Closing the Word Gap

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Researchers at the University of Toronto investigate links between family income, children's vocabulary and academic achievement and cultural factors. How closing the 'word gap' could give poorer kids an equal chance at success

Light it up blue- World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.   Click on the link to learn how you can light it up blue:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/03/18/5-ways-you-can-light-it-blue-world-autism-awareness-day

4 Myths About Speech Problems In Children

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4 Myths About Speech Problems In Children: 

 1. Children grow out of speech problems  

      2. Speech problems are caused by tongue tie 

    3. Children who don't speak clearly are lazy

      4. Therapy for speech problems doesn't work

An infant's brain maps language from birth

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A recent study from McGill University reveals that an infant's brain maps language from birth.  The language spoken to an infant is recognized by that child's brain years later even if the child no longer speaks the language. http://time.com/3593064/an-infants-brain-maps-language-from-birth-study-says/

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Boogie Board: a high tech/low tech homework helper

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The Boogie Board is an LCD eWriter which acts like paper & pencil but has the capacity to store and transfer files electronically.  One potential application for students, is using the Boogie Board for note taking. Research suggests handwritten notes are more beneficial for processing conceptual knowledge than typing on a laptop (Abstract ). The eWriter may also benefit students who employ it as a scratch pad, to check their spelling or complete math computations.

Too much screen time may harm children's language and literacy skills

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Many parents put limits on their children's screen time. Read more about the research that backs this practice: http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/too-much-screen-time-may-harm-childrens-oral-skills-research-suggests-20141130-11mvo1.html

Raising a Deaf Child Makes the World Sound Different

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Lydia Denworth,  a journalist and parent, describes how having a child with a hearing loss has changed the way she listens. She describes the power of sound in shaping speech, language and literacy skills.  Raising a Deaf Child Makes the World Sound Different

Christmas shopping? See which toys could damage your child's hearing.

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Noise induced hearing loss can result from a single exposure to a very loud sound or prolonged exposure to moderately loud sounds.  Two dozen popular toys were tested to see if they made the grade.  Toys that could damage your child's hearing | UC Irvine Health | Orange County, CA