今天無線電視台星期二檔案，介紹一對夫婦，開店賣朱古力，用利潤支持一間為語言障礙孩子，提供免費言語治療的中心，赤子童心，令人敬仰。
語障是可以避免的發育問題。語障是腦語言細胞發育不全，未能建立完整的辨音系統，無法正常處理語音訊息。隨著教育普及，高教育的父母，雙雙均有自已的事業，嬰兒在首八個月語言細胞發育高峰期，往往在嚴重缺乏和人溝通、嚴重缺乏語言環境下長大，導致發育不全。語障在英國、美國、香港等富裕社會，已愈來愈普遍。
香港大學兒科曾於2005年就362名嚴重語障孩子進行研究，發現家有外佣的孩子，語障風險高70%，父母在家裡說多於一種語言的孩子，語障風險高200%。是因為混淆而引起語障？但為什麼兩族通婚的孩子，雙語流利，星加坡、瑞士、北歐等多語地區，孩子不但沒有混淆、出現語障，語言水平更遠超單語國家？
高收入(有外佣)、高教育(母語外並精通英語)的父母，雙雙各有自已的事業，工作時間長，對嬰兒的時間小。嬰兒出生後首半年語言發育高峰期，孩子在嚴重缺乏語言環境、缺乏語言刺激的環境下長大，語言細胞神經末稍無法連線，無法建立辨音系統，形成語言障礙，及低智商。(請參考16.12.09網誌 Harvard Medical School study: children in Romanian orphanages had lower IQ)
嬰兒成長，一方面需要營養，更需要一個良好的成長環境。溫馨、及豐富的語言環境，刺激語言細胞神經末稍的連線，語言及其他的感官刺激，刺激腦部發育，令嬰兒更聰明。
外佣少與嬰兒談天，家裡嚴重缺乏語言環境。物以類聚，生物只能通過和同類接觸而學習，不能通過電視、影碟學習。(請參考2.12.09網誌 Baby Einstein, the best selling baby DVD in US)
如父母均需外出工作，應早日參加東山語言中心的『資優兒培訓計劃』，安排外佣每天抱嬰兒參加中心活動，每週起碼3次，最好是每日一次。父母放假的日子，應多和孩子玩耍、談心，唱兒歌，不必參加中心活動。正如已有母乳的日子，不需再喂奶粉。
『資優兒培訓計劃』，在父母上班的時候，提供互動和豐富的語言環境。這是一項經一萬小時研究、已累積5年經驗，証明非常成功的計劃。參加這計劃的孩子，長大後特別聰明，外語能力特別強，面試時佔盡優勢。
如你有好友有初生嬰兒或快張臨盤，這段訊息，會是最寶貴的聖誕禮物。請把 link 電郵給她。
22.12.09
21.12.09
Positive experiences and environments are critical to their healthy development.
Recent research on the brain development of young children demonstrates that positive experiences and environments are critical to their healthy development. This raises the question about how best to promote the cognitive, social and emotional development for children.
A baby's brain is only 40 percent developed at birth, so brain growth during the early years is very robust. In the first month alone, the connections between the 100 billion brain cells have increased 20-fold to about 1,000 trillion.
Linda Craven: Early experiences have lifelong impact on child's brain
Statesman's Journal, Oregan. December 20, 2009
Linda Craven of Silverton is the program chair and faculty member of the Early Childhood Education department at Chemeketa Community College.
The massive neuron in a baby's brain sets the stage for wiring (learning) to take place upon stimulation from human interaction. Playgroups provide positive experiences and environment for babies to grow up.
A baby's brain is only 40 percent developed at birth, so brain growth during the early years is very robust. In the first month alone, the connections between the 100 billion brain cells have increased 20-fold to about 1,000 trillion.
Linda Craven: Early experiences have lifelong impact on child's brain
Statesman's Journal, Oregan. December 20, 2009
Linda Craven of Silverton is the program chair and faculty member of the Early Childhood Education department at Chemeketa Community College.
The massive neuron in a baby's brain sets the stage for wiring (learning) to take place upon stimulation from human interaction. Playgroups provide positive experiences and environment for babies to grow up.
16.12.09
Harvard Medical School study: children in Romanian orphanages had lower IQ
An ongoing Harvard Medical School study called the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, has shown that children in Romanian orphanages had significantly lower IQs (65 versus 103) than children living in the community.
Those living in orphanages also have a much higher rate of mental illness than those living in the community, the study also shows.
Those placed in foster families made dramatic recoveries in mental health and language acquisition - but the success rates were significantly diminished for those who were older than two when they were put into the foster homes.
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121409b.shtml Dec 14, 2009
This adds to evidence on the importance of human interaction, stimulation and a rich language environment during the first 2 years after birth. Our research shows that the first 6 months after birth is critical to brain and language development.
