« Too Much Sleep May Increase Stroke Risk in Menopausal Women | Main | Optimism an Aid to Stroke Recovery »
How to Improve the IQ of Your Child and Teenager
August 7, 2008
A recent report revealed that working with one’s own hands in a real world 3D environment is imperative for full cognitive and intellectual development. The report was released by Dr. Aric Sigman, who was commissioned by the Ruskin Mill Educational Trust.
Unfortunately, brain development of children from the Western world is being threatened by their failure to work with their hands in school and at home. Certain classes in school are becoming much less popular, and many schools do not even offer classes in areas that involve working with the hands due to lack of interest. These classes include woodworking, metal work, crafts, agriculture, music, and auto mechanics.
Why are these classes being cancelled? Because children want to play computer games and take computer classes. The Western world is fast becoming “a software instead of a screwdriver society.” Unfortunately, many people in our society today consider working with one’s hands to be for the “lower class.” Research has shown that increasing time spent on the virtual world of computers is displacing hands-on play and hands-on learning. Hands-on play and hands-on learning allow young people to:
• experience how the world works in a practical way
• gain an understanding of materials and processes, and
• make informed judgments about abstract concepts.
Dr. Sigman’s report pointed out that many 11 year olds have deficits in certain areas of their cognitive development that were not present in children of the same age a generation or two ago. There has also been a decline in the ability of young engineers and apprentices to conceptualize straightforward mechanical problems. The findings of Dr. Sigman’s report clearly emphasize the need for strengthening the role of “3D learning, and crafts in education today.” It also underscores the need for parents to take the responsibility to ensure their children get more of a hands-on upbringing.
Topics: Health News