A Spark that makes kid glow!!

I was in play area with my other friends with our kids playing. Every kid and their personal interests and choices to play were different from each other. A few went to swing, a few went to slides, a few sat calm on the chairs or watching the other kids. When we were talking, most of the parents were talking about  academics, their school systems, classes, tuition and so on.

Education is important in kid's life, but there is more, when we think of upbringing them as an independent individuals? isn't it? Education helps them to get good job and other things in the society. Success doesn't end there. Success is, when the kid becomes a true independent individual, Start a life, family of his or her own,manage it and it goes on generations after generations. Its through my friend , I have come to understand, that there are many qualities and elements that we need to impart, instill in to our kids, to up-bring them in a positive way. That would always help them to go places, face any kind of situations successfully.

A very important element , a SPARK THAT MAKES THE KID GLOW AND MAKE a strong individual, is " Self Esteem ". 

Below is the video with detailed explanation about self esteem and the signs that kids show and tips for the parents to help kids gain self confidence.

Lets have a quick look of both self esteem stealers and self esteem builders that guide us and show us what to do and what not to do in building kid's self esteem.

SELF ESTEEM STEALERS
1) Focusing on weaknesses
2) Giving child everything that she/he wants
3) Being afraid of setting limits
4) Being frustrated and making discipline look hard
5) Power struggles
6) Rescue frequently
7) Avoiding lectures and repeated warnings without a consequence

SELF ESTEEM BUILDERS
1) Focusing on strengths
2) Having children work and earn their privileges
3) Set the limits and expect them to behave
4) Guide children to own and help them solve the problems they create
5) Avoid lectures and repeated warnings

My friend taught me the lesson of APPLY AND OK.  Both are important, just applying and not acknowledging or acknowledging without applying  wont bring a bit of change. Knowledge found or mere understanding is not sufficient, he taught me  to APPLY it and observe the events and accept the system and then say OK , that is acknowledging, without which the system wont  be functioning effectively. Thanks to him, for it is helping me to APPLY the things with my daughter and observe how it works , that I find and share here with our friends and ACCEPTING ( OK) is really helpful in bringing any changes or new practices at home. Let us help our kids to become strong individuals and let them come up in their lives with flying colors.

Bring a tremendous change in kid's life

This particular topic , it struck my mind when my friend shared a video, where the kid was saying out the positive affirmations aloud, watching herself in the mirror.  What an attitude. That moment, it occured that it wud be a wonderful idea to share it to our friends and try with our kids, to bring in a positive behaviour and attitude in them. With a wonderful experience through/ with my friend, that positive affirmations have brought in my life,  I felt the importance of it and was sure about the changes it can bring in the young minds. Thank you, my friend for making me understand the importance of positive affirmations.

Affirmations are positive statement or judgements. They give us self confidence, positive attitudes and the strength from within to solve the situations in a right way.  We , as adults, when it brings in a tremendous change in us, it wud bring a remarkable change and it can be incorporated in the kids life from the beginning in the early childhood when their vocabulary skills and understanding begins. Infact even to the kids of younger age , parents can read the affirmations aloud to the kids as they can hear and these things register in their minds. Positive affirmations help the kids to become successful  when they grow up and become emotionally strong.

It can be taught by teaching them in their simple language and most importantly to make them understand the feelings too, that helps to feel the statements during affirming.

A few tips to develop the positive affirmations:

1) Encouragement - We can be specific, genuine while encouraging and appreciating the kids. It shows them that we have seen their acts and they feel good about the approval.

2) Write the statements - For older kids, parents can suggest to write the statements that help in registering them strongly in their minds.

3)Talking with Kids - Talking with kids makes it easier for both parents and kids. Explain what they are doing, how they are feeling, that would help in the long run to make it a habit.

This is a nice story which shows different positive characters, portrays an array of affirmations in kids language and helps them to relate the characters and enact the same.

It is a beautiful story, wonderfully made for kids in a simplest yet very effective message conveyed. It can help parents to explain to the kids about the positive approach and about feeling good. 

Heres a video of kids affirmations month wise.

Affirmation in the form of a song. That can be fun for kids. My daughter started to love this song and started to sing .

These are a few ideas for kids affirmations and different ways. We can always help them overcome the fears, or any other negative emotions/ feelings through this type of positive affirmations and make them believe in their own selves.

You need a mind Doctor, not me

My niece is on short vacation to my home, we were having great time together and learning.I was giving tips to improve drawing and handwriting.

