In amongst all the pain, disruption and uncertainty caused by COVID-19, there are some rays of sunshine! Here’s one: The Wiggles Sydney Opera House Concert. You can see it via the link in this newsletter and watch them perform their brand new single "Social Distancing".
Also this month: more on how to respond to the education impact of the virus, autistic scientists studying autism, a prescription video game for kids with ADHD, and Artificial Intelligence.
Devon Barnes Learning Brain News
Stopping and Slowing the ‘COVID Slide’
Parents & educators are naturally concerned how COVID-19 may be impacting their students’ academic progress. In 2 recent articles on the Science of Learning Blog, Dr Martha Burns discusses the “COVID SLIDE” and how to boost students’ learning through both conventional and remote instruction. Well worth a read!
Dr Burns frequently refers to How We Learn: Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine....For Now) featured below in Book of the Month.
Book of the Month
How we learn: Why brains learn better than any machine .... for now
Dr Stanislas Dehaene’s new book is an illuminating dive into the latest science on our brain's remarkable learning abilities. He describes how the brain’s ability to reprogram itself is a source of inspiration for recent developments in artificial intelligence.
Latest Research
Does ‘mummy brain’ last? Study shows motherhood does not diminish attention
Researchers scrutinise the long-held perception that new mothers are more forgetful and less attentive. Mothers, they found, have similar alerting and orienting attention, and better executive control attention compared to women without children.
What's New?
What happens when a brain cell dies?
It is a normal part of brain function for brain cells to die. The efficient removal of dead cells is crucial to the development and maintenance of health. For the first time researchers have captured images of how the brain disposes of these dead neurons.
What's On?
The Wiggles - Recorded at the Sydney Opera House
The concert included their brand new single "Social Distancing", which teaches kids how to wash their hands, keep safe from germs and remain connected digitally when they can't meet face to face with their loved ones. This very special performance is available free on demand through the Opera House website.
Webinar: Strategies for stronger attention stamina
Thursday 16 July 10.30pm – 11.30pm (AEST)
"Help! My learner has trouble paying attention!”
Having a solid attention span and focus is necessary for staying on task, successful learning, deep thinking and problem-solving. Attend this free webinar to gain the latest insights on why paying attention is so hard for the brain and learn strategies to help your learner develop stronger attention and focus.
Autism
Autistic scientists redefining autism research
Monique Botha, associate lecturer in psychology at the University of Surrey, studies the effects of stigma and discrimination on autistic people. She is part of a growing community of autistic scientists studying autism. This is a big change from only a few years ago when few researchers were open about being autistic, and even fewer made efforts to recruit autistic scientists.
Memory
Early-life education improves memory in old age - Especially for women
The results of this new study suggest that children, especially girls, who attend school for longer will have better memory abilities in old age. This may have implications for memory loss in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
ADHD
The first prescription video game for kids with ADHD
EndeavorRX is the first video game that can legally be marketed and prescribed as medicine in the USA. The game underwent seven years of clinical trials with over 600 children and was recently approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration. Doctors can now prescribe the iPhone and iPad game for kids between ages eight and 12 years old with ADHD.
Learning Success Blog
10 ways to develop your child's brain for reading success
Many children struggle with reading, but there are ways parents can help prevent reading difficulties.
Dr. Paula Tallal, a world-recognised authority on language-learning disabilities and a founder of the Centre for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience at Rutgers University published a 10 point list so parents can help their school-age children develop and fine-tune essential reading skills at home.
Careers Guidance for Secondary Students
Helping Your Kids Make Education Choices to Maximise Career Chances
Helping children prepare for their careers no longer just refers to helping them succeed in their science lessons or maths homework. Rather, it now includes helping your child maximise their chances in their chosen career from the very start.
Free Download
LearnFast's Where in the World?
LearnFast has just released its latest free download - A geography resource for students, teachers and parents to help them learn the countries in our world.
You can use LearnFast’s Where in the World? to learn and test geographic knowledge and encourage students to explore interesting facts about the world we live in.
Supportive Technology
Ten Ways to Use Google Earth in Your Classroom
While Google Earth is a fantastic tool for social studies lessons, it can also be used in science, maths, and language arts. Here are ten ways for students to use Google Earth in your classroom.
Great books for kids aged 8-12 to read
4 of Australia's favourite kids' book authors share their recommendations.
Why ages 2-7 matter so much for brain development
Rich experiences fundamentally shape a young child’s development.
9 TED talks every college grad needs to hear
9 of the best TED Talks for those fresh out of college and ready to hit the ground running.
Solutions to Learning Challenges
Making school easier
Developing the “reading brain” with Fast ForWord makes it easier, especially for those struggling.
Reading aloud coach
Practice reading with a virtual coach who listens to every word and gives corrective feedback.
Your learning business
Get better student outcomes and business satisfaction by becoming a LearnFast Provider.
English language learners
Build English Fast. Better reading, writing & speaking.
Maths struggles
Improve maths skills in 10 minutes a day with the Make Learning Maths Easier ebook.
Reading Accelerator
Empower children to build self-confidence with reading.