Libby Public School Series: Exercise your Brain

-

Our brain, the place where we receive signals from our body and where signals originate and get send. Our Brain is part of our central nervous system. The Brain can be divided into three areas of function;
  • Brain Stem  (Reptilian Brain): Automatic Functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Limbic System (Mammalian Brain): The emotional center; Fight - Flight - Freeze, Happy and Sad.
  • Cortex (Human Brain): Consciousness: Thoughts, higher thinking skills such as planning and organization. 
We have limited if any control over the brain stem, we can learn to be more in tune with our limbic system, and we can learn to use our cortex (especially the frontal lobe) more effectively. We can learn memorization, thinking, organizing and planning skills. Working our brain causes new neurons to sprout and existing pathways to become stronger. Watch the video with your child and try some of the activities below, I have added linkswhere you can find some of the puzzles. 

Benefits of Mental Exercise: 
  • Planning and Organization Skills: Tan-grams, Sudoku, Crosswords, Logic Puzzle
  • Visual Perceptual Skills: Mazes, Eye Spy, Spot the Difference
  • Fine Motor Skills: Mazes, word search, Sudoku, Cross word, Puzzles
  • Processing Speed: Especially if  playing with someone else Eye Spy, Spot the difference, Brain Teasers
  • Pattern Recognition: Tan-gram, Sudoku, Brain Teasers, Puzzles
  • Improved Memory: Cross word, Memory
  • Increased Focus and Attention: Puzzles, Tan grams. Brain Teasers, Spot the Difference, Mazes, Sudoku, Logic Puzzle Eye Spy ("Where is Waldo") Word Search, Picture Search, Crossword Puzzles, Memory. Scrabble
 Brain Exercise activities:
  • Puzzles
  • Tan grams
  • Brain Teasers
  • Spot the Difference
  • Mazes
  • Sudoku
  • Logic Puzzle
  • Eye Spy ("Where is Waldo")
  • Word Search
  • Picture Search 
  • Crossword Puzzles
  • Memory
  • Scrabble
Enjoy
Related Links
Tan gram

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Handwriting: In Between the Lines

-
Image
  When learning how to write we usually start kids with their name on blank paper. For writing instruction though we want to use the lines from the start. Start large and over time move to only two lines to writing in between  smaller lined paper. Any lined paper can be turned into three line writing space (Two solid lines with a dotted line in the middle) The lines are a reference for: Start and finish of the letters Size difference between upper and lower case letters Placement on the line Visual for feedback on correct letter formation and placemen Related Links https://tools.atozteacherstuff.com/printable-handwriting-practice-worksheet-maker/ https://www.studenthandouts.com/handwriting-worksheets/
Read more

Handwriting Series: Magic C

-
Image
  There are many ways to teach handwriting. Years ago I was introduced to Handwriting Without Tears. This program uses a variety of means to teach handwriting. I like the language  used including the Magic C. This refers to the letter C as a starting letter for several other letters. Below I will show you how to write the letters using the magic c.  How to practice: Practice for short periods of time 5-10 minutes Make sure your child is seated comfortably with his/her feet on the floor Use a proper pencil grip   https://www.elsorourke.com/2020/10/pencil-grip.html Follow the following steps Write the letter to write in the air Model the letter to practice Trace the letter to practice (3-5 x)using the hat -belt -boot lines  Copy the letter to practice (3-5 x) Write the letter from memory (3-5 x) To practice handwriting you can use a variety of tools to make the letters such as crayons, pencils, markers, water paint, finger paint, or shaving cream. Next time...
Read more

"My Child Can't Write"

-
Image
  image from www. mountvernon.org By the time teenagers enter high school most of their assignments are done in a digital format. Writing as an adult may be limited to writing grocery lists and phone numbers. Handwriting is  still an integral part of school especially at the elementary level, however in comparison to reading and math instruction writing gets little attention these days. The ability to write is a stepping stone for further academic success by having a means to transfer thoughts and ideas into a written format. Handwriting used to be a skill taught and practiced, handwriting was an art.  There are many reasons that cause a child to struggle with handwriting. Research suggest that 5-27% of children in school struggle with handwriting in some way .  Understanding Handwriting Difficulties   Causes: Behavioral Handwriting is a trigger which can be associated with anxiety, low self esteem, perfectionism, not knowing what to do, seeking control Neurolog...
Read more