Importance of Times Tables

Like learning to their tie shoes, brushing their teeth properly, or getting themselves dressed each day when children are young, it’s just as important for them to learn their multiplication tables as they get older.  There are a number of reasons why learning these facts are beneficial for students.

Building Blocks

Multiplication is the building block of much more complicated math problems and strategies.  Students who are comfortable with quickly recalling multiplication tables find more success when entering higher levels of mathematics.  Imagine the amount of time it would take for a student to complete a long-division problem on a test if they’re challenged with computing multiplication facts quickly.  Many math teachers do not allow the use of calculators on tests and quizzes, thus leaving the brainwork up to that of the student.  Furthermore, the use of calculators often leads to keying errors.

How You Can Help

First, be sure your child understands the concept of multiplication before they begin to memorize the facts.  Show your child a 100’s chart so he/she can discover patterns, discuss how multiplication is simply a faster way of adding repeated numbers and sets of objects.  

Next, demonstrate what memorization of facts looks and sounds like by having your child “quiz” you on any multiplication fact (set parameters before the quiz so that the multiplication facts are within reason...unless you’d like to be computing 5239 X 3293 in your head).  Children will begin to understand that multiplication facts need to be like a reflex.

When you begin to look at the facts, get the easy ones out of the way like the 1’s, 10’s, and all reciprocal facts (4X7 and 7X4).  Once they learn the simple rules of these facts, they are left with very few that actually need to be memorized and the task, as a whole, seems less daunting.  

Finally, start practicing...but make it fun!  There are a number of multiplication fact games that can be found inexpensively on sites such as Teachers Pay Teachers or you can make up your own!  Play Multiplication Fact Tic-Tac-Toe where there is a tic-tac-toe board with multiplication problems and each player must say the answer to the problem before placing a marker on their desired space.  

Here are some websites that offer free multiplication games:

• www.multiplication.com
• http://www.fun4thebrain.com/mult.html
• http://www.math-play.com/multiplication-games.html

The more practice your child has, the more comfortable he or she will be with recalling the answers.  Make it fun by incorporating games, take breaks when there is frustration, and celebrate successes!  

Blog by Lauren Bronson .

Essential Fatty Acids

I take Cod Liver Oil, eat flax seeds in my morning smoothie and snack on nuts on a daily basis to help boost my brain-power and general functioning. At first, I felt that the whole fish oil and flax seed push sounded like a health fad, but then I read an article about the link between essential fatty acids and brain functioning and I was mesmerized by the close link. As a self-proclaimed nutrition geek and an educator, I was intrigued by the science of increasing my intake this essential nutrient.

In the 1980s, researchers began to look at the link between children that exhibited hyperactivity and their essential fatty acid levels. The results of the studies showed that children exhibiting hyperactivity were actually deficient in essential fatty acids. Numerous studies since these original discoveries have eluded that the fact that children with low level of fatty acids have a higher frequency of behavior problems.

To get even more nerdy about the science of the brain, nutrition and how it effects learning, we need to dive further into the structure of our brain. The brain, “is compose of 70 percent fat. Docosahexaenoic acid DHA is the most abundant fat in the brain. DHA is an omega-3 essential fatty acid, which means that the body can’t produce it and, therefore, must be consumed through our diet.” ( Strickland, 2009) The truth is, fatty acids are the building blocks of the brain. If someone is low on fatty acids, it will start altering their ability to learn, memorize and pay attention.

It will probably not surprise you to know that deficiencies in fatty acids are also linked to Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Depression.

Since I am not a big fish eater, I had to find other ways in consume the correct amount of essential fatty acids in my diet. I decided that taking Cod Liver oil was the best solution for my family but I highly encourage you to do your own research on essential fatty-acids. I researched and was able to find an organic option that fit my needs. When searching for a way to integrate more essential fatty-acids into your child’s diet, I highly recommend consulting with your pediatrician, a registered dietitian or a natural health practitioner to ensure that you are gaining a healthy balance of your child’s nutrients and avoiding other health concerns that may derive from altering your child’s diet. 

I have loved hearing numerous parents that I work with have success stories when they have increased their child's intake of this nutrient. I look forward to hearing your stories. 

Not­-So­-Scary Halloween Stories

Halloween, like any other holiday that is loved by children, is the perfect excuse to share some funny and not­so­scary themed stories to primary­aged children. We perused the local bookstore in search of Halloween books that were both humorous and clever and just as entertaining for the adult story reader.

