Engaging students in real-world tasks, such as apprenticeships, work/study opportunities, and community service projects impacts cognitive development more than classroom assignments or exams. Research has shown that engagement with complex real world tasks forges and strengthens neural pathways. Diving into that physically and mentally difficult job is a great exercise for building brain power. Let’s get students out of the classroom and moving about in the real world!
Engaging seniors in sharing memories and building oral traditions helps to maintain neural networks and strengthen emotional relationships. On the other hand, adopting a sedentary lifestyle invites illness. Outdoor activities with friends and family preserve physical health. Sharing childhood memories is a great mental stretching exercise to keep us mentally sharp and emotionally happy. Let’s get seniors and elders out of isolation!
Engaging children outside, connecting to nature, creating mixed-media art sculptures supports brain-building and keeps kids physically and emotionally healthy. “Conversation Art” is all about building and strengthening inter-generational relationships, bringing elders and children together to talk about the latest junk sculpture creation. Let’s get children out from behind their desks…out of single-age classrooms!
Exercise helps all ages build new brain cells. ‘Move it or lose it’ takes on new meaning when we understand that physical movement helps us learn and stay healthy, regardless of our age. Good nutrition, mental challenges, and consistent activities that connect us with nature all contribute to health and happiness well into old age. Have conversations with your grandparents and elderly relatives, start a conversation with a special child, share a meal, take a walk together…what have you got to learn?
u.m.schin