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Scoop.it!
"When it comes to brain development, time in the classroom may be less important than time on the playground. 'The experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain,' says , a researcher at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. 'And without play experience, those neurons aren't changed,' he says."
Beth Dichter's insight:
Allowing young students free play time is important since it helps set up the prefrontal cortex (where executive functioning is located) to set up neuron pathways that help students to solve problems, make plans and regulate emotions. However, more and more schools are taking time away from recess, to focus on Common Core subjects. It is critical that this is free play. The post states "No coaches, no umpires, no rule books." Does your school have a policy about recess? Are students allowed to choose what to do, or are they given choices? This post shares insights that you may want to share with your PTO as well as others whom work in your school. 
Scoop.it!
As always, Ira Socol make me think. He begins this post "We tend to do everything wrong for kids between 12 and 15. We pretend they are "adults" in terms of care needs and responsibilities, which they are not. We pretend they are children intellectually and physically, and in terms of rights, which they are not. We dismiss their capabilities and hype their potential as threats. We are cruel to them, and we send every possible message that we don't care about them." If you teach in middle school this article is worth reading as is the National Geographic article that was published on the teenage brain (which I recommend you read as does he...he has included the link and it was scooped here on March 11th).
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Scoop.it!
How different are the brains of boys and girls? What do educators and parents need to know about gender and the brain, and how can we best help students learn?
Scoop.it!
For decades, the prevailing wisdom in education was that high achievement would follow high self-esteem. Now that is being turned on its head.
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Not just young kids, all kids! Studies indicate that the prefrontal cortex isn't fully developed until mid -20's for some. Really confirms the adage, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."