325 p. ; 23 cm, Includes bibliographical references (p. 287-325), Old brain, new world -- Supersized childhood -- The twenty year science project -- Not enough tortoise, too much hare -- The worst seat in the house -- Toying with children -- Wii little children -- Organized crime -- An inside job -- Old school -- Evolutionary baggage -- Thinking outside the sandbox

ia/yourbrainonchild0000prin.pdf

by Gabrielle Principe

Gabrielle F. Principe

Prometheus Books, Publishers

United States, United States of America

PS, 2011

obscured text

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book reviews the consequences of raising children in todays highly unnatural environments and suggests ways in which parents can learn to naturalize childhood again, so that a childs environment gels with how the brain was designed to grow. In a clearly presented, accessible narrative, the author marshals scientific evidence from a wide array of fields to explain why there is a disconnect between the brains evolutionary history and the technology-centered present. Research from both human and animal studies indicates that brain development is fostered by consistent opportunities for face-to-face communication and freewheeling pretend play.
The startling implication is that todays structured, controlled, and fabricated surroundings are exactly wrong for developing brains. Instead of emphasizing technology and organized activities, parents and teachers could better help children learn by encouraging exploration, experimentation, and exposure to the real world. Recess, now often dismissed as a waste of time, should be considered an essential part of childrens cognitive and social development; lessons should be individualized as much as possible; and the current focus on homework and letter grades should be de-emphasized and eventually eliminated altogether.
Fascinating and controversial, this well-researched discussion by an expert on child development will make parents and school systems rethink how we are raising our children.

In a clearly presented, accessible narrative, Principe marshals scientific evidence from a wide array of fields to explain why there is a disconnect between the brain's evolutionary history and the technology-centered present. Research from both human and animal studies indicates that brain development is fostered by consistent opportunities for face-to-face communication and freewheeling pretend play. - The startling implication is that today's structured, controlled, and fabricated surroundings are exactly wrong for developing brains. Instead of emphasizing technology and organized activities, parents and teachers could better help children learn by encouraging exploration, experimentation, and exposure to the real world. Recess, now often dismissed as a waste of time, should be considered an essential part of children's cognitive and social development; lessons should be individualized as much as possible; and the current focus on homework and letter grades should be de-emphasized and eventually eliminated altogether. - Fascinating and controversial, this well-researched discussion by an expert on child development will make parents and school systems rethink how we are raising our children

Old Brain, New World -- Supersized Childhood -- The Twenty Year Science Project -- The Hurry Syndrome -- The Worst Seat In The House -- Toying With Children -- Wii Little Children -- Organized Crime -- An Inside Job -- Old School -- Evolutionary Baggage -- Thinking Outside Of The Sandbox. Gabrielle Principe. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

Examines the adverse effects of the over-scheduling of activities for young children and of parents' reliance on technology-based childhood programs, stressing the need for unstructured time as an important way for children to develop cognitive and problem-solving skills

2023-06-28