Executive Function skills change significantly between the ages of 3 and 5. In this example video, Dr. Stephanie Carlson, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Reflection Sciences, explains how 4-year-olds outperform 3-year-olds during a “Less is More” game… until the 3-year-olds ability to pretend is used. Watch the video to see how! Key takeaways: Executive…
May 21, 2020
Improving Mindfulness in Children
Mindfulness impacts social and academic achievement In this video, learn how mindfulness is essential to early childhood development of academic and social skills, and how it can be improved through activities in the classroom. Mindfulness is a way of thinking that promotes moment-to-moment attention to yourself and the environment. Mindfulness is regulated by a cognitive…
May 5, 2020
To Screen or Not to Screen?
Screen Time Guidance for Children During the Quarantine Among the many challenges facing parents in these uncertain times is the question of how much screen time is too much for their developing children? Since the coronavirus-related shutdowns, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its media recommendations for young children including limiting digital media to…
April 22, 2020
The Family Partnership: Leveraging a Two-Generation Approach to Improve Executive Function in Families
We know that families are the foundation of a strong and thriving community. Unfortunately, however, many factors such as living in poverty, absence of mental health care, and lack of educational opportunities can impede families’ wellbeing. The Family Partnership is a 142-year-old non-profit organization based in Minneapolis focused on closing the achievement and opportunity gaps…
April 6, 2020
Helping Teens Stay On Task During the Coronavirus Quarantine
The stay-at-home orders and remote learning brought about by the novel coronavirus can be especially difficult for teens and their families to adjust to. The added stress and uncertainty combined with the reduced social group interactions can make teens feel anxious, less productive and more stressed. By leveraging mindfulness, reflection and executive function skills, parents…
April 1, 2020
Keeping Kids Sharp During the Coronavirus Quarantine
Kids of all ages are being affected by school closures brought on by the novel coronavirus pandemic. For school-age children, the transition to home-schooling and remote learning can be jarring and challenge their developing executive function skills. This period of social isolation and school disruption can be a good opportunity for parents to engage with…
March 23, 2020
Cultivating Cognitive Skills During the Coronavirus Quarantine: Working with Preschoolers
Many of our daily routines have been disrupted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. As we adjust to social distancing and working remotely, we also need to adjust to our kids being home from school. For older children, staying home might mean connecting to classes digitally whereas for younger children, staying home might leave parents scrambling…
March 20, 2019
Parent Newsletter – March 2019
Our first Parent Newsletter of 2019 is available here: v4.1 March 2019 Q1 Learn more about Goldilocks Parenting, Executive Function’s Role in ADD/ADHD, and Social-Emotional Development.
March 18, 2019
Agency Development, Literacy, & Numeracy
The Science of Early Learning summarizes current developmental cognitive research on agency development, literacy, and numeracy in young children, birth through age eight. The report was developed by Deans for Impact in collaboration with Dylan Kane and Callie Lowenstein, practicing teachers; Rachel Robertson of Bright Horizons; Dr. Daniel Ansari of Western University; Dr. Stephanie Carlson…
December 18, 2018
Support Executive Function: Parents’ EF matters too!
Previously we have talked about how parents can support executive function (EF) development in young children. Specifically, parenting behaviors that are “autonomy-supportive,” meaning they actively support a child’s goals, efforts, and choices, are related to children’s EF skills. What does an autonomy-supportive parent look like in everyday life? Let’s think of an example of a…