Imaging Study Shows How Children Memorize Facts

[Source:  Psych Central]

New brain-imaging research reveals how the brain reorganizes itself as children learn basic math facts.

"As children learn basic arithmetic, they go from solving problems by counting on their fingers to pulling facts from memory," researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine said. "The shift comes more easily for some kids than for others, but no one knows why," the researchers said.

Their new study shows that a precisely orchestrated group of brain changes, many involving the memory center known as the hippocampus, are critical to the transformation.

Gut Bacteria May Influence Cravings, Moods 

The bacteria found in our digestive tracts may be affecting both our cravings and moods, and may even push us toward obesity, according to a new analysis published in the journal BioEssays.

Based on a review of recent scientific literature, researchers from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Arizona State University, and University of New Mexico found that the microbes living in our digestive tracts cause us to crave the particular nutrients they need to grow on, rather than passively living off whatever nutrients we happen to consume.

Proprioception and Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy  

[Source:  Child Development and Neurology via Your Therapy Source]

Child Development and Neurology published research on 40 makes with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to examine tactile perception and manual dexterity, with or without visual feedback.

The participants were assessed for tactile perception using two-point discrimination and stereognosis tests, and manual dexterity using the Pick-Up test with the eyes either open or closed.

Physically Fit Kids Have More Compact Brain White Matter   

Editor's Note:  So, in light of this research, can we please bring recess back, yet?

[Source:  Psych Central]

A new study shows that nine and 10-year-old kids who are more aerobically fit have more fibrous and compact white-matter tracts in their brains than kids who are less fit.

According to researchers, white matter describes the bundles of axons that carry nerve signals from one region of the brain to another. More compact white matter is associated with faster and more efficient nerve activity, the researchers explain.

Schoolchildren Who Add Hand Sanitizer To Washing Still Get Sick  

[Source:  NPR.org]

Schools can be a great breeding ground for colds, stomach viruses, the flu and other bugs kids (and their parents) would rather not get.

Researchers wanted to know whether the transmission of those baddies could be reduced by telling elementary school children to use hand sanitizer in addition to the usual hand washing. But their study, conducted in 68 primary schools in New Zealand, found putting sanitizer in classrooms might not be worth the money and effort in higher-income countries, where soap and clean water are readily available.

Spontaneous Gestures Can Help Children Learn  

[Source: Medical News Today]

Spontaneous gesture can help children learn, whether they use a spoken language or sign language, according to a new report.

Previous research by Susan Goldin-Meadow, the Beardsley Ruml Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Psychology, has found that gesture helps children develop their language, learning and cognitive skills. As one of the nation's leading authorities on language learning and gesture, she has also studied how using gesture helps older children improve their mathematical skills.

PediaStaff Job of the Week: School-Based OT, DuPage County, IL  

Interview Question: Why Do You Want to Work for our District?  

Why do you want to work for our school district?

Here is a great question that definitely requires your advance preparation for each individual interview.   In general, you can answer most questions the same way throughout your job search.   Not so, this one, because every district is different.  Your ability to give a specific answer tailored to the particular district will show that you really ARE interested, and didn't just throw your a handful of your resumes at a wall to see what would stick. 

Resource of the Week:  Going to School Social Story  

Product Review:  All Aboard the Friend Ship

Free Printable: Word Family Houses  

Pinterest Pin of the Week:  A Scheme of Neuroreceptors  

As seen on Pinterest via "NeuroLove.me.    Was quite popular with School Psychologists so I thought I would share it here!