Suggested Research/Articles/Good Reading!
Multi-Sensory Learning (MSL)
A nice summary/intro about multi-sensory learning:
http://www.lexiconreadingcenter.org/what-is-multisensory-teaching-techniques.html
Another similar overview with advice:
http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instructionalmaterials/p/mulitsensory.htm
An article regarding different parts of the brain and how multi-sensory learning builds stronger neural connections:
Article about Learning Styles and Memory which nicely addresses the importance of MSL:
http://www2.swccd.edu/~asc/ED%20100-101%20docs/LS_Memory.pdf
Article about MSL for people with dyslexia:
Article highlighting the positive impact of MSL:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0001532#abstract0
The Handbook of Multisensory Processes: A book dedicated to the importance of MSL:
http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/handbook-multisensory-processes
An oldie but a goodie article showing that physically tracing a letter improved letter recognition:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
All About PLAY!
Importance of play in “Executive Function and ADD”
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21622965.2013.839612#.U8ShMJRX-uY
A Summary of the “False Dichotomy” Between Learning and Play
http://www.naeyc.org/content/research-news-you-can-use-play-vs-learning
The Importance of Exploratory Play
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2011/03/why_preschool_shouldnt_be_like_school.html
Benefits of Play, Including Imaginative Play
http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-your-child-benefits-from-play_64065.bc
The Cognitive Benefits of Play
http://www.parentingscience.com/benefits-of-play.html
Lack of Free-Play Harms Kids
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/8-26-2011-lack-of-free-play-is-harming-our-kid/
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations About Increasing Play
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182.full
Importance of Imaginative Play and the Development of Executive Function
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514
A Review of an article that points out that “pretend play” is important for learning
http://www.naeyc.org/content/research-news-pretend-play-is-important
Importance of “Pretend Play”
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/02052014-why-should-we-encourage-pretend-play/
An E-Bay Article on the Importance of Pretend Play
http://www.ebay.com/gds/7-Reasons-Why-Pretend-Play-Is-Good-for-Children-/10000000177633904/g.html
A very scholarly article about the Importance of Pretend Play
The Importance of Pretend Play
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/creativity-play/importance-pretend-play
Peer and Social Learning
Nice overview of Social Learning Theory:
http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/sociallearning.htm
Wikipedia’s beautiful explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_learning_theory
And Wiki’s explanation of peer learning:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_learning
Review of “trends in peer learning” :
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443410500345172#tabModule
Article assessing the importance of peer learning in higher education:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0260293990240405#.U-BqP6JX-uY
A nice article about peer mentoring/tutoring:
http://www.knewton.com/blog/ed-tech/student-centered-learning-magic-peer-mentoring/