async lecture: sticks & sprouts; learning through play

sticks and sprouts

• founded in 2021

• started w/ 6 children

• on average, see 170 families a week

why outside?

• physical health: movement benefits, fine and gross motor skills, visual development, strength, coordination

• mental well-being: reduced stress levels, improved circadian rhythms

• sensory development: sun, wind, rain, snow, sleet, grass, mud, etc.

• cognitive development: executive functioning, language, critical thinking, resilience, risk analysis

how many hours a day do experts suggest children spend outside to help prevent myopia (nearsightedness)?

2-3

__, __, __, and __ have all declined in 10-year olds from 1998 to 2008

• the number of sit-ups they can do

• arm strength

• grip strength

• the ability to hold their own weight while hanging from wall bars

the number of children who are obese __ from 1980

tripled

the average age a child starts walking has changed from 12 months to __ months

16

what is container baby syndrome?

negative developmental effects that can occur when infants spend excessive time in restrictive devices like car seats, bouncers, swings, and other "containers"; these devices, while convenient, limit movement and exploration, potentially hindering physical and cognitive development. 

what many steps a day should a 5 year old take?

12,000

myopia

dopamine, a chemical located in the eye that controls normal growth and development of the eyeball, is stimulated by natural light

• without the natural light, the eyeball grows abnormally and is too long; then it sends images to the retina that are out of focus —> causing nearsightedness

how does screen time affect eye development:

18 months or younger

• no screens are still best

  • the exception is live video chat with family and friends

how does screen time affect eye development:

18 months to 2 years

• limit screen time and avoid solo use

• choose high-quality educational programming, and watch with kids to ensure understanding

how does screen time affect eye development:

2 to 5 years

• limit screen time to an hr a day

• parents should watch as well to ensure understanding and application to their world

how does screen time affect eye development:

6 or older

• place consistent limits on the time spent and types of media

• don’t let screen time affect sleep, exercise, or other behaviors

screen time

• bright colors and fast screens stimulate fight-or-flight response: this is why children are often angry when you turn off the TV or video games

• older cartoons and TVs shows have more seconds between picture changes and have fewer negative effects on attention and arousal levels

• think about the benefits of having to just “be” while waiting in line, for class to start, or in the car

core strength impacts:

• physical development

• academic performance

• cognitive and emotional development

• long-term health

6 stages of play:

unoccupied play

• 0-3 months

• when baby is making movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc.

• they are learning about and discovering how their body moves

6 stages of play:

solitary play

• 0-2 years

• when a child plays alone and are not interested in playing with others quite yet

6 stages of play:

spectator/onlooker behavior

• 2 years

• when a child watches and observes other children playing but will not play with them

6 stages of play:

parallel play

• 2+ years

• when a child plays alongside or near to others but does not play with them

6 stages of play:

associate play

• 3-4 years

• when a child starts to interact with others during play, but there is not much cooperation required

• e.g., kids playing on the playground but doing different things

6 stages of play:

cooperative play

• 4+ years

• when a child plays with others and has interest in both the activity and other children involved in playing

free play

unstructured play where children choose activities based on their interests; it fosters creativity, independence, and decision-making skills

structured play

organized activities with specific goals, such as sports, board games, and educational games; it helps in learning rules, discipline, and specific skills

pretend play

role-playing and imaginative scenarios; it enhances creativity, empathy, language skills, and understanding of social roles

physical play

activities that involve physical movement, such as running, climbing, and dancing; it promotes physical health

constructive play

building and creating with materials like blocks, sand, or art supplies; it develops problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and creativity

social play

interacting with peers in activities like team sports or group games; it improves social skills, cooperation, and communication

skills in play

play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that significantly contributes to various areas of development; children learn and develop critical skills through play, essential for their overall growth

• physical development

  • motor skills

  • coordination

  • balance

• cognitive development

  • problem-solving

  • creativity

  • executive functioning

  • language

• social development

  • social skills

  • conflict resolution

  • leadership

  • teamwork

• emotional development

  • self-regulation

  • self-expression

  • confidence

  • self-esteem

• academic skills

  • literacy and numeracy

  • attention and concentration

  • motor skills

  • cognitive development

structure of a class

• arrival

  • time to settle

• movement

  • adult and child

• participation

  • weather

  • group activity

  • story

• free play

• ending