Intelligence is the capacity for learning and reasoning, the ability to understand and process things or to deal with new or difficult situations. It's one ability which everyone can't seem to get enough of, even the so-called intelligent ones want to be more intelligent. It is believed that humans are born with intelligence but there are other factors after birth which can positively influence and develop the level of a person's intelligence. So, how can gaming help boost your kid's intelligence? Do video games really improve certain brain functions?
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Intelligence is equally a function of nature, as well as, nurture. While nature is hereditary and almost nothing can be done about it, nurture has to do with the upbringing a person gets, and this can go a long way in intellectual development. One of the things which if included into a child upbringing can increase his or her intelligence, is playing games. Yes, you read right. Playing games. Contrary to the widely held misconception that most games numb the mind, video games can add to a person in many ways; this includes:
Gaming Boosts Concentration and Attention.
Playing games involve a lot of focus on the part of the players, unlike activities such as watching TV, listening to music, reading, etc. which can be done absentmindedly, gaming requires you to fully focus on the game and relegate every other thing to the background, and this is why some believe in the addictive power of games. However, gaming increases the usual selective visual attention of the player. This refers to the brain’s ability to focus on relevant visual information while suppressing less relevant information. If children can learn to block out frivolous distractions and focus from an early age, gaming can increase the efficiency of their brain. Thus, if your kid is one with short attention span, playing games is one way through which he/she can improve.
Gaming boosts coordination and problem-solving skills.
A person who can focus is better coordinated and makes better decisions. Most games on Friv involve a lot of analysis of unique and complicated situations and usually, these situations require the player be coordinated. There are special moves in games which involve pressing specific keys in a sequence and all of these improve coordination because the player knows that missing a step will affect the outcome of the game. Coordination is also an important skill for problem-solving and the more coordinated a person is, the better a problem solver the person becomes.
Gaming Enhances Brain Function and IQ.
Gaming also enhances the cognitive ability and intelligence quotient of a person. So kids can enhances these abilitiestrough gaming. For this to happen, one has to be selective about the type of games being played. Playing strategic games has been proven to have a considerable impact on developing a child's IQ. Memory games, as well, when played consistently, help to sharpen the memory and make it more receptive to new information. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Charite University of Medicine, in one study conducted to determine the influence of games on the brain, took measurements of participants' brain volume before and after playing Super Mario 64. The study showed a significant increase in grey matter of those playing the game compared to the group that did not. Imagine how many times your kid has played Super Mario!
Gaming improves brain speed.
In playing games, the gamer is given lots of information to process per second and this helps to improve the speed at which the child processes information even when not playing games. Brain speed has to do with the pace at which a person perceives, analyzes, organizes and acts on a piece of information. Many video games, especially action games and games involving time management, require a quick reaction from the player and the ability to react quickly and still make the right decision is important for measuring intelligence. Your child is boosting reaction time each time the play a game.
Gaming improves the ability to solve mathematical and verbal problems via logical games.
By involving your kid in logical games and puzzles, his or her ability to solve mathematical and verbal problems are improved. Games allow for creative and out of the box thinking, as well as, improving memory and attention span. All of these are important skills necessary for understanding and solving mathematical problems.
The outcome of a game depends on how effective the player's plan is. The chances of failure and tension drive the players to make highly efficient decisions in strategy games and this can be transferred into reality and used to make decision making for daily life tasks. According to research, the areas of the brain that control spatial navigation, strategic planning and working memory are greatly improved through gaming. When playing games, the player's attention is divided as he or she is focused on the joystick, the screen, as well as, on the commands necessary to execute a gaming action. With this ability for multiple focus, a gamer can learn to multitask in real life activities without any task suffering from inadequate attention.
Gaming helps to make flexible, faster and more accurate decisions.
With its method of reward in the form of "Next-level" punishment in form of "Game-over." Gaming encourages the player to make the best decisions possible and find his or her way out of complex problems. The player is more adept at making multiple decisions and switching between tasks without errors. This flexibility allows a kid to be faster in making decisions as he or she can make multiple decisions at once.
Finally, if you encourage your kids to play games, their daily activities should be totally dependent on a proper time management plan. You can get worthwhile games for your wards on Friv. Just remember, everything in moderation! Do you agree that gaming can boost intelligence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Homeschool Videos for Teens Homeschooling? If you're looking for educational videos for teenagers YouTube, we recommend the following 10 Educational YouTube Videos for teens. We've rounded up teen friendly homeschool videos in science, history, health and wellness, and internet safety. Many of them are filmed or acted out by real teenagers. Enjoy!