Room on the Broom, written by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is our first pick. It’s a bit on the longer side, so it’s probably best suited for a slightly older audience of kindergarten or 1st grade and older. Of course, if you have a younger child who has a longer attention span, then this book is a great pick! With beautifully illustrated pictures, this rhyming story tells the tale of a witch and her journey through the sky and the friends she picks up along the way...each of them asking if there is “room on the broom?” before they hop on and join the adventure! 

Another classic storybook, Stellaluna, is a beautiful tale about a baby bat who is separated from her mother and finds herself in a bird’s nest alongside some new baby birds. Written by Janell Cannon, the book has amazing life­like illustrations. Throughout the story, Stellaluna must learn to adapt to a bird’s way of life regardless of how unnatural it is for her. Eventually, Stellaluna happens upon another bat and is happily reunited with her family. 

For the audience who still bee live that there are monsters under the bed, I Need My Monster, authored by Amanda Coll and illustrated by Howard McWilliam, is the clever story of a boy who is quite attached to his bedtime monster known to him as, "Gabe." It seems that Gabe decided he was due for a little "Monster-time" and decided to take a little getaway for a week. As the boy worries about now being able to fall asleep without his trusty monster under his bed, he is introduced to all sorts of new monsters who are trying to fill in for Gabe. The boy finds many things wrong with each monster that attempts to fill Gabe's shoes. As he dismisses each of them, he grows more and more irritated with the lack of talent these monsters possess. When Gabe finally returns, what ensues afterward is quite a funny conversation between the boy and his beloved monster. Also, check out the Storyline Online's reading of I Need My Monster. 

Here are some other titles we found worthy of sharing...

• ●  Zombie in Love by Kelly DiPucchio
  
• ●  Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly
  
• ●  Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola Lisa
  
• ●  Bone Soup by Cambria Evans
  
• ●  Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler
  
• ●  Pumpkin Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington
  
  
  Happy Halloween! 
  
  
  
  
  Blog written by Lauren Bronson

The Ronald McDonald House Charities

Research has shown that having a strong support system of family in close­ proximity during medical treatment can go a long way when it comes to the healing process. Multiply that need for a support system by a billion when it comes to sick children. That is why it is so vital for families to stay connected and close during such a scary time. Unfortunately, many families have to travel thousands of miles in order to obtain the best treatment possible for children. Where do those families stay during that time? How do they pay for it when, in many cases, insurance alone does not cover the cost of medical bills? Often times, parents are forced to leave their jobs in order to remain by their child’s side 24­hours a day. That is where Ronald McDonald House Charities is helping to bridge the gap. An organization that allows sick children, who are receiving medical treatment at local pediatric facilities, and their families to remain in close proximity during their treatment for little or no cost. Each year, Ronald McDonald House enables nearly 9 million families around the world to stay together for the length of their medical treatment!

Passionate about this charity and its mission, Playful By Design is excited to announce RonaldMcDonald Charities as their chosen charity! The team at Playful By Design will be donating their time and a portion of their profits, during the month of November, to the Tampa Bay location.
The average cost for a family of 4 per night is $80 at the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. The family shares 1 room with either 2 twin beds or 2 double beds and a private bathroom. All of the guests of the house share a fully­stocked kitchen, eating area, laundry facilities and play areas. While families who are utilizing the house are asked to donate the $80/night themselves, it is not a requirement if they are financially unable; Ronald McDonald house will waive the nightly fee but it requires donations from the public in order to do so.

In addition to monetary donations, Ronald McDonald House also gratefully accepts food donations in order to provide their families with nutritious meals each day. Meals can either be prepared by a restaurant or bought at local grocery stores and then prepared directly at RMD. The academic coaches at Playful By Design will also be participating in this opportunity and we encourage all of our followers to do the same! 

