A few posts back, we discussed the benefits of being bilingual from an early age. In this TED Talk by Megan Alubicki Flick, she further explores how multilingualism can transform people, specifically through education. Yes, the majority of schools require students to take a language, but these courses rarely dig deep enough for true language acquisition to develop. But why is it so important to learn a language in school?  

Megan Flick encourages educators to view multilingualism as a valuable tool and asset. Schools can make use of the different languages their students speak, creating a space where all languages are valued and used to improve learning. Bilingual education models, where students are encouraged to strengthen both their native and additional languages, are proven to boost academic success, improve cultural awareness, and prepare students to thrive in a globalized world. 

Bilingual and multilingualism individuals tend to have stronger cognitive skills, such as improved memory, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities. From a cultural perspective, multilingualism serves as a bridge between communities and cultures that foster inclusive environments.  

Interested in reading more? Click the link here to watch the full TED Talk! 

 

Rachel Silverman    

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Temper tantrums are an almost universal experience for parents of young children. They’re dramatic, loud, and often emotionally draining. That being said, they’re also a normal part of early childhood development. Many parents may ask, why do temper tantrums happen? The simple answer is that young children are challenged by emotions they are not yet equipped to handle. As they encounter new emotions, they struggle to communicate them properly, leading to a temper tantrum. 

This article focuses on normalizing these outbursts and reassuring parents that they should not be overly concerned. Yes, if these issues persist past a certain age, they can indicate an underlying issue, but that is not always the case. From a psychological standpoint, tantrums are a child’s emotional release. Some techniques have been proposed to help parents manage these temper tantrums. Examples include staying calm, creating structure through routines, and redirecting energy by offering distractions. It’s important for parents to remember that tantrums are a phase, not a permanent behavior pattern. 

Interested in reading more? Click the link here to read the full article! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Bilingualism in early childhood is more than just learning two languages- it sets a child up for success. Some parents worry that learning two languages might confuse kids or delay their speech, but science proves otherwise. Research shows that while learning two languages simultaneously may delay certain linguistic milestones, this is temporary and does not indicate a deficit. 

Bilingualism in general offers many cognitive advantages, such as enhanced executive function, better problem-solving skills, and improved ability to switch between tasks. When these skills are developed at an early age, the more proficient they become. These cognitive benefits extend beyond language, helping them excel in other areas of life. The research shows that the key to success is providing children with consistent exposure to both languages. This can be done through Conversations, storytelling, and playtime in both languages. 

 

Interested in reading more? Click here! 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Our strongest and most impactful bond is the sibling bond. In his TED Talk, Jeffrey Kluger explores the lasting influence of sibling relationships. Siblings are our first companions, growing up alongside us in a shared home and through shared experiences. Each relationship is unique: some siblings take on the role of best friends, others are rivals, and many have a mix of both feelings. No matter the dynamic, the bond is undeniable. 

According to Kluger, older siblings may act as role models or protectors, while younger siblings often push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Conflicts among siblings and within families are common, but the ways we learn to resolve these conflicts shape how we tackle challenges in life. The growth and forgiveness cultivated through sibling bonds can profoundly prepare us for success in the future. 

 

Interested in learning more? Click here to watch the TED Talk! 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Generally, parents enroll their children in organized sports to help them make friends, get active, or simply have fun. However, what some parents might not initially consider is the impact that sports games can have on children’s motor skills, such as balance, coordination, and control! After analyzing multiple studies, researchers Shengchuan Sun and Changzhou Chen found that structured sports significantly improved these skills in children compared to unstructured activities. 

What factors influence this improvement in motor skills? The researchers found that both the intensity and consistency of structured programs, especially when combined with high-energy sessions, were effective. The hope is that organized sports will continue to be incorporated into children’s daily routines as a fun way to build those essential motor skills they’ll need later in life. 

Interested in learning more? Click here to read the full article! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

What builds a connection between people that fosters an environment where learning can prosper? In her TED Talk, Rita Pierson says that the key to building a connection between educators and students is belief. Genuine connections are what makes learning meaningful. She claims that no significant learning can occur without significant relationships.  

Pierson reminds educators that the most effective teaching happens when students know someone genuinely cares and is there to support them. She compares teachers to champions, and she insists that what every kid needs are a champion to be there for them. Pierson discusses how impactful it was to hear about her mother’s teaching techniques by being students’ biggest supporter, and how it made a true difference in those kids’ lives. 

 

Interested in learning more? Click this link here! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Occupational therapy is a very powerful tool that can and should be utilized to help children grow and develop. In the article “Role of Occupational Therapy in Pediatric Primary Care: Promoting Childhood Development” by Bonnie Riley and Stephanie de Sam Lazaro, occupational therapy is highlighted as a key support in early childhood development. The authors discussed multiple examples of how influential OT can be.  

By incorporating OT early on, developmental screenings can be done to detect potential challenges in the future. An advantage that OT provides is that practioners are able to adapt to each family cultural and personal needs to ensure meaningful support. Overall, the article discusses advocacy to integrate OT into primary care so that there is easier access to families. 

Interested in learning more? Click here! 

 

Rachel Silverman, UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Imaginary friends are often seen as a fun and innocent aspect of childhood. However, for only children, these imaginary companions can serve a much deeper role than just a playmate. Being an only child presents certain social and emotional challenges, with loneliness often at the top of the list. That’s where imaginary friends come into play! 

A recent study revealed that imaginary companions provide important emotional, social, and cognitive support for only children. Researchers interviewed several only children, concluding that these playful fantasies offer an emotional outlet and a safe space for self-expression. Imaginary companions are critical to their emotional well-being and play a key role in developing their social skills. 

Interested in learning more? Click here!! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Think back to your educational history. Many people can relate to the feeling of being taught a lesson in school, attempt to memorize it, and then move onto the next topic without ever looking back. The key word in that sentence was memorize.  

In his TED Talk “Let’s Teach for Mastery—Not Test Scores,” Sal Khan talks about how memorization should be replaced with mastery. Schools and parents hyper-fixate on test scores with a one-size-fits-all approach. Khan proposes a mastery-based model where students do not progress until they have fully grasped the material. He puts a major emphasis on personalized learning to help students unlock their truest academic and personal potential. Sal Khan is the founder of Khan Academy which is a tool that students and teachers can use to learn through repetitive practice opposed to strict memory. Khan argues that a grade, such as a “B” or a “C” does not reflect on a person’s potential, just reveals they have not yet mastered that material, and they should not be shamed for it. 

Interested in watching this TED Talk? Click here!! 

  

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant

A typical bedtime routine for a child may look like brushing their teeth, putting on pajamas and then going to bed. What researchers found was that incorporating a language-based activity into a child’s bedtime routine can significantly improve their sleep and cognitive growth. This can take the form of reading, storytelling, or even singing.  

The study that this article focuses on revealed that children who regularly experienced these language-based activities slept longer and scored higher on verbal tests by the age of 5. It was also shown to have links to lower levels of anxiety and aggression. Something as simple as reading a bedtime story at bed proved to have a profound impact on children’s development. 

Interested in reading more? Click here! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant