4. Enriched Environments & The Brain

"Today, consensus tells us that heredity provides about 30 - 60% of our brain's wiring and that 40 - 70% is the environmental impact" The variety comes from a variety of factors including the genes that each parent brings to the table.

As educators, we can most influence the "nurture" aspect of our students. We can start by removing threats to the environment. This includes "embarassment, finger-pointing, unrealistic deadlines, forcing kids to stay after school, sarcasm, or simply being bullied." According to the book, there is no evidence that threats are an effective way to meet long-term academic goals. Once threats are gone, we can work on the enrichment process.


DISCUSSION QUESTION
At my school, they have what is called the 'drop-dead' date for an assignment, suggesting that's what the students can do if they miss it. Is this kind of approach valuable or intimidating? Don't we need limits put on our students? For myself, my policy is that if you make an effort and hit the deadline, you can resubmit as much as you want to improve on your mark. Thoughts?


Brain plasticity is touched on in this section. This theory argues that as your environment changes, so too does the way your brain develops. This can be tricky because if it is an environment that a student doesn't like due to an earlier incident in their lives which their brain now is associating this new environment, there will be a lot of negativity. Case in point, look at the students in your school who hate being there. Well, if that's how their brain perceives the environment, it takes a lot to get it to change how it views your class as well.

There is a myth that suggests only "gifted" students benefit from enrichment. However, this is the farthest thing from the truth. We need to stimulate all brains, not just those we deem extra-worthy of the opportunity.

For example, it's much easier to learn to play an instrument before the age of 10. If your school doesn't offer that, it might be time to look into it so that you can offer as much stimulation and opportunities for growth as possible.

What constitutes enrichment, however, is up to you to decide. Typically, it's extra activities, field trips, and a diversified learning environment. For example, it could be as simple as reading a book. Parents should read to their kids at 6 months of age and not wait until they're four or five years old.

Sports is another enrichment opportunity as it is important for motor stimulation. If athletes love participating in the field, then this makes sense that they adopt it for kinesthetic learning in their academic classes.

Other places to develop enrichment:

• arts, drama, and music
  
• puzzles
• word games
• hypothetical problems
• new surroundings/field trips
• seating arrangements in classrooms

DISCUSSION QUESTION:
What other opportunities can you think of to develop or provide enrichment?