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10 Amazing Science Tricks Using Liquid
Teenagers are fascinated by unusual and different tricks and/or oddities. This is a great way to teach science while keeping their attention.
A Glimpse Of Teenage Life In Ancient Rome This animated video shows how teenagers had different lives in ancient times. It's a good way to learn social history and the hard times teenagers went through on a completely different level than today.
Teenage Anxiety
These days, teenage anxiety is common. This video helps teens realize they aren't alone.
Self Control Video
This video on self-control shows teens how not to give into impulses and how to do the right thing. It's filmed in a funny way that will keep their attention.
Managing Anger & Fears
Teaches teens how to manage their emotions and shows teens they aren't alone
Communication Skills For Teens
This is a good video to help teens prepare for future job interviews.
"What Would You Do" An informative drug & alcohol awareness PSA. This YouTube video was made to educate students on the dangers of teen alcohol and drug abuse.
Harmful Effects Of Tobacco On The Human Body
Perfect for teens feeling peer pressure to smoke.
Top 5 Food Mistakes Teenagers Make
Teen interviews- an educational video on the importance of food for health and well-being.
Dangers Of Social Media For Teens
This video is an educational experiment on what someone can find about you online in only 6 clicks. Learn tips on how to guard yourself on social media and use it safely.
French Lessons and Worksheets for Homeschool or Classroom
If you homeschool like we do, you're probably teaching several grade levels at once. For this France Country Study Lesson, we've found worksheets and activities that work for toddlers to tweens to teens. Scroll down for Videos on the French Revolution, French Word Search Printables, Famous Artists, Art Projects, and Games they play in France. School teachers, you'll find fun classroom activities and worksheets that work in a classroom setting too. Enjoy!
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For Elementary and Middle School, Make a Passport like this one from De Su Mama.
Printable Passport Activity from De Su Mama.
Make an Eiffel Tower with bits of colored straws like this one from Cutting Tiny Bites. While this craft activity is fun for elementary, it also aides preschoolers in fine motor skills.
Hopscotch: This game is played outdoors on a flat, paved surface, but you can paint an old sheet or use cardboard squares to play indoors. You can also purchase a hopscotch board for indoor or outdoor play. Each player needs a small item to toss onto the hopscotch squares. Rocks or quarters work well. Not sure how to play? Get the rules to hopscotch. Petanque: How to Play Petanque
La Semaineor "The Week" is played with 1 or more children with chalk and a pebble (pennies work too). Use the chalk to draw seven squares in a row. Label each square with a day of the week. Now, a player throws their pebble into the Monday box. If they miss, it is the next player's turn. If they hit it, they must jump on one foot to get to the stone, pick it up while still standing on one foot, and then jump back to the start. Players repeat for each day of the week (seven times). Repeat the task every time a mistake is made. For example, they trip or hop on two feet. Game is won when one player covers all squares and makes it safely back start. French Cricket You will need aCricket bat or tennis racket and ball. Players stand in a circle. The first player stands with their feet together, defending the 'stumps,' which in French Cricket are the batman's legs below the knees. Now, the players in the circle take turns to bowl at the 'stumps' and the batsman must hit the ball away from them. The bowler gets clever to distract the batsman.
If the batman's legs are hit, he's out. He's also out if he moves his feet at any time from the original position. If the bowler, or any of the fielders around the circle, catch the ball before it hits the ground, the batsman is also out. Everyone takes a turn until the batsman is out. The bowler who 'stumps' the batsman takes his place.
Free Homeschool Lesson Plans and Curriculum Resources We've Tried
Disclaimer: This is my homeschooling journey story. To avoid my open letter to future homeschoolers and the homeschool haters, just scroll down to the bottom for the free homeschool lesson plans and curriculum resources. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Enjoy!
Quote: It is Better to Try and Fail Than Never to Try at All
It seems all you do is try, try, try, and never get anywhere. You have to keep trying to succeed. If you are too afraid to try, you will always feel like a failure. There is no try- only do! You can do it, we say that every day. We keep trying to be a success, but maybe we already are, because we aren't afraid to try. Stay positive, and share this quote to keep motivated. It is better to try and fail than never to try at all. Enjoy!
