Improve Intelligence

Every parent, every boss, every teacher, possibly everyone wants to improve intelligence, because we operate from this paradigm that improved intelligence somehow makes us quicker, faster, richer, smarter, you fill in the blank.... If I somehow have more of 'it', then I will achieve more and achieve 'it' more easily.

But what is intelligence at the level of the brain? The psychologists will measure a number of constructs, but at the level of the neuron, intelligence is the connections between neurons, what we have learned to call neuroplasticity, and neuroplasticity can be enhanced, recovered, nurtured.

In fact, you could make a point that since it is now accepted science that we grow new neurons every day, which we call neurogenesis, that we can grow new intelligence every day,and the brain fitness folks are saying that we can work out our brain to make it a most hospitable place for neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis to happen.

So improving intelligence will certainly involve working out the brain, as Simon Evans,PH.D. and Paul Burghardt,Ph.D. point out int their excellent e-book called Brainfit for Life. Evans and Burghardt make a compelling case for taking care of the brain and its neuroplastic and neurogenetic capacities. Taking care of the hardware makes the software more effective, so if we think of improving intelligence as a goal, then I want to suggest that a brain growing more neurons and forming new connections is a brain with more intelligence.

Evans and Burghardt site the research and make a compelling case for taking care of what they call the pillars of brain fitness, which are physical activity/exercise, nutrition, including lots of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, good sleep, stress management, and novel learning experiences to improve intelligence.

Sounds vaguely like messages you got from Grandmother, except for the novel learning experience part, right, because the Seniors I know now say cross word puzzles and sudoku keep their brains sharp, which is correct up to a point.

The novel learning experience that really improves neuroplasticity and neurogenesis is the kind of novel learning experience you experience when you are learning a new language or a new instrument, where there is a continually growing complexity and an appropriate amount of success and failure.

So the key to this brain fitness pillar is that it is novel, and doing crosswords or sudoku which do not increase in complexity will not be the best help for my brain.

Put another way, as a counselor, I cannot read another counseling book, and expect increased neurogenesis or neuroplasticity.

But What About My Schedule...?

Is there a solution to improved intelligence and my limited schedule for practicing a new instrument or new language?

Well, Evans and Burghadt describe some research about a computerized task called the dual n back task.

It increases what is called fluid intelligence, which is very broadly, the intelligence that allows me to pick one stimulus from many to pay attention to.

Practice with this tool will rapidly teach you about your lack of attentional skills, meaning you will learn how fast you drift away from a task.

The dual n back practice will impact the neuroplastic connections between your attention paying neurons, and the researchers have actually demonstrated in increased intelligence using a paper and pencil intelligence test, so it is possible isn't it, to demonstrate improved intelligence.

The catch? The experimenters tried a number of different practice schedules, and the schedule demonstrating the most success was the practice one time per day for nineteen days schedule, each practice lasting a half-hour, so there is a time commitment, and a need to follow through regularly for the best results.

Practice makes perfect for your neurons too, and your boss/teacher/supervisor/wife will love you newly improved intelligence.

Classroom Teachers Need Fun Halloween Activities to Use For Homework Assignments

Halloween comes at the perfect time in the school year to give students a break. Teachers might give their students homework that includes fun Halloween activities without losing progress in their educational curriculum. Some teachers will take the time to create these on their own, others will purchase an activity to download. Here is a list of the sort of fun activities teachers should look for in products they create, purchase or download as a printable worksheets or games.

Word Search Puzzles These are easily created with programs found online or customized by hand using graph paper. Pre-made puzzles can be purchased, downloaded and saved for future use. The key here is to be sure the words are at the reading level of your students.Never just assign a word search puzzle without also including a way for the students to use the word independently. An example would be to write ten sentences, trying to fit two or three words in each sentence.
Fill in the Blank Word Puzzles These usually involve a particular word with some letters left blank and some additional activity to find the correct letter. It might be unscrambling. Often these worksheets include secret messages that are solved using letters from the words. Again in order to help build vocabulary, the students need to use the words from their assignments, may-be during an in class review or orally reciting a sentence as they go over homework in class.

Math Worksheets Normally math worksheets for Halloween are a worksheet pages decorated with pumpkins or ghosts and possible a secret word. What would be perfect for math Halloween homework is something different, where you might work with place value, or factors or review order of operations. Take the time to look for some quality math ideas to use as a fun Halloween activity assigned for homework.

Writing Prompts Teachers are always looking for new and different prompts to use for writing assignments. A motivating writing prompt pre-written on a Halloween designed worksheet that students to use for homework is an essential resource to have on hand.

Story Starters It is very common for higher elementary and middle school classes to begin the school year with a review of the plot chart. Halloween is perfect timing to put those to use and have the students write their own short story, with characters, conflict, the climax and a Resolution. With graphic organizers plan that provides the plot elements has long been a thorough review of these conditions. This is a perfect long-term task, because the history of Halloween.

Puzzles and Logic Puzzles for a Super Brain Teaser Poster weekly use with students during Halloween is some opportunity for students to solve problems. Send every student home with some of these challenges and areup with solutions is a simple yet effective way to get them to use problem solving skills and to get their families involved as well.
Halloween comes once a year whether teacher like it or not. The closer the holiday comes, the harder it is to keep student focused. Having some fun Halloween activities to use as homework assignments may be just the thing needed to tap into that energy, and keep their brains focused on academics.

Challenge Your Child Outside the Classroom

There is a constant emphasis in schools on getting students up to speed and helping students that are falling behind. But what if your child is already meeting state standards for his grade level? Or maybe you just want to be sure your child has the opportunity to get ahead. Sure, your child's teacher can do a lot to challenge him, but there are also many things you can do at home. These ideas are a great starting point for parents of exceptional students.

Talk to your child's teacher or librarian about books that are appropriate for an above grade-level reader. Many times, books at higher reading levels contain content for older students so you will want to be selective when choosing challenging books. Look for books that are at a higher reading level but a lower (grade level)  interest level. If you don't have the time to preread books for your child,  Hoagies' Gifted Education (see link below) has a list of reading materials for above-level readers.
If your child is in high school, many community colleges allow students to begin earning college credits early.
For students excelling in math, allow your child to work ahead on concepts being taught in class. For example, if he is learning division, challenge him with remainders. Ask your child's teacher if the school's curriculum materials offer challenge books that you child can do at home.
Many exceptional children do well and have fun with brain teasers. Check your local book store for some or find them online, like those found on National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences or AZ Kids Net.
Take advantage of your community. Museums are learning warehouses. Find a topic your child is interested in, and search for a museum that caters to that interest.

One of the most important things to remember is that a child that needs to be challenged doesn't simply need more work; he needs more challenging work or activities that are outside or an extension of what he is doing in the classroom. Communication with his teacher is key in order to bridge what you are doing at home with what your child is able to accomplish in the classroom.