Structured block play: Can construction toys boost STEM achievement?
There are many ways to play with blocks. One approach — structured block play — may be especially helpful for promoting STEM achievement.
Learning
Evidence-based social skills activities for children and teens (with teaching tips)
25 social skills activities to help kids communicate, connect, empathize, read minds, cooperate, negotiate, and befriend.
Why kids need daylight to thrive and learn: The benefits of bright light
Why do kids need daylight? Bright light boosts mood and concentration. It may help prevent disease, and enhance our ability to learn.
The science of gestures: We learn faster when we talk with our hands
Gestures aren’t just hand-waving. Learn how hand movements can help babies, school children, and even adults learn.
Baby communication: Why your baby prefers infant-directed speech
Baby communication operates on many channels, including sight and touch. But infant-directed speech plays a special role in language learning.
Naps help babies learn and remember
Naps help babies learn and remember. In fact, babies may require timely naps to transfer new information and skills into long-term memory. Does this mean we should be forcing our babies to take lots of naps? No. But we should treat naps with respect…and realize that the last hour (or so) before sleep is prime time for learning.
Observational fear learning in children: How kids can “catch” a fright
Observational fear learning is what happens when we use social cues to identify something as threatening. Can kids learn in this way? Yes!
Preschool number activities: How to introduce preschoolers to numbers
Teaching kids to count is a good start, but it isn’t enough. Children also need to develop “number sense,” an intuitive feeling for the actual amount associated with a given number. Where does number sense come from, and what can we do to make sure kids really learn the concept of number? Check out these preschool number activities.
Cooperative board games for kids
Preschoolers prefer cooperative board games, and these games are well-suited to their developmental abilities. It appears they lack some of the psychological skills needed to make use of competitive tactics.
The social and cognitive benefits of play: Effects on the learning brain
What are the cognitive benefits of play? Read what scientific studies reveal about play and the developing brain.
The benefits of fantasy fiction and imaginative play
Are kids confused by fairy tales? Is reading fantasy fiction a waste of time? No. Studies suggest fantasy can boost creativity, learning, and self-regulation.
Educational games and toys for kids: Are they effective?
Parenting Science reviews the research. Which toys support the development of spatial intelligence? Can educational games teach math skills?