Today morning we had a brief chat I thought to take advantage of a young mind and take tips of memory from her, as she read lot of bookss and get good grades can also analyse her memory  too..

 Cute conversation with my 10 year old niece 

Source pic: karate kid

Dhoom Dhoom ( me she calls me like that) : I need a favor from you, can you help me out by telling how to improve my memory, as I am appearing in exams of my course?

Sri Manya ( niece) : you need to study daily 3-4 hours.!!!

Doom Doom : What else, am trying to do that but I forget easily.

Sri Manya : Tell me first, do you want to pass the exam  just like that or do u want  to remember things for ever?

Dhoom Dhoom : hmm may be for the exam. ( I was not expect this type of probing from, i was like meow meow in front of her..)

Sri Manya : look than you don't have to understand what you are reading , just read and memorize daily 2-3 hours. ( she didn't expected this answer from me she was surprised, why would some one pass exam just like that esp me, yet she handled my question with patience like a  good teacher)

Dhoom Dhoom : hmm..,( making a face)..am not able to memorize it..

Sri Manya : Then there is only one way left is to understand  it properly and read it you will certainly learn and never forget it...( Very seriously she advised)

Dhoom Dhoom : hmm , but na i keep on forgetting things i have huge course books , lots of formulae.

Sri Manya :  Look Dhoom, If you have large chapters, make it into bits and understand it first and than memorize . viz like my Evs ( environmental science), i have huge chapter i break it in short and learned ; then she gave me subject knowledge of micro organisms- they are 4 types, bacteria, virus,fungus and protozoa..(mm..mm.. and their shapes, good and bad organisms etc..look Dhoom there is no other way except to understand ...( hehe..)

Dhoom Dhoom : true true , but hmm what happens ( making face of excuse) is when read, i cant remember next day i  forget..!!!! ( i was thinking , could have got such a good counselor when i was in college , i would have been become brilliant student hehe)

Sri Manya : (from here; her face begin to change), kyaaa even short term also u CANT remember??? A little louder also..

Dhom Dhoom : ya ya..

Sri Manya : Then it is better you go and  RETURN your course books and ask them to return Money...
you are not fit..you cant do , leave it..

Dhoom Dhoom : @#$#!#$#$..!!!!! what....Numb for a while..after getting conscious again, If i wanted to leave it why would i ask you, its very easy to leave, am asking  for your help plz..plz...

Sri Manya : I think you are testing me..how can you forget so fast..ahaha..smiling cited some thing fishy in me, ( she asked the proof, than i showed the my CFP course material to her, after analyzing the material she believed)...

Dhoom Dhoom : No no am serious..i want to learn and  wanted to finish this course plz tell me..

Sri Manya : Look Dhoom "if you think you are really feel you can do it, than you can do it , you can easily memorize , i think , you just  for saying you wanted to do course, or else  how can one forget very next day?..!!!! ( now she started to probe me..fully)

Dhoom Dhoom : ya you are right, that's what i wanted learn from you..

Sri Manya : I think ", you need a mind Doctor, not me.." you should know to ask age appropriate questions..I only know this..

Dhoom Dhoom : @#@$%@#$#%@#$#$ whole mind swirling ..I was laughing out loud..

Source pic: karate kid

 I could not stop laughing.. Now i have no way either i should understand and pass or visit a Doc..!!! 

Kids are super teachers..!!!
Thank you manya..

Why and how to Improve our handwriting...

These days I am thrilled to read the articles posted by Archana , make me to write again in baby betaal ,surely she raised the bar and shown the conviction to learn  about parenting and the grooming of child brain, she deserves the appreciation.

While reading one her post, some thoughts came to mind , made me to write here about Handwriting. I was thinking is there any relevance of handwriting in these modern times? I wasn't sure ,children started using technology at very early age,Would the parents pay attention towards the child's handwriting? they would  learn handwriting  it is but obvious , would they pay attention to improve it? does we know that by improving writing we can change our thought process? is there any importance how to hold a pencil or pen? how much pressure should be used to write?. All such question we should know to teach ourselves and than to teach children the Right way to write. To get answers i started research here and found some interesting things.

