The Third Teacher: Environment

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Children need repetition to build strong brain pathways, but play makes it happen way faster (10 to 20 repetitions vs. 400+) because fun and curiosity activate the brain’s reward system, boosting learning and memory, unlike dull drills which require more effort to form those crucial neural connections for skills and understanding. It’s the difference between boring homework and a favorite game - play makes learning stick effortlessly.

To elaborate, each repetition strengthens the connection (synapse) between neurons, making it easier for the brain to access the information or skill later, like building a road. Consistent practice builds skill, accuracy and a sense of accomplishment. Repeating concepts helps children grasp them deeply and internalize routines, providing security and focus.

Play releases dopamine, activating the brain’s reward system, making learning pleasurable and memorable. When kids are having fun (board games, imaginative play, repeating songs), they’re intrinsically motivated to keep going, making repetition feel effortless and fun. Play involves cognitive, emotional, and communication skills, creating richer, more interconnected neural networks.

In essence, while a child can learn through sheer repetition (like drills), they learn significantly faster and more deeply when that repetition is embedded in play because play leverages the brain’s natural reward and curiosity systems, transforming tedious practice into joyful discovery.

Check out the comments section - you’ll find a variety of repetitive play ideas to strengthen your child’s neural connections fast ❤️

SOURCE: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/07/it-s-kid-s-job

It totally works. I’m 62. #thelion #ilovethe80s #80sworkout #greerchilders #sketchcomedy

Peek at the process behind making a large ice dyed mandala design. Thanks for watching! #tiedye #icedye #artoftheday

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Little people and big people too.

To a wonderful artist

Thank you

https://www.facebook.com/savvydragonart

And Thank you to a Dog Lover for sharing this beautiful poem

“The corgi's lament

I woke up in my basket, the day after you'd gone.
I felt so sad and lonely, no lap to sit upon.
I had no-one to run to,
No treats to take with glee.
I had no plans for walkies, now you are not with me.
I know I'll be looked after,
I know they will be kind.
But you were my true Mistress,
And I've been left behind.
I hope your journey's peaceful and all I wish and pray,
Is I'll be there beside you,
Once again one day.”

We also was to acknowledge the artist

Thank you

https://www.facebook.com/savvydragonart

Phillip came to me today,
and said it was time to go.
I looked at him and smiled,
as i whispered that "I know"

I then turned and looked behind me,
and seen I was asleep.
All my Family were around me,
and I could hear them weep.

I gently touched each shoulder,
with Phillip by my side.
Then I turned away and walked,
with My Angel guide.

Phillip held my hand,
as he lead the way,
to a world where King's and Queens,
are Monarch's every day.

I was given a crown to wear
or a Halo known by some.
The difference is up here,
they are worn by everyone.

I felt a sense of peace,
my reign had seen its end.
70 years I had served my Country,
as the peoples friend.

Thank you for the years,
for all your time and love.
Now I am one of two again,
in our Palace up above.

Author Unknown

Today I was running low on pencils, so I asked all of my kids to pull out any of my pencils that they had in their desks. I had one student ask me if he could keep his pencils that his mom gave him for school. Of course, I said yes.

He then said, “Well, I guess I’ll give you a few so my classmates can have them too.”

I thought nothing of it and took the pencils that he handed me. When I was sharpening them, I noticed writing on a few of them. I then realized that my student’s mother took the time to write on his pencils. I asked him if he would mind showing me the rest of them. What I read melted my heart:

- You are so talented.
- This will be a great year.
- You are creative.
- You are phenomenal.
- Never give up.
- You can do this.
- You are knowledgeable.
- You are a math whiz.
- You are intelligent.
- Proud of you everyday.
- I love you.
- You have a brilliant mind.
- You are wonderful.
- You are a problem solver.
- Follow your dreams.
- You are perfect.
- I am proud of you.
- You will change the world.
- You are amazing.
- You are the best.
- You are important.

This probably took his mom a few minutes to do, yet it lit up his whole day at school. He wasn’t embarrassed that his mom wrote on his pencils.

Thanks to his mom, he was reminded of his self worth and wanted to share the same feeling with his classmates. THESE are the things that we should be reminding our kids (both parents AND teachers).

Imagine the look on a child’s face when they are reminded that they are important, talented, loved, knowledgeable and so much more. Help them know that someone believes in them and is proud of them in everything they do. Even if you think it is cheesy or you don’t have enough time or that you will have little impact, remember that you may be the only one telling and reminding them these things and EVERY kid needs to know their value.

This is why I teach. ❤️

written by Amanda Cox
——-

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At around the age of 3 children can understand turn taking but they may not be able to consistently share till around school age. Don't force toddlers to share; it actually delays the development of sharing skills. Kids need to feel secure in their ownership before they can share. Instead, introduce the concept of taking turns. (“It's Billy's turn to use the car. Then it will be your turn. I'll help you wait.").

Sharing is something that needs to be taught, but never forced. Learning to share is a process and it starts with turn taking. When children learn that taking turns doesn't mean they lose the toy, they will feel safe to share. With young children you could hug a toy and then give it to them to hug. Or roll a ball to them. Make sure you are saying "my turn, your turn" so they understand the concept. If they find this particularly difficult you can use a timer so the turn has an end.
Older children can practice turn taking by playing board games or card games. It is helpful to point out that games are more fun when we share.

Find out more:
https://www.thetherapistparent.com/