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Research -- StepUp to Learn

The powerful impact of real-world learning experiences for kids

by StepUp Staff

The powerful impact of real-world learning experiences for kids

Researchers found that 4- to 9-year-old kids knew more about how animals are classified after a four-day camp at a zoo. It wasn’t that children who attended just knew more facts about animals, the researchers noted. The camp actually improved how they organized what they knew – a key component of learning.

Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement, Memory, Motivation

Boys with social difficulties most susceptible to early substance use, study finds

by StepUp Staff

Boys with social difficulties most susceptible to early substance use, study finds

Varying patterns of social, emotional and learning problems are associated with increases in verbal, physical and relational aggression and substance use among adolescent boys, according to a new study led by social work professor Kevin Tan.
Posted in Education, Social Skills

Kindergarten difficulties may predict academic achievement across primary grades

by StepUp Staff

Kindergarten difficulties may predict academic achievement across primary grades

New research suggests deficits in executive functions in kindergarten increase the risk for experiencing repeated academic difficulties in mathematics, reading and science from first to third grade.
Posted in Education, Mathematics, Memory, Reading Skills, School Readiness

Helping Children With ADHD Thrive in the Classroom

by StepUp Staff

Helping Children With ADHD Thrive in the Classroom

School is tough for a lot of children, but the classroom can be especially stressful for kids struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity diso...
Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement

Sensory Integration Dysfunction Case Study

by Jonathan Rowe

Sensory Integration Dysfunction Case Study

An August 2010 doctor’s report included history of Oromotor Dyspraxia, Auditory Sensitivity, Articulation Disorder, Developmental Language Delay, and Heavy Metal Toxicity which had improved with prior therapeutic interventions. Current diagnoses include Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Metabolic Disorder, and Developmental Coordination Disorder. Michael was receiving Speech Therapy 5 days a week and Occupational Therapy once a week. His delays first became evident at age 2 when he had not begun to talk.
Posted in Attention, Education, Language, Movement & Exercise, Neuroscience, School Readiness, Speech & Language

Pencil Grip is Less Important than Letter Formation and Speed

by StepUp Staff

Pencil Grip is Less Important than Letter Formation and Speed

The increased use of computers and tablets in schools and at home has shifted educational focus toward a child’s keyboard skills rather than handwriting. Children are still expected to learn how to write by hand, but the importance of letter formation and speed is often overlooked.
Posted in Education, Handwriting

New research helps to instill persistence in children

by StepUp Staff

New research helps to instill persistence in children

Encouraging children “to help,” rather than asking them to “be helpers,” can instill persistence as they work to fulfill daily tasks that are difficult to complete, finds a new psychology study.

 

Posted in Education, Motivation, School Readiness, Social Skills

Children take longer to learn two languages at once

by StepUp Staff

Children take longer to learn two languages at once

Worldwide immigration patterns are increasing the number of children who grow up exposed to two languages, a circumstance that provides numerous benefits as well as some challenges.
Posted in Education, Language, Speech & Language

Kids connect with robot reading partners

by StepUp Staff

Kids connect with robot reading partners

Kids learn better with a friend. They’re more enthusiastic and understand more if they dig into a subject with a companion. But what if that companion is artificial?
Posted in Attention, Education, Engagement, Motivation, Technology

Adults play a key role in children’s participation in school recess

by StepUp Staff

Adults play a key role in children’s participation in school recess

When adults are participants in school recess – leading games, monitoring play and ensuring conflicts are mediated quickly – children are more likely to be engaged in recess activities, a new study has found. 
Posted in Education, Health & Wellness, Movement & Exercise

How music lessons can improve language skills

by StepUp Staff

How music lessons can improve language skills

MIT study links piano education with better word discrimination by kindergartners. Many studies have shown that musical training can enhance language skills. However, it was unknown whether music lessons improve general cognitive ability, leading to better language proficiency, or if the effect of music is more specific to language processing.
Posted in Education, Music, Speech & Language

‘Teachers are brain engineers’: UW study shows how intensive instruction changes brain circuitry in struggling readers

by StepUp Staff

‘Teachers are brain engineers’: UW study shows how intensive instruction changes brain circuitry in struggling readers

A study from the University of Washington found that when children with reading difficulties underwent an intensive tutoring program, their brains’ white matter strengthened, and their reading skills improved.
Posted in Education, Neuroscience, Reading Skills