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Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin The capuchin monkey, indigenous to Central and South America, is a rather distant relation of humankind. We are Old World primates — more closely related to chimpanzees, orangutans, and even baboons. Nevertheless, we have much to learn from capuchins. They are the largest-brained, smartest monkeys in the New World. And … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Colicky infants cry excessively and inconsolably. Why? There are many possible answers. Long ago, people assumed that colic was caused by abdominal pain. But the link was unproven, so many researchers have adopted definitions of colic that make no reference to causation. In fact, some have argued that colic isn’t … Continue reading
Someday, educational video games may revolutionize the way we teach our kids. Are there any good games available now?
Yes, manufacturers market “girl toys” and “boy toys”. But are children’s interest in gender-typical toys entirely a matter of cultural training?
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2009 – 2012 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Like probiotics, prebiotics are a popular new food additive. Should your family be consuming them? Experiments suggest that prebiotic supplements are safe. They are probably healthful, too. Here is an overview of the subject: What prebiotics are, where you can find … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2008 – 2012 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Can we design better preschool science activities? Activities that stimulate curiosity, teach science concepts, and avoid overwhelming or boring children with lessons that are developmentally inappropriate? In the article below, I review the advice of educational and cognitive psychologists about preschool … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2009-2012 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Teaching critical thinking? You might wonder if kids will work it out for themselves. After all, lots of smart people have managed to think logically without formal instruction in logic. Moreover, studies show that kids become better learners when they are forced to … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2008 – 2012 Gwen Dewar, all rights reserved What do babies know about numbers? Back in the 20th century, people assumed that infants lacked “number sense.” But today’s cognitive scientists have overturned the old ideas. Experimental research reveals a fascinating new world of baby cognition, one in which babies can … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2009-2012 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Some medical researchers recommend probiotics for kids with acute diarrhea and for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Floch et al 2008). They note that probiotics may be helpful for certain other ailments, too. But before you go to the pharmacy or market, it’s … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin© 2006-2011 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved “Social cognition” refers to the ways we perceive, think, and learn about people. Looking for information about how these abilities develop? In these pages, you’ll find articles about the social abilities of newborns, what babies know about social dominance, and the ways that … Continue reading
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedinThis preschool science experiment is designed for kids who have already had experience playing with mud — both mixing mud and drying out mud. For best results, try this experiment after your child has explored the properties of dirt and mud. Materials Multiple dirt samples (sand, topsoil, dirt-and-gravel, etc.) Dried leaves … Continue reading
Ideas for preschool science activities that encourage kids to use science tools, including a balance scale, tweezers, and sticky tape.