The  Handwriting is basic thing by which we express our thoughts, it is Unique for each person, hence it is used for documents verified  it is like similar to that no two eye retina could be found, the thumb impression, each person has unique style of strokes.  Handwriting is historically considered the widest taught motor skill. It is also one of the first, and often the only motor skill that children will learn at elementary school. It takes years of practice and maturing before a person has mastered the adult handwriting skill. Handwriting is not considered only as a movement that leaves a visible trace of ink on paper (product) but it can also be considered as a movement (process). Understanding of the handwriting product will not be complete until the handwriting process is understood. Therefore, handwriting movement has been researched since measurement techniques became available .(source: Wikipedia).

To understand the importance of handwriting and in respective to the shaping a child's future,we should few topics  which are important to understand the mind of our own as well as the children, am sure this topic is relevant to our blog theme kids mind and nurturing.

1) Graphology :  is the pseudo scientific study and analysis of handwriting, especially in relation to human psychology. In the medical field, the word can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system. 
Though it is controversial weather there is validation or not we don't fall into the debate but we can know the things which are beneficial to improve handwriting.

2)  Graphonomics : is the interdisciplinary field directed towards the scientific analysis of the handwriting process and the handwritten product. Researchers in handwriting recognition, forensic handwriting examination, kinesiology, psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, paleography and neuroscience cooperate in order to achieve a better understanding of the human skill of handwriting. Research in graphonomics generally involves handwriting movement analysis in one form or another.

3) Fine motor skill: is the coordination of small muscle movements which occur in body parts such as the fingers, usually in coordination with the eyes. In relation to motor skills of hands and fingers, the term dexterity is commonly used. When applied to the theory of human aptitude, this is called "manual dexterity". The high level of manual dexterity that humans exhibit can be attributed to the manner in which manual tasks are controlled by the nervous system.

4) Graphotheraphy : This is the practice of changing a person's handwriting with the goal of changing features of his or her personality.

Handwriting expert

Cursive writing :  Cursive, also known as script, joined-up writing, joint writing, linking, running writing, or handwriting is any style of penmanship in which the symbols of the language are written in a conjoined and/or flowing manner, generally for the purpose of making writing faster.

Calligraphy :  A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla 1996: 18). 

How to hold pencil correctly

How to improve handwriting.

1) http://grapholistic.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/graphotherapy-is-it-real/

2) Cognitive_linguistics

3) penmanship

4) softschools.com/grades/kindergarten/

5) Improve-Your-Handwriting

6) hand writing change kids book

7) activities-improve-handwriting-adults

8) handwriting_practice

9) how-to-improve-handwriting

10) -can-i-improve-my-handwriting

11) how to hold pencil.

12) -how-to-hold-a-pencil-tripod-grasp-for-preschoolers

1 

Memory - Part 3

(contd..)
A few techniques that would really be helpful for the kid's memory are as follows. These are the general techniques for memory that can be incorporated at kids levels too.
Iam just learning these techniques, yet at home.

1) Mind maps:

 Its attractive and helps in remembering and at the same time makes it easy to keep it organised. It can be used for anything. Kids find it fun and interesting.  Once we get the idea, I believe it will be a real good way to help kids to remember and have gud memory. There are many other videos of mind maps, that will help us to gain some knowledge and try ourselves and with our kids. Here I share a few.

To know about mind maps, the following link gives the authentic information with various sources.
Mind Map :

2) Linking Memory:

Mnemonics says about what is it and the method of applying it.

 

 

 

 

Everybody can boost the brains and train the kids brains using some " techniques".  Thanks to youtube for the self explanatory videos and internet to make the ever emerging new techniques available to the aspiring minds.Only a few minutes of practise a day will make a big difference. and We can remember by doing this we are giving our children,  an advantage many other children dont have.

 

Thanks to Diwakar ji, for sharing me the memory video and thereby inspire to find the ways for kids memories and share it here.

 

 

 

 

Memory - Part 2

(Contd...)

As we can see the picture in the previous article, the kid responds , "I MUST OUT OF MEMORY".
It conveys to us , how memory plays a great role in the academic aspects. Even if the kids study and do well during the sitting times, because of poor memory, they would not be able to remember, while performing.
Even if he/she is a kindergarten kid, they have to be trained for the tests for school at their levels. There are various techniques that are devised to improvise and strengthen the memory.

A few kids will be naturally having good memory and a few others need some grooming to their memory. Eventually, a little more contribution of time, efforts will make a great deal later.

For babies and younger kids, its a known method that we can make them learn using the flash cards, playing educational games and making quizzes out of it, that way it can be fun and  a learning experience, as well.