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep: It can make or break your child’s day at school, help support or hinder his/her development, and ultimately affect almost every facet of your child’s physical, mental and emotionalwell­being. According to the National Sleep Foundation,numerousstudieshavebeen conducted proving that reduced amounts of sleep, even for over only one week’s time, impact children’s academic performance at school by negatively affecting their energy levels, cognitive abilities, attention spans, and overall happy moods.
Each child is different and therefore every child’s sleep needs will vary. As a general guideline, it is recommended that children aged 3­5 years old have 11­13 hours of sleep each night while children 5­12 years are able to manage 10­11 hours each night. Kids Health adds that most teenagers require 8 1⁄2 ­ 9 1⁄2 hours each night and losing as little as 1 hour of sleep a night can add up to an entire night without sleep by the end of the week. Sleep deprivation can be extremely dangerous ­­ especially for teenagers as “more than half of ‘asleep­at­the­wheel’ car accidents are caused by teens” (www.kidshealth.org). 

Photo Credit: Sleep Pro

Sleep for Kids provides great tips for parents who are looking to develop great sleep habits for their children. Routine is key: let your children know their bedtime and stick with it. Develop a bedtime routine that is predictable for them and creates an atmosphere conducive to settling down at least 1 hour before bedtime. The routine should include bathing, dressing in their pajamas and brushing their teeth. Avoiding caffeine or sugary drinks and keeping activities low­key such as reading books or playing quiet games will allow children to settle down and beginrelaxing. Itisalsorecommendedthatalltoysareeitherputawayintheirproperplacesor kept out of their bedroom completely in addition to removing any electronics, cell phones, etc.

Our team at Playful By Design cares about the well­being of your children and we want for them to present their best selves each day! We are here to help you establish your bedtime routines

or organize your home life with simple tips and guidance. Give us a call and let us know how we can help! 

By Lauren Bronson (PBD Academic Coaching)

App Review: Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read

Most of us by now have heard of the Hooked on Phonics reading program that was created in 1987 as a tool for parents and teachers alike to teach young children how to read. With numerous product launches since its inception, as well as a number of Teachers’ Choice and Best Educational Product awards, it’s no surprise that they have developed an app that is just as popular.

The Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read application targets beginning readers who are familiar with the alphabet and teaches concepts that address some of the Common Core State Standards in Reading: Foundational Skills for Kindergarten including print concepts, phonological awareness and phonics word recognition. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, it does come at a bit of a steep cost of $49.99 for the complete set, with the first lesson and corresponding books being free of charge for trial purposes. However, customers do have the option of purchasing as little or as many of the 12 units and 3 corresponding eBooks as they choose for around $6 ­-$10 each. The cost is well worth it as each lesson builds on the previous and includes about 10 minutes of songs, interactive games, quizzes and stories. 

The application utilizes a positive reinforcement system by rewarding the completion of games and lessons with encouraging praise, virtual trophies, stars, and celebratory music. The games are all designed to keep young children’s attention and create a feeling of excitement about reading and creating words. 

Post written by Lauren Bronson 

Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning skills are skills needed to take a task from beginning to the end. With a child,this could be as simple as cleaning up they room, finishing a chapter book,  responding to a question in class or remembering to take their lunchbox home. Easy, right? Sometimes yes, but often these tasks that seem automatic to adults are difficult for children. This does not mean the child is lazy or careless. This could mean that the area of their brain that works on the particular area of executive functioning is not fully developed yet.

Let's take a quick moment to think about a child's brain. Most executive functioning tasks happen in the frontal lobe. There are a few times in a child's life when there is rapid growth and brain development. There is a time right around the age of eleven or twelve that the brain goes through a stage that there is great growth in grey matter, made of up neurons, never sells and synapse, in the brain. Right after the growth of grey matter, there is a time of pruning. This time in a child's education and life are crucial for brain development and executive functioning skills. The "use it or lose it" phrase can be applied here. Since the frontal lobe is still developing during the pre-teen years, it is important for children to use this area of the brain to practice their executive functioning skills. The practice not only allows the student to learn important skills such as time management and organization, but it also allows their brain to make deeper connections. Did you know that your pre-frontal cortex isn't fully developed until you are in your early twenties? No wonder so many children and teenagers struggle with decision making, planning and impulse control! It is our job as educators and parents to fill in as their frontal lobes while their own frontal lobes are still developing. 

Want to learn more about Executive Functioning? I highly recommend Peg Dawson's book, Smart But Scattered and Smart But Scattered For Teens. In the mean time, check out this great article from National Center for Learning Disabilities about the 9 Terms to Know About Executive Functioning. 

Also, check out the resource I developed for teachers on the 11 Executive Functioning traits and how to teach them in the classroom.