A first–of–its kind study has found possible solutions to reduce the impacts of pollution on child brain development. Simon Fraser University researchers collaborated with U.S. and Mongolian scientists to study the benefits of using in-home air filters to reduce exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and assessed the impact on children’s intelligence. According to the research, published Wednesday (June 22), children born to mothers who had used air cleaners had an average full-scale intelligence quotient that was 2.8 points higher than the group that did not use an air cleaner during pregnancy. Starting in 2014, the team recruited 540 pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in the study. Ulaanbaatar has some of the worst air quality in the world,...
Cognitive skills related to overall reading success can be nurtured by engaging in activities that develop social skills and positive self-regulation. (Shutterstock)With the end of the school year here, parents, caregivers and educators may find themselves reflecting on another turbulent year in education. For researchers of children’s literacy, year-end reflections may prompt discussions of the “summer slide” — children’s loss of knowledge over summer break, particularly in literacy and numeracy — and what can be done to mitigate this learning loss. Everyday activities that promote early literacy skills can be pursued in ways that don’t involve imposing rigorous summer academic work. Harnessing children’s interests and experiences and prioritizing their social and emotional needs are critical to learning and can nurture...
1916: the first quarter of the animated cartoon bowl is underway. Winsor McCay observes from the sideline after John Bray punched the ball from his hands and filed enough patents to dominate the field. Max and Dave Fleischer eagerly signed on with Bray. Paul Terry was there too, grudgingly, after Bray dropped a flag on the play when Terry tried to open his own franchise. Young Walter Lantz ran a camera for Hearst’s International Film Service, where Bill Nolan and Grim Natwick landed after a big player buyout that left Raoul Barré injured and nearly out of the competition. Barré’s relief, more of a respite, came in the form of a comic strip duo named Mutt and Jeff. Click To...
It's summer. It's hot. And I'm always looking for fun activities to keep my kids busy when they are staying inside out of the heat. One of my 4yo's favorite themes at this time of year is paletas. So for him, I created a few paleta-themed printables. I kept looking and discovered other ideas, too, with a popsicle theme, including toys, books, crafts, and more.This post contains affiliate links. Paleta (Popsicle) Printables Here are a few paleta-themed activity sheets that you may love! Paleta Activity Pack for PreK & Kindergarten Perfect for summer learning, this popsicle-themed activity pack is great for little learners. And for young Spanish learners, the paleta theme is win-win! There are 12 pages total with activities that focus...
Bible Version Discrepancies #5 - FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM (1 John Chapter 1) For most of my life I have been afraid of the "King James Version" of the Bible. I always thought that it would be like reading Shakespeare - well, it's not. Most of the time on my Sunday blog posts I referenced the N.I.V. (New International Version) but recently, when I need clarification, I refer to the K.J.V. (King James Version) and the N.K.J.V. (New King James Version). In making this small switch I discovered that there are many serious discrepancies between NIV & The King James versions. I also found out that the Bible "scholars" who compiled NIV were members of secret societies. Whether or not there...
