February 22, 2024

In this inspiring talk, the speaker, a historian, unveils a revolutionary solution to the challenges faced by parents in ensuring their children receive quality early education. They delve into the critical importance of early learning, touching on the groundbreaking Head Start program from over 50 years ago.

Highlighting the persisting gaps in access to early education, the speaker introduces UPSTART, a game-changing, technology-driven kindergarten-readiness program designed to be used right at home. With colorful, engaging content tailored to captivate young minds, UPSTART empowers parents to take charge of their child’s education.

The speaker shares heartwarming success stories and compelling data illustrating UPSTART’s remarkable impact, from significant learning gains to fostering vital social-emotional skills. They outline ambitious plans to expand UPSTART nationwide, rallying support from engaged parents to champion this transformative approach.

To watch the full video click here

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

Power of Play

February 21, 2024

Discover the captivating journey of childhood development through the lens of play in this article. Learn about one of the founding fathers of child psychology, Jean Piaget and his thrilling research when it comes to infants and toddlers.  From Jean Piaget’s groundbreaking observations to modern research unveiling the innate cognitive abilities of infants, delve into the fascinating world of children’s minds.

 Explore how play shapes cognition, from understanding object permanence to fostering counterfactual reasoning skills crucial for future planning. Unlock the secrets behind the seemingly aimless activities of childhood and uncover their profound impact on learning and development. Prepare to be inspired by the transformative power of play in shaping the minds of tomorrow.


To read more about these fainting topics, click here.

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

Trivia Tuesday- Object Permanence

February 20, 2024

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false: Object permanence is a milestone in childhood development in which children understand that an object exists even when it’s not visible

A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was…”True or false: There are multiple types of development milestones children go through- some sensory development, ex. A sense of smell, begins in utero” The answer is true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

What stuffed animals can do to promote reading

February 19, 2024

Can Weighted Stuffed Animals Help Kids Sleep? | Sleep.com

Most people have their one favorite stuffed animal from their childhood… some of us even still have them! Stuffed animals are known to bring people joy and are filled with fond memories from being a part of a play routine to even having it as a cuddle buddy! What does this do for child development?

In the article, The stuffed animal sleepover: enhancement of reading and the duration of the effect, dives into research examining the stuffed animal sleepover program. This program is designed to help children’s reading habits by having their stuffed animals move throughout a library at night. Library staff would take pictures of the children’s toys engaging in activities throughout the library to insight joy within the art of reading. The article investigates how effective this program is at promoting reading for young children and other benefits associated with it. By taking the strategies used in this program, you can do this at home with your little ones!

 

To read more, click here!

Mikayla Clemens

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

 

Todays Friday Feature is Jasleen Kaur!

February 17, 2024

Jasleen Kaur is a research assistant at UCONN Kids from Southington, Connecticut.  She is a sophomore Computer Science major at the University of Connecticut, with a minor in Engineering Management.  This is Jasleen’s first semester working as a research assistant with UConn KIDS, and is ecstatic to meet the UConn KIDS community and get involved.  

 

Jasleen cultivated her interest in working with kids through tutoring younger children, as well as babysitting. After graduation she plans on pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence, as well as pursuing higher education in Machine Learning.  

 

In her free time, Jasleen loves to read, travel, and spend time with family.  She loves to play board games, cook with her siblings, as well as some photography.  Occasionally she likes to indulge in some sweet treats especially at the UConn Dairy Bar.

 



The Era of Digital Parenting

February 15, 2024

In exploring the intersection of parenting and technology, the speaker goes into depth about the complex landscape of modern family life, where digital technologies symbolize both hope and fear. With the vast increase in the use of social media and other digital medias, Sonia Livingstone, a social psychologist observes the differences and new approaches to parenting in the 21st century.  

Drawing from interviews with diverse families, they highlight the importance of parents anchoring their decisions in their core values while actively engaging with their children in navigating the digital world. Families who approach technology with confidence prioritize shared decision-making, listening to their children’s perspectives, and finding ways to incorporate digital activities that align with their beliefs and interests. The speaker advocates for society to support parents by dispelling fear-based narratives, fostering digital literacy in education, and providing ample positive digital content.

Ultimately, the message underscores the need for a collaborative approach to parenting in the digital age, where understanding, empowerment, and shared experiences can guide families toward navigating the complexities of the digital future with resilience and creativity. Are you ready to shape your family’s digital future?

 

Watch the full TEDTalk here.

 

Jasleen Kaur, UCONN KIDS

Children and Risky Play

February 14, 2024

Although risky play can be a bit dangerous and be nerve wracking to watch, children not only love it but they seek it out. There are six categories of risky play, as defined in the article: great heights, rapid speeds, dangerous tools, dangerous elements, rough and tumble, and disappearing/getting lost. But the main question is: why do children desire to engage in such risky behavior?

From an evolutionary perspective, risky play is beneficial because one of the most significant functions is to regulate fear and anger. While engaging in risky behaviors, young children put themselves in positions of fear at manageable levels. This teaches them that they can manage their fear and overcome it. On top of this, children might experience anger but must overcome it in order to keep playing. 

Even though allowing your child to engage in risky play is worrying, it’s extremely beneficial and important that they do. Children are capable of knowing their own limits and not attempting something they don’t feel ready to do. All in all, the benefits of risky play far outweigh the potential risks.

To read more, click here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci
Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

Trivia Tuesday- Developmental Milestones

February 13, 2024

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false: There are multiple types of development milestones children go through. Some sensory development, ex. a sense of smell, begins in utero.

a. True
b. False

Last weeks question was “when infants are developing motor skills, they emerge in a sequence of head to their feet and inside-to-outside”. The answer is true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question! 

Unlocking Toddler Secrets: A Gateway to AI Advancement

February 12, 2024

Discover groundbreaking research at Indiana University that bridges the gap between toddlers’ remarkable learning abilities and the world of artificial intelligence! Imagine unlocking the secrets of how children effortlessly recognize objects and learn from their surroundings. Professors at IU are divingdeep into the minds of toddlers, capturing their interactions through head-mounted cameras to extract invaluable insights. This research isn’t just about understanding child development; it’s about revolutionizing AI. By applying these insights, AI systems can become more efficient, effective, and human-like in their understanding of the world. Get ready to dive into a world where cutting-edge science meets the future of technology!  To learn more click here

 

 

Jasleen Kaur, Research Assistant UCONN KIDS

Empowering Boldness in Young Children

February 9, 2024

Discover why your child’s “bad behavior” might actually be a positive sign of their emotional well-being and development. In this thought-provoking article, explore how modern parenting approaches differ from the past and why fostering a sense of safety and trust within the family can lead to confident, independent children. Learn about the drawbacks of authoritarian parenting styles and the benefits of embracing assertiveness and self-expression in children. Dive into the concept of authoritative parenting and its role in setting boundaries while maintaining warmth and respect. Gain insight into the cultural nuances of parenting and the challenges faced by parents of children from cultures around the world. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this article offers valuable perspectives on raising confident, empathetic children in today’s world.  To read more about this topic, click here.

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant