch the cat? Pull it’s tail

Methods of Learning Imitation-learning by watching and copying others Manners Cooking Directed Learning-Being taught Learning to Read

Concepts General categories of objects and information Dog-every animal is a dog Pronouns “Mamma” & “she” Time- know soon & later helps w/patience; still do not know minutes or hours Learn to categorize by shape, color, and size Know ball is round, grape is round 18 months know “big” and “little” not till 3 when can distinguish size difference small , medium, large;

CONCEPTS 2yr olds more patience= know concept of soon, later

Bell Work 12-1-16 Concepts are general categories. Before a child can tell the different between a horse and a zebra – they have to understand attributes - a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something: Children have to understand that a physical attribute of a zebra – black & white stripes. Complete Toddler Concept Learning in Action Worksheet Can be found on the cubbies

Intellectual Activity Areas Broken down into seven areas Develop throughout life, but in toddlerhood = remarkable What did the announcements say this morning?

Intellectual Activity Attention Taking notes, people walking in the hallway, being able to concentrate All five senses – constantly working To function – must be able to focus on task @ hand & block out other sensory info Hard for young children You as the adult in the situation = Patience One year old has a shorter attention span than a three year old Memory Being afraid of dogs, and all animals for a long period of time By 3 can remember simple directions Without memory, there would be no learning

Intellectual Activity Attention Memory Perception Reasoning Imagination Creativity Curiosity

Intellectual Activity Perception Information received through the senses; everywhere is a field trip! The information reinforces established connections in the brain & forms new ones 2-3 start asking “Why” Answer them – improves perception Do not answer them – child lost a learning moment Encourage perception by talking to young children Reasoning Solve problems and make decisions 1-2 more physical; by 3 using mental more than physical Need choices to have opportunity to do this well

Intellectual Activity Imagination Apparent by 2 Try new things and become a different person Connect what they see and hear with themselves See an airplane and wonder if they will fly Active imagination – improves learning – allows the child to try new things Allows to child to act out a variety of roles Cope with anxiety & frightening new concepts Important – to respect a child’s imagination & respond carefully Remember, until about age 5, it is hard for children to know where reality ends and imagination begins

Intellectual Activity Creativity The mental ability that involves using imagination to produce something Projects, art, dramatic play Allow children free time or unstructured play Curiosity Curious about the world around them Wonder why, or try new things If you are talking on a phone a toddler may take it away They are still very self-centered – they want to know (curious) who is taking your attention since it is not them Allow this in a controlled environment (safe)

Bell Work 12-2-16 On sheet – write game Turn in bell work sheet into the tray With a partner discuss how you can use a snack such as gummy smiles to enhance intellectual development.

You are to work in a group of 3, or with a partner or individually to…… Create a game to enhance at least one of the seven intellectual activity areas. You are to market this game to parents/caregivers. You must include: The name of the game Description of the game How the game will enhance the area Why kids will like it (remember it has to both appealing to parents and to kids) A drawing of the game itself, if that is possible Also, there are two worksheets on the cubbies that are due by Monday!

Test!!!!!

Child Development Services Identify five different child development programs. Which one would you like to work at? Explain. Identify the different assessment tools? How do you know which assessment tool to use?

What you have to have done by the end of class You have to have a shopping list for me of the supplies that you need for your art project You have to have want center you want to go to – if I get nothing from you – I will select the center You are to go to Ms. Rhodes Lab and work on lesson plan Next week – we are working on art projects. (painting, chalk, etc.) think about bringing an old shirt for this period.

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS Encourage child’s curiosity. Welcome child’s questions. Praise child’s efforts to learn new skills.

Choosing Books Are the pictures colorful, interesting, and easy to understand? Will the story appeal to the child’s interest Does the story include action that will hold the child’s interest? Will the child understand most of the words? Does the book use descriptive language that brings the story alive? Is the story short enough to read in one sitting?

Choosing Books Age Appropriate 1 Year Olds 2 Year Olds 3 Year Olds Short, simple books Picture books with objects they can name Rhyming books 2 Year Olds Simple Stories 3 Year Olds Longer stories, with more of a plot Realistic stories that help use their imagination

Become a Master Storyteller Create excitement and interest by: Varying the tone of your voice Give each character a different voice Use gesture and facial expressions Take time to learn the book beforehand so you can keep the pictures facing the children

Encourage Participation Turn the pages Relate back to their life Ask questions Let the child be a character Point out words or familiar objects Draw pictures to go along with story

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