Our Gifted Babies program is a brain development program for babies from high income highly educated families during weekdays when both parents are away at work. Many babies are brought up in acute deprivation of interaction with people and language stimulation, akin to babies in orphanages.
The program mimics a round the world tour. A group of babies of similar age join an arm chair tour. A local guide, i.e. the native teacher, will organize singing, exercising and story sessions with the babies in the host language. The group moves on to another country the next day, and the day after. The 5-country tour repeats on a weekly basis, with different themes, but often familiar songs which babies love to hear.
The Gifted Babies program expose young children to the sounds and culture of different countries. This stimulates the massive wiring of brain synapses. Babies become more responsive, more curious and more intelligent. The languages they pick up so effortlessly is just an added bonus.
By the age of two, Beaumont babies are confident, elogquent and can speak the 5 languages they learn with as much details as a native speaker. When they attend interviews in English for kindergarten admission, they are often asked this question:
"Have you come back from abroad?"
"Why?" Parents sometimes ask.
"How come your child speaks English so well?" The teacher wonders.
Early exposure to native English speakers does make a lot of difference.
Same applies to Putonghua, and other languages.
Why not make the best use of the opportunity when your baby is still growing up?
Those living in orphanages also have a much higher rate of mental illness than those living in the community, the study also shows.
Those placed in foster families made dramatic recoveries in mental health and language acquisition - but the success rates were significantly diminished for those who were older than two when they were put into the foster homes.
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121409b.shtml Dec 14, 2009
This adds to evidence on the importance of human interaction, stimulation and a rich language environment during the first 2 years after birth. Our research shows that the first 6 months after birth is critical to brain and language development.
Our Gifted Babies program is a brain development program for babies from high income highly educated families during weekdays when both parents are away at work. Many babies are brought up in acute deprivation of interaction with people and language stimulation, akin to babies in orphanages.
The program mimics a round the world tour. A group of babies of similar age join an arm chair tour. A local guide, i.e. the native teacher, will organize singing, exercising and story sessions with the babies in the host language. The group moves on to another country the next day, and the day after. The 5-country tour repeats on a weekly basis, with different themes, but often familiar songs which babies love to hear.
The Gifted Babies program expose young children to the sounds and culture of different countries. This stimulates the massive wiring of brain synapses. Babies become more responsive, more curious and more intelligent. The languages they pick up so effortlessly is just an added bonus.
By the age of two, Beaumont babies are confident, elogquent and can speak the 5 languages they learn with as much details as a native speaker. When they attend interviews in English for kindergarten admission, they are often asked this question:
"Have you come back from abroad?"
"Why?" Parents sometimes ask.
"How come your child speaks English so well?" The teacher wonders.
Early exposure to native English speakers does make a lot of difference.
Same applies to Putonghua, and other languages.
Why not make the best use of the opportunity when your baby is still growing up?
15.12.09
Babies learn from interaction with the same species
Babies learn from interaction with the same species, not through TV or DVD. This has been confirmed by two important researches conducted by the Washington University in 2003 and 2007. Many research shows that TV is bad for babies below 2 years of age.
The initial months after birth are crucial to brain and language development. Your baby needs rich language stimulation during this period.
Research in North Carolina Univeristy from 1972-2007 proves that early language training boots IQ.
Babies from high income highly educated families are at higher risk as both parents are likely to have their own careers. Research shows that babies brought up under acute deprivation of interaction with people often suffer from retarded brain growth and language impairment, irrespective of the good genes they inherited from their parents.
Knowledge is power. Update your knowledge base from the Saturday Parenting Seminar at our Admiralty Centre. Reservation: 2866 2028.
The initial months after birth are crucial to brain and language development. Your baby needs rich language stimulation during this period.
Research in North Carolina Univeristy from 1972-2007 proves that early language training boots IQ.
Babies from high income highly educated families are at higher risk as both parents are likely to have their own careers. Research shows that babies brought up under acute deprivation of interaction with people often suffer from retarded brain growth and language impairment, irrespective of the good genes they inherited from their parents.
Knowledge is power. Update your knowledge base from the Saturday Parenting Seminar at our Admiralty Centre. Reservation: 2866 2028.
14.12.09
Happy 55th Anniversary!
QES celebrates its 55th Anniversary! The school has produced a number of King Edward Scholars who are the Top Student of the Year in School Certificate Examinations.
Dr. Arthur Hinton was the Principal who succeeded Mr. CHEUNG Wai Fung, Founding Principal of QES. He is a legendary figure at 89 years of age, a pioneer in promoting an all-round education through extra curricular activities and service to community, a mentor to so many of us throughout the past half a century. Dr. Hinton is an Advisor to Le Beaumont. He advises us to look for teachers with passion, empathy and commitment rather than just paper qualification.