Put Down Your Phone! It Can Save Your Child’s Self- Esteem
Do your kids have mobile phones? We recently purchased a smartphone to use as a house phone. Though, my kids have tablets and free access to computers, I worry about the cell phone, the texting, the access to the world in the palm of your hand. Smartphones have become addictive. I wondered, is their an app for that? Of course, there's an app for everything! Should we limit smartphone use? In this post, Hilary Smith, shares some insight on the overuse of technology combined with our kids, but it might not be the child who has the problem. That's right, Mom (or Dad), you might need an app to limit smartphone use. Enjoy!
Miss Old-Fashioned, Homemade Applesauce like Grandma Used to Make?
When I think about childhood memories, my mind often wanders to the kitchen. The Food Network has a program dedicated to life in the kitchen, "The Kitchen" features host, Katie Lee, surrounded by beautiful LG Electronics. The Kitchen is fully equipped with LG Appliances from the Refrigerator and the Ovens to the Microwave and the LG Cook-top. It is the perfect place to make Grandma's homemade applesauce. Enjoy!
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My grandparents and the cousins circa 1975.
Grandma's Homemade Applesauce traditionally made by my Aunt Verna.
I remember peeling and coring apples on an old appliance that attached to the kitchen table. After we used the apple-corer-peeler, everything went into what could have just as easily been a torture device, but somehow we weren't frightened by it. We begged to have a go at peeling the apple and then placing the pieces in the apple grinder. As an adult, I realize it is far less complicated to grab a knife and just peel my apple. The grinder we used is now obsolete, but these memories have stuck with me. Recently, my mother reminded me that my grandparents moved from the family homestead when I was just 9 years old. Funny, those times in Grandma's kitchen feel like yesterday. We'd go to an orchard or a friend's house and pick our own apples and then bring them back to make "Grandma's Homemade Applesauce." Grandma's kitchen was tiny and crowded with Grandma, my mother, three aunts, and all the little cousins running in and out the backdoor. The table took up all of the free space in the kitchen with just a small, one person width around the perimeter. It didn't matter. No one seemed to notice. It was good to be so close to each other, working together to create something to share with the entire family. Each time, we ate the applesauce, we'd remember this day. I love the homemade applesauce to this day, but we no longer make it this way. If I'm lucky, my aunt will share some of her special sauce with me. My kids like it, but they have no idea why it tastes so good to me. Memories are made in the kitchen. Life is good in the kitchen. We all need to spend more time around the table, getting to know each other, learning new skills, and enjoying the heart of the home.
I'm sharing Grandma's Homemade Applesauce Recipe and process, so you can make your own kitchen memories. I want you to experience how good life is in the kitchen.
Old-Fashioned Homemade Freezer Applesauce
6-8 Tart Apples, washed, peeled, and quartered. (Red & Golden Delicious work well- or your favorite, just know that some apples are softer and/or sweeter than others) Freezer Bags 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice 1 Tbs. Butter 1 Cinnamon Stick or 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1 Tbs. to 1/2 C. Water 1/4 C. Sugar per Pound. In large sauce pan, begin with 1 Tbs. Water, Apples, Cinnamon, and Lemon Juice. Depending on your apples you will use more or less water. Many apples don't need any water added at all. Bring to a boil and then cover and cook over low heat until desired consistency. Some people prefer chunky applesauce, so for that the cook time is less. Stir in butter and sugar to taste, if desired. Grandma used a food mill to strain the applesauce. You can use a blender, food processor, or leave them as they are. Remove from heat and let cool. Spoon into freezer bags leaving 1/2 - 1" head space. Flatten and stack to freeze. Applesauce is good for at least 1 year frozen and 2 weeks once thawed and opened. Tell us your kitchen story at Mom Confessions. LG Home Appliances are your partner in creating memorable cooking experiences and “Life’s Good” moments in the kitchen.
*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LG. The opinions and text are all mine.
Creative Outlets like Art and Dramatic Play Stimulate Children's Brains with Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Advancing Fine Motor Skills
Art is creativity in action. Creating and playing with art supplies is stimulating to our brains. Our imagination takes over while art helps develop critical thinking and fine motor skills. Everyone can play and learn with art, regardless of their socioeconomic status or level of education. Read on to learn!
Have you been considering homeschooling? Should you homeschool? Is homeschooling bad or good? Why homeschool? Have you considered free online public school? It's completely free and totally easy! We struggled with the decision whether or not to homeschool. Then, I saw a commercial on television for Connections Academy, so we did that for awhile and then we used what we learned to do homeschool on our own. Enjoy!
With Online Homeschool, there is plenty of time for field trips and extracurricular learning. We visited an orchard and picked beautiful blue plums off the tree.
Why did I choose to homeschool?
