Web Exclusive: Power Up His Brain

In the May 2009 issue of Young Parents, we looked at how super foods can help your child become a better student. Now, load up on more tips to give Junior that extra edge.

More shuteye and glucose
Sleep improves learning. Try an occasional glucose drink as the brain needs glucose for memory.

Manage the stress
“It’s more difficult to be a kid now than it was 10, 20 years ago,” says Eric Jensen, a leading educator in the US and the author of books such as Brain-Based Learning & Teaching. “The ultimate answer to learning effectively would be to teach kids how to regulate their own stress so ultimately, they become more capable human beings.”

Break down learning and build associations
Break down important information into small chunks, and teach with a little humour and fun. “I think it’s also really important to build on prior learning in kids. When they learn something new, build an association with something they’ve already learnt so it makes sense,” says Eric.

Don’t worry about grades
As radical as it sounds, “When your kid’s 30, no one’s going to ask him what his grades were in school,” says Eric. “Parents in Singapore always want to know how much content their child amassed today to pass the test. Children go to school to train their minds to be curious and develop it so they are prepared for life after school. What parents often fail to recognise is that the number one factor to kids doing well in life is not grades or IQ. It’s effort. Second is, people skills. Schools don’t usually teach those.”

How to teach without teaching