Le Beaumont would like to dedicate its rediscovering the learning of languages to all parents and to all children, especially babies to be born in 2010. Bring your baby to Le Beaumont after the first month, 40 minutes a day, Monday to Friday, and expose your baby to native teachers in 5 languages. Your baby will grow up with higher EQ, IQ & LQ. By the 2nd year, your baby will be able to speak to speak 5 languages like a native speaker, not only in English, but also in Putonghua, French, Spanish and Japanese!
Babies are better at learning languages than adults. Babies learn better & faster. But why? How? What is the process involved? How can you help to maximize the language potential of your baby? Come and share 10,000 hours of research on early brain development and language acquisition in the Parenting Seminar to be held every Saturday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and from 2 - 3:30 p.m. at Admiralty Centre. Reserve your seat early. Tel: 2866 2028.
Dr. Arthur Hinton was the Principal who succeeded Mr. CHEUNG Wai Fung, Founding Principal of QES. He is a legendary figure at 89 years of age, a pioneer in promoting an all-round education through extra curricular activities and service to community, a mentor to so many of us throughout the past half a century. Dr. Hinton is an Advisor to Le Beaumont. He advises us to look for teachers with passion, empathy and commitment rather than just paper qualification.
Le Beaumont would like to dedicate its rediscovering the learning of languages to all parents and to all children, especially babies to be born in 2010. Bring your baby to Le Beaumont after the first month, 40 minutes a day, Monday to Friday, and expose your baby to native teachers in 5 languages. Your baby will grow up with higher EQ, IQ & LQ. By the 2nd year, your baby will be able to speak to speak 5 languages like a native speaker, not only in English, but also in Putonghua, French, Spanish and Japanese!
Babies are better at learning languages than adults. Babies learn better & faster. But why? How? What is the process involved? How can you help to maximize the language potential of your baby? Come and share 10,000 hours of research on early brain development and language acquisition in the Parenting Seminar to be held every Saturday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and from 2 - 3:30 p.m. at Admiralty Centre. Reserve your seat early. Tel: 2866 2028.
10.12.09
Research Links Early Exposure to Language in Babies to Easier Acquisition of the Language as Adults
Tue Dec 8 14:43:55 2009 Pacific Time
NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Dec. 8 (AScribe Newswire) -- Most scientists agree that the earlier you expose a child to a language, the easier it is for that child to learn it.
California State University, Northridge assistant professor of psychology Janet S. Oh wanted to take that concept a step further. She wondered whether early experience with a language - say before the age of one - can still help an adult many years later to acquire that language more easily that an individual who has not had such early exposure.
"Early indications are that it does," said Oh, who published the results of her pilot study in the latest issue of the Journal of Child Language.
Oh's pilot study compared 12 adults adopted from Korea by U.S. families as young children to 13 participants who had no prior exposure to Korean. All but one of the 12 adopted Koreans were brought to the U.S. prior to age one. Because their adoptive families were European Americans, the adopted Korean adults had little to no exposure to Korean after adoption. Oh wanted to find out whether relearning can aid in accessing early childhood language memory.
All 25 participants in the study were recruited and tested during the second week of the first semester of college Korean language classes. They completed a language background questionnaire and interview, a childhood slang task and a Korean phoneme identification task. Phonemes are the smallest contrastive units in the sound system of a language.
"The results revealed an advantage for adopted participants in identifying some Korean phonemes, suggesting that some components of early childhood language memory can remain intact despite many years of disuse, and that relearning a language can help in accessing such a memory," Oh said.
Oh had a suspicion that the adopted adults might have had some advantage in learning Korean as adults, but she didn't expect the results she got.
"The average age of adoption was five months, so we really weren't sure what the study would find," she said. "They were infants when they came to the United States so they weren't even speaking yet, and all exposure to Korean language and culture was pretty much cut off. Yet, when they started studying Korean as adults they clearly mastered learning the sounds that make up the language much easier than those who never had exposure to the language."
Oh said she chose Korean in part because the sounds that make up the language are so different from English. The distinctions between the speech sounds initially can be quite difficult for non-native speakers to hear, much less produce.
[This is yet another piece of scientific evidence to confirm Le Beaumont's Gifted Babies Program. The first piece of evidence we have was that a 65 year old student of ours were able to recognize the basic sounds of Putonghua he was exposed to as a baby. The 2nd piece of evidence was that a 29 year old student of ours was not longer able to recognize the basic sounds of Putonghua without any exposure as a baby. If you want your child to learn English and Putonghua well, start as early as possible, as a baby. The same principle applies to other key languages in the world. Le Beaumont Language Centre is leading the world in the R & D of early brain development and language acquisition. Come to the Saturday Parenting Seminar to share 10,000 hours of research for free. It may change the whole future of your child.]
NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Dec. 8 (AScribe Newswire) -- Most scientists agree that the earlier you expose a child to a language, the easier it is for that child to learn it.
California State University, Northridge assistant professor of psychology Janet S. Oh wanted to take that concept a step further. She wondered whether early experience with a language - say before the age of one - can still help an adult many years later to acquire that language more easily that an individual who has not had such early exposure.
"Early indications are that it does," said Oh, who published the results of her pilot study in the latest issue of the Journal of Child Language.
Oh's pilot study compared 12 adults adopted from Korea by U.S. families as young children to 13 participants who had no prior exposure to Korean. All but one of the 12 adopted Koreans were brought to the U.S. prior to age one. Because their adoptive families were European Americans, the adopted Korean adults had little to no exposure to Korean after adoption. Oh wanted to find out whether relearning can aid in accessing early childhood language memory.
All 25 participants in the study were recruited and tested during the second week of the first semester of college Korean language classes. They completed a language background questionnaire and interview, a childhood slang task and a Korean phoneme identification task. Phonemes are the smallest contrastive units in the sound system of a language.
"The results revealed an advantage for adopted participants in identifying some Korean phonemes, suggesting that some components of early childhood language memory can remain intact despite many years of disuse, and that relearning a language can help in accessing such a memory," Oh said.
Oh had a suspicion that the adopted adults might have had some advantage in learning Korean as adults, but she didn't expect the results she got.
"The average age of adoption was five months, so we really weren't sure what the study would find," she said. "They were infants when they came to the United States so they weren't even speaking yet, and all exposure to Korean language and culture was pretty much cut off. Yet, when they started studying Korean as adults they clearly mastered learning the sounds that make up the language much easier than those who never had exposure to the language."
Oh said she chose Korean in part because the sounds that make up the language are so different from English. The distinctions between the speech sounds initially can be quite difficult for non-native speakers to hear, much less produce.
[This is yet another piece of scientific evidence to confirm Le Beaumont's Gifted Babies Program. The first piece of evidence we have was that a 65 year old student of ours were able to recognize the basic sounds of Putonghua he was exposed to as a baby. The 2nd piece of evidence was that a 29 year old student of ours was not longer able to recognize the basic sounds of Putonghua without any exposure as a baby. If you want your child to learn English and Putonghua well, start as early as possible, as a baby. The same principle applies to other key languages in the world. Le Beaumont Language Centre is leading the world in the R & D of early brain development and language acquisition. Come to the Saturday Parenting Seminar to share 10,000 hours of research for free. It may change the whole future of your child.]
9.12.09
英語宜從幼時學
日文老師 Mika，在東山任職已有半年，將於下月回日本，離開東山。
『學外語最難是發音準確。發音出錯，人家根本不知道你想說什麼。』
『對呀！日本人覺得說英語很困難。』
『從你的教學經驗來說，幼兒和成人比較，誰對聲音的模仿力強？』
『幼兒！』
『如果要英語說得好，什麼方法最有效？』
『可能真的要參加東山語言中心的嬰幼兒培訓計劃，自幼學起。』
『學生中有成功例子嗎？』
『成功的例子很多：不到一歲的嬰兒，已明白日語說的指示；
一個一歲兩個月的學生，只學了兩個月，日語單字說得很準確。』
『東山和妳以前任職的學校有什麼不同？』
『第一是東山的學生起步早，成效很好；
第二是東山在硬件和軟件上肯投資，學習環境好；
第三是老闆和同事非常好，孩子很可愛，很聰明；
第四是東山重視理論、研究和教學成績，質素很高。』
『在東山做得開心嗎？』
『做得非常開心，希望日後有機會再合作。』
『學外語最難是發音準確。發音出錯，人家根本不知道你想說什麼。』
『對呀！日本人覺得說英語很困難。』
『從你的教學經驗來說，幼兒和成人比較，誰對聲音的模仿力強？』
『幼兒！』
『如果要英語說得好，什麼方法最有效？』
『可能真的要參加東山語言中心的嬰幼兒培訓計劃，自幼學起。』
『學生中有成功例子嗎？』
『成功的例子很多：不到一歲的嬰兒，已明白日語說的指示；
一個一歲兩個月的學生，只學了兩個月，日語單字說得很準確。』
『東山和妳以前任職的學校有什麼不同？』
『第一是東山的學生起步早，成效很好；
第二是東山在硬件和軟件上肯投資，學習環境好；
第三是老闆和同事非常好，孩子很可愛，很聰明；
第四是東山重視理論、研究和教學成績，質素很高。』
『在東山做得開心嗎？』
『做得非常開心，希望日後有機會再合作。』
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