Why homeschool? There are so many things about public brick and mortar school I detest and dread. I hated the mean-spirited shaming I witnessed from one avid church-goer when my son mentioned he didn't really go/like to go church. It's true, he went sometimes, but I left him home with Daddy a lot (Daddy retired from church). This strikes me as ironic, because stereotypically many people believe "church people" or "religious extremists" homeschool.
I go to church when the whim strikes me. I'm a bleeding heart, stuck somewhere between hippies and devout Christians. I guess, the remark hurt my feelings too.
I hated the complaints from my daughter of how much she hated recess. "There is nothing to do, no one to play with, and the teachers won't let me sit on the blacktop" Ah... memories. In early elementary, I walked around the edge of the blacktop waiting for the teacher to blow the whistle.
I hated picking my son up nearly every other day after lunch, because he had something with milk or dairy in it. I even had a note from the doctor, apparently, state law requires milk must be placed on EVERY child's tray! I sent in alternative beverages, but "Mommy, I just took a little sip of chocolate milk!"
He'd have an asthmatic reaction, go to the nurse for his inhaler, and then... And then... poor nurse. Let's just say, it came out both ends.
Number one, the school bus! I hated leaving the safety of my kids to another person- someone I didn't know, no seatbelts on the bus, bullies on the bus, other dangerous drivers, etc. Just pulling into our neighborhood was a deathtrap. Waiting for the bus with the middle schoolers outside was too traumatic for Mommy. Well, it didn't seem right to me; my kids were just newly 5 when they started school.
They begged to ride the bus. I let my son ride a few times. The neighbor child had some problems. He was sort of a bully, but he was also bullied by the older kids. The nice, old man bus driver had him sit up front with my little one. My son came home with lots of amazing new life lessons.
Then, the kid started causing trouble. The bus driver would pull over and wait it out. So, the bus was often late. No, thank you, we started driving the kids to school permanently once my daughter hit all-day kindergarten. She's a handful. I can't imagine she'd stay in her seat without a seatbelt. I didn't think the sweet, old man needed the added stress.
I'd pick the kids up from school, have an after-school snack, try to squeeze in a little outdoor playtime, then it was time to make supper, get baths, do homework, and go to bed. Impossible. I hated the homework! We'd be up late finishing projects for first and second grade!
My son is gifted. We looked forward to a special program at the school, but it didn't start until third grade. In the meantime, he was placed in a class with high ability learners. Even so, the teacher felt there were problems. He understood concepts in ways other second graders couldn't- which led to arguments and frustrations. Since, we were planning to move, the teacher wondered if online school might work for him. This way, he could work at his own pace. I wasn't sold on the idea until...
The second lockdown at school. That's right, second. I shrugged off the first one. The second one was for the same reason, a bank robber near the school grounds and shots fired. I tried to get in the car line to pick up the kids, but the road was blocked by police cars. I called a friend, Angie, she arrived a few minutes prior to me. She was told to get out of her car and head to them gym for safety.
Yep, I was a mess.
BUT... I can't homeschool. I don't have the patience. I'm not disciplined enough. My kids need socialization. I don't want other people to think we're freaks.
WHATEVER.
It's just not like that anymore. I CAN (of course I can). We actually had LESS busy bookwork than regular school. The kids had online live lessons with their teachers and classmates. The teachers checked in regularly with emails and phone calls. As a learning coach, I was a big part of my kids academic experience, but not the teacher. So, I didn't have to worry about making major mistakes.
Indiana Connections Academy, Free School Online!
We homeschooled through INCA or Indiana Connections Academy. The supplies are completely free! This includes all textbooks, science supplies, art supplies, and companion DVD's and CDRom's for the online classes. They took required state standardized tests in an university classroom. There are school sponsored field trips and local group gatherings. We met up with a local group of homeschoolers outside of INCA for recreation or SOCIALIZATION.
Yep, next to giving birth... homeschooling is the best idea I've ever had. I have more time to spend with my kids, hone my novel writing skills, and work as a freelancer.
In case you're wondering, my kids were offered the opportunity to attend regular school year. They both declined with a resounding, "No way!" Now, that we are experienced homeschoolers, we go it alone! I create online lessons and share them here on the blog. The kids do math with Kahn Academy, and we supplement with Brainpop. We love homeschooling. We get up when we want, go to bed when we want, study what we want, and have the freedom to supplement with field trips whenever we want. We are members of several clubs for homeschoolers and meet up with our friends at least once per week. Recommended Reading:
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Early Childhood Development: Learn with Sensory Play
The psychology behind a child's ability to focus academically or follow rules can be positively influenced by the environment.Parents and caregivers can help children with sensory processing disordersor developmental issues ease into everyday activities with simple games and activities.
