New Methods in Great Parenting

For sure parents would like to give the best to our children and we would like them to maximize their full potential when they work their way around in this world. One of the best things that we can impart them is to give them the best education there is available. In regards to this, it is important to acknowledge that their mental development is crucial. And when there is an opportunity for them to reach their maximum mental potential, we will provide that to them.

Good news to all parents. Recent research shows that music affects brain development. There is a strong correlation that exists between musical training for children and certain other mental abilities. In past generations, singing and playing instruments was an integral part of family life. Music was a great way to express our feelings and entertain others in the process. Little did we know that this practice was exercising our brain causing us to be creative, more vibrant, smarter, and a lot more.

The emergence of advanced technology has allowed scientists to actually see brain activity via PET scans and MRI imaging scanning the blood flow in the brain. It is interesting to note that the human brain has four parts i.e. right/left brain and music makes all of the areas "light up". In addition, new neural pathways in our brains are created as a person is learning and playing an instrument. Laurel Trainor, director of the Institute for music and the Mind at McMaster University in West Hamilton, Ontario says that a year or two of music training leads to enhanced levels of memory and attention.

Therefore, introducing your kids to music is a great investment for their mental development. Antoine Shahin of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio found out that brain responses triggered by listening to musical sound increases with age and the greatest increase occur between the ages 10 to 13. And according to him, this most likely indicates a sensitive period for music and speech acquisition.

Early childhood music education is therefore highly recommended for your child's optimum growth. Music education offered in schools is one way of introducing music to your child. There are also alternative and more creative ways of teaching music concepts. One of which is Freddie the FrogR which is quickly becoming the mascot of music education for kids. Sharon Burch, music teacher and author of the series, teaches music to the readers as they enjoy the stories. Freddie and his friends through their adventures provide an accessible and entertaining form of music education for use at school and home.

Learn more about Freddie the FrogR here, www.freddiethefrog.com and www.freddiethefrogbooks.com.

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Great Parenting for Smarter Kids

There many suggestions and beliefs that one should do as a parent to ensure that his/her child will grow smart, or will be able to perform to his/her maximum potential. One of the most popular theories is engaging your child to music. Some even suggests that as early as pregnancy, having your baby listen to Mozart or any other classical music helps in the child's brain development.

To say that this is true and that parents should include this practice in rearing children may not be conclusive yet. But there is much research and articles working to support why music is intrinsic and important, and why it should be included in a child's education and developmental life. In fact, proving that we actually gain brain development and performance enhancement is not hard to do. I'm sure most of us, one way or another have had experiences in feeling more vibrant and relaxed when engaged in a musical activity whether it be listening to music or playing a musical instrument.

Some of us even use music to divert emotional outbursts and help us relieve stress from work and peer pressures. These simple things that we do we do not realize that music have done something to our brain where everything occurs. Nevertheless, if you're interest in academic research, here goes.

Research shows that music affects the brain. PET scans and MRI imaging scanning the blood flow in the brain have allowed scientists to monitor brain activity while an individual is listening to music or engaged in music training. Accordingly, our brains, wired with neural pathways "light up" when we are participating in an activity. Only certain region or parts of the brain "light up" in most activities but when an individual is engaged in learning and playing an instrument, all parts "light up" plus new neural pathways are created. Many literatures can be found describing the brain activity during musical training as well as those detailing the implications of music therapy and music education. The collective research and articles regarding this is called the Music and the Brain.

For our children to benefit from music, music education in the school is a great way to start. For those have no inclinations towards music, cultivating musical interest in them may prove to be a challenge. Thankfully, there are alternative and more creative resources to teach musical concepts to children.

Sharon Burch, a music teacher and author of the Freddie the FrogR book series, makes teaching music an enjoyable experience for kids. She teaches musical concepts through the exciting adventures of Freddie the Frog and his friends who live on Treble Clef Island. Using humor and pathos to hold the children's interest, Sharon Burch spun stories where each significant event or character began with the musical letter of the line or space on the treble clef. Aside from musical concepts, the adventures of Freddie the FrogR also present ideas and values to young minds helping them become better persons.

Learn more about Freddie the FrogR here, www.freddiethefrog.com and www.freddiethefrogbooks.com.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.