Category: Uncategorized

Beware of electronic toys that market themselves as developing language for infants and toddlers. New evidence continues to prove that early learning for babies and toddlers is extremely social and cannot be replicated with the one way talking electronic toy. It’s the give and take between humans that fosters language development.   http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/01/11/462264537/the-trouble-with-talking-toys

Are you struggling to get back into a homework routine after a winter break? Check out these suggestions from  “Kids Health”. Our favorite tip helps your child create a plan to tackle larger assignments. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/homework.html

Baking can be a fun and exciting way to build your child’s language. Vocabulary, inquiry, labeling, inference, stating and answering questions can all be easily introduced. For specific ideas, check out this blog post: https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/cookie-themed-activities/

Did you know that children in low income communities hear 30 million words less than their high income peers by their 4th birthday? Children who hear more words have larger vocabularies, are better readers, and are more prepared for school. This gap is only attributed to parent’s knowledge. Dr. Suskind, Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago and Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant program, sought to develop a method to help parents harness the power of language to build their child’s brain to impact their future. The 30 Million Words Project was developed in response to this achievement gap. It focuses on a curriculum that includes direct parent training in the home, use of social media, helping parents

Vocal quality is part of the way we project who we are to the world; it offers information about age, gender, and emotional state. Each voice is as unique as a fingerprints. Yet, millions of people who communicate through alternative augmentative communication devices only have a few computerized voice options. However, speech scientist Dr. Rupal Patel has developed technology which revolutionizes the vocal quality of those who use AAC. She and her team at the Communication Analysis and Design Lab know that people with severe speech impairment still have distinct pitch, tone and volume when they laugh, cry, or vocalize intent. They are able to use this information, match specific characteristics to a voice donor, blend the two together and

Researchers at the University of North Florida discovered a way to improve working memory in children and adults.  Tracy and Ross Alloway co authored the study which found that dynamic activity like climbing a tree, walking on a narrow beam, navigating over, under and around objects and carrying awkwardly weighted objects increased working memory capacity by as much as 50%.  These type of activities required both proprioception and a route planning or locomotion component.  The researchers emphasized the importance of taking breaks in our day to do activities that “require us to consciously adapt our movements.”  For more information go to bit.ly/tree-cog

WIth fall coming and the weather getting cooler, here is a great idea for those stuck in the house days.  Kiwi crate is a subscription based company that offers creation kits for kids. The kits supply everything you need for the enclosed activity.  There are 3 age ranges to choose from 3 -4, 4- 8, and 9-16+ years.    Check it out here!  www.kiwicrate.com

It’s that time again!  Heading back to school can be an exciting time of year!  It can also be an anxious time for children and their parents.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind from the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx 

Chicago Kids is a website with a multitude of events and activities for kids.  From restaurants to museums, there is something for all ages and interests.  Check it out! http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727http://www.chicagokids.com/calendar/search/20150727

The Chicago Public Library has a great summer program with ideas and activities to encourage reading.  Check it out!