Ringling Brother and Barnum and Bailey Circus Dragons
Did you come here from Facebook? The answer is: Five Feet!? Stand back! The Dragons show came to Indy, and we went to see it. They asked us to share a little Circus History. Enjoy!
What Ringling Bros. performer has an average shoe size of 28EEEEE? CLOWNS!
Showtimes, For Tickets to area event Click Here, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros.® Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Dragons is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth®! Fun Circus Insider Info: An hour before show time, audiences can join Ringling Bros. talented performers and learn new circus skills at the All Access Pre-show, FREE with your ticket!
Audience members can get up close and personal with Ringling Bros. performers to take photos, get autographs and learn circus skills at the All Access Pre-show.
Circus-goers can meet some of Ringling Bros. majestic animals, see a pachyderm paint a portrait and learn more about Ringling Bros. commitment to elephant conservation at the All Access Pre-show.
The All Access Pre-show is the only place where you can register for a chance to win a masterpiece created by one of Ringling Bros. artistic Asian elephants.
Ringling Bros.® Animal Open HouseSM
Opening 90 minutes before show time, the Ringling Bros. Animal Open HouseSM is FREE to all ticketholders.
At the Animal Open House, visitors can learn about Ringling Bros. biggest stars, our Asian Elephants, and our commitment to animal conservation through informative kiosks, audio tours, or by asking one of our dedicated animal care team members.
Let me tell you about CircusFit®
Uniquely inspired by the athletic stars of The Greatest Show On Earth and the daredevil stunts they perform, CircusFit®is a national fitness program from Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey that encourages America's youth to lead healthy, active lifestyles by combining the fun of circus skills with stretching, strength building and aerobic exercise.
The Circus Fit website is so fun! Lots of fun activities.
“I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.” “Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Lesson: Choose one of the seascapes and one watercolor technique you've learned.
It was time for our next art lesson. Jake moaned and complained as usual, until I reminded him this week's lessons involved painting. "Yay! I like to paint. I never got to paint in art class." Say what you say? Catch up here. Art is about the journey, not the end result.
Jake's seascape is on the left, Mayhem is on the right. She's added some embellishments.
Did you notice his attention to detail? This is not a child who should despise art. Thankfully, we are making amazing progress.
Now, what Jake really meant to say was- I love it when I'm allowed to make a mess. He chose the sailboat scene and the wet on wet technique. Which is exactly as it sounds, paint water over your entire paper, dip your brush in water and the color, and let it bleed blend. Don't move it until it is dry.
We also did the salt painting technique and sprinkled salt on the wet sand area. When it dries it looks like real sand.
We first traced over the image to get a feel for it and then we lightly drew it in pencil on our watercolor paper. When painting with watercolors it is important to use the right paper. Copy paper will deteriorate with too much water. The fibers in the watercolor paper are designed to soak up the excess. Still, we laid out three layers of newspaper and had a roll of paper towels ready and waiting. Inevitably, someone always spills the water.
Our art table, okay, it is our dining room table. We never use it for that!
I am pleased to announce this assignment was our turn around lesson. In fact, his feelings about art have changed so much in a recent lesson on mask making he said, "Mommy, it is really awesome that I have a teacher who knows so much about art. You can teach me so many cool things!" (Insert tears here.)
I am quite skilled in the art of mask making. My highschool, art teacher, Mrs. Conway did a lesson on mask's with handmade paper. I made 3 or 4 different projects, entered them into an art contest and won some sort of an award.
Oh my, I wish I could tell you what it was but a lot of time has passed since then. After, I took a tiny scholarship to college and studied theatre design, art, and architecture. I've used the skills I learned in those classes to make many a mask for many a child in an after-school program, made some great mardi-gras costumes, and designed many theatrical props and sets. We'll post mask making 101 next week.
Hooray! Someone finally took notice. My college journey was not a waste after all :-)
Okay, the real point is that Jake took notice. Chuckle-chuckle and all it took was some fancy paper curling around a pencil and a cool, paper snake. Mom's have mad skills, don't they. I'm gearing up to ask Jake to draw a new picture of how he feels about Mommy's art class-eh. Maybe I'll just take a photo of his expression.
Cardboard Toilet Tubes turned Holiday Hats How many rolls of toilet paper do you go though each month? We've got to recycle that ca...
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