Play Grows Young Minds in Scientific Fields

To ensure that our nation nurtures a sufficient crop of future scientists, mathematicians and engineers, we need to put play back into the classroom according to an article in the latest issue of the American Journal of Play (a scholarly journal from Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York).

Most experts agree that children learn best while having fun through imaginative, self-directed play, says Doris Bergen, professor of educational psychology at Miami University. Play keeps the mind sharp (even for older adults) and helps humans to cope with change and deal with the unknown.
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States Commit to Pre-K Programs

Even as they confront significant economic challenges and cut spending, the majority of the nation’s governors are increasing or protecting state investments in pre-k programs, says Pre-K Now’s annual report, released in May. “Leadership Matters: Governors’ Pre-K Budget Proposals Fiscal Year 2010” evaluates budget proposals for the next year and governors’ remarks in recent state-of-the-state addresses to determine which leaders count voluntary, high-quality pre-k among their top education and economic development strategies.
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Elmo, Gordon, Sesame Workshop and the Ad Council Deliver an Important Message to Kids

A national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage American families and children to take steps to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus was launched last month by the Department of Health & Human Services, the Ad Council and Sesame Workshop.

On June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, reflecting the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of the world.
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Sleep. Why It’s Important for Kids

Just like good nutrition, the importance of sleep cannot be overrated when it comes to kids’ health and performance in school. From poorer test scores to excessive weight gain, a lack of sleep is taking its toll.
Children can experience a variety of ramifications from lack of sleep: They may get hyper, become disagreeable, exhibit extremes in behavior, or have a harder time falling asleep (if they’re overtired). A child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) who is sleep-deprived may find that the ADD symptoms are exacerbated.
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