As I have said, my friend shared with me a few videos about memory. In that the professsor has given marvellous techniques to improve the memory. He has said, everybody has got a great memory, only a few know, how to USE IT EFFECTIVELY. It can be implemented with our kids too, specially the older kids.

The essential things for an efficient, stress free mind are

1) Healthy Nutrition: 

Infusing lots of vegetables and fruits in their meals. Balanced diet , avoiding junk foods , drinking plenty of water.

2)Proper Sleep:

Seven to Eight hours of sound sleep for the kids, help them to be in a happier state when they wake up, keep them refreshed( I have experienced with my daughter, who is so active and happy when she has good sleep).

3)Healthy Environment:

The environment at home should be a healthy and a happier one for the kids. That itself will be a boost for them to perform better. When the kids study, if possible, a silent atmosphere helps in gaining a good attention and focus, avoiding distractions. They feel the importance, themselves.
Avoidance of any kind of arguments infront of the kids, provide a supportive environment, making them to concentrate better, without any worries of any kind.

Here are the few tips for the memory and studying strategy,  from the professor. I am sharing a few basic points here.
For the younger kids , we can help them and the older kids they can manage depending on their choices.

1)Find the best time - a few kids will prefer to study during the mornings, a few will prefer the evening times and so on.

2)Divide the time in to smaller periods - 30 mins each - As the first and last 10 mins of the study time is proved to be effective, this helps in reducing the less contributing time.

3)Writing the notes  then and there after each topic when they study- it helps in memorising as the kids write a few information gets in to their memory.

4)Repetition - The effecitive way of memory.

To watch the entire video and learn the tips to make the older kids better at academics with easy YET EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES , please do watch

Tips to improve memory

 He has given various techniques for memory as well as the study techniques and test strategies. It will definitely cater various needs of various parents, and relieve their stress and provide them with ideas to try with their kids.

There are a few videos, I want to share with you all,  that would immensely help in improving the memory and help our kids to do better.

( to be contd..)








             
 






 

Memory - Part 1

Many times, most of us, the parents, overlook some of the deeper aspects of the development of our kids. It struck me, when my daughter and I played a puzzle game. Yes, Iam talking about KIDS MEMORY. Her memory was far more better and efficient. For that matter, almost all the kids are sharper and grasp better and quicker. If we can groom it better, no wonder, they can do wonders!!!. while surfing the net, to learn about 'kids memory', there were interesting things we can know and learn to help kids to get better, that I am sharing here with you all.

When do kids form their first memories?

Kids do form their memories, but just that they tend to fade away over time.
We tend to think, as cognitive skills or the communication skills is not developed in kids, the events are not stored in their brains as memories. But the outcomes of various researches have proved the statement false. The young children's memories are replaced with the recent memories till 10 years of age.

Many other interesting facts were there about how kids memories differ with cultures and the reasons behind it. For instance, the western kids tend to have stronger early memories , as their dialogues with parents or other people were autobiographical.
Personally , I believe, irrespective of different cultures, its the individual's beliefs and practices that contribute. Its the parent's way of grooming the kid.  It helps the kids to connect to themselves, when  parents probe the kids about the events or experiences, to think and let them to express, how they feel and make a little "talking" with their kids.

Brain

We know about the brain and its set up, the hemispheres namely right hemisphere and left hemisphere.when theres co ordination between both side of the brains , it helps kids in better concentration and focus.The cross pattern(like during walking the movement of  left leg and right hand) strengthens the connection between the brain hemispheres.

A few tips to the months old babies, crawling kids and the younger kids.

1) Massage baby's feet gently, stimulating both the feet at the same time, then each foot one after the other. Along with the stimulation, its a wonderful, unforgettable sight to see the baby enjoy the massage and helps in bonding.

2)Swimming, the kicking of arms and legs  helps in co ordination. ( Parents know if it suits kids and their health to stay in water for a significant period of time to swim).

3)Crawling , again the cross patterns of legs and hands. Even adults can enjoy with the kids making it as a fun game at home with the older kids.

4)Drumming(we can pretend to use other appropriate things as drums), as both the hands are used,  helps in pattern recognition.

5)Writing with the weak hand, making it as an activity or a fun game involving adults too helps in co ordination.


Thanks to my friend, I got the tips from the article that he shared about the memory and various techniques.

 

 

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN. Training the brain at earlier age is much more easier than training at a later age.

 

 

 

Memory plays a vital role in Kids academics. We will explore the information about techniques that are discussed related to academics in the next.

(to be contd..)