New Research in Gender Differences
Recently, I went to a workshop on this topic and found it fascinating! I will share with you some of the latest research.
In the past, there have been two schools of thought on gender differences. One school argues that sex differences are present from birth and should be accepted and embraced as natural and normal. The other school argues that sex differences are learned from caregivers and society and should be eliminated by changing the environment and society as a whole.
Recent research shows that differences between girls and boys are more profound than anybody ever guessed. Scientists are finding that each gender sees the world differently. Boys and girls each have retinas that are differently shaped. Girls’ eyes are best adapted to detect color and texture while boys’ eyes detect location, direction and speed. Therefore, girls are drawn to a colorful, richly textured doll and boys prefer a moving truck. Hearing and the shape of the inner ear itself is also different in each gender. Infant girls hear better than infant boys. In studies, music therapy was used for premature infants to help them develop and leave the hospital sooner. It worked for girls but not for boys. The conclusion reached was that the boys were not hearing the music as well or in the same way as the girls. The difference in how girls and boys hear has major implications for how parents and teachers should talk to children. One suggestion may be to raise your voice when talking to boys and lower it for girls.
Another interesting research finding is that girls tend to produce more oxytocin (human-bonding hormone) and serotonin (”feel-good” hormone). This helps explain why girls are more apt to be caregivers with dolls and stuffed animals. When girls play in this way, it activates the pleasure center in their brains. Boys, on the other hand, explore things physically by hitting, jumping, and playing rough. Boys enjoy intense, active games with chasing and running. Luckily, scientists find boys have more cerebrospinal fluid which protects their cranium from impact.
If this topic interests you, I would suggest you read the book, Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D, or go to the website: www.whygendermatters.com. This emerging science of gender differences can be useful for parents and teachers in helping children cope with challenges and reach their fullest potential.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator
Voice’s for Children Advocacy Day — Save this date!
Join nearly 1,000 parents, legislators, business leaders, early childhood educators, children, and early care and education advocacy groups at the State Capitol for the ninth annual “Voices for Children” rally.
This group will gather to urge the Legislature and Governor to make greater investments in early childhood care and education. A morning of activities including the rally, performances by the Teddy Bear Band and interactive music and story time are planned to engage attendees of all ages.
Ride the Head Start bus from the Range!
Contact Arrowhead Head Start Community Relations Manager Jerry Crittenden at 218-749-2912 x252 or jerry.crittenden@aeoa.org to be put on the list!
Learn more from:
- • Voices for Children
- • Ready 4 K
- • Interfaith Children’s Advocacy Network (iCAN)
- • Parents United for Public Schools
Greenhouse Update
The Virginia Greenhouse Feasibilty Study and Business Plan has been finalized. There will be a public meeting (Building and Grounds Committee of the Whole) and Open House on January 28, 2010.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
10-11 a.m. Tour of the Greenhouse for City Councilors (and staff and public)
11-12 p.m. Presentation by the University of MN Sustainability Partnership of the Greenhouse Feasibility Study & Business Plan
1-3 p.m. Public Open House at the Virginia Greenhouse
Please join us and spread the word!!
Nevada Littlewolf
Virginia City Council
Teaching Children Respect for Animals
5:00 to 5:30 p.m., January 25, 2010, Parkview Learning Center Library
A certified pet trainer will discuss the best way to approach an animal, how to read an animal’s body language, and how parents help their children have a loving relationship with family pets. Free. CEU’s available. Call 742-3805 for more information.
Citizen’s in Action Training in Duluth
Saturday, January 30, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (registration opens at 9:30 AM)
Unitarian Universalist Church, 835 West College Street, Duluth
Come learn about the process of government and how to effect positive change. Minnesota State Representative Frank Hornstein will be the keynote speaker. Local elected leaders are invited to participate in discussion with participants on today’s most pressing issues. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Duluth and over 20 area nonprofits.
Both events are free and open to the public. Call Jennifer at 865-0112 to carpool from the Quad Cities!
Ready 4 K January Milestones
From Ready 4 K
Todd Otis: Progress Report
There are five reasons 2010 is the year to seize the opportunity to make significant strides for school readiness in Minnesota. Read more…
Attend Your Precinct Caucus
February 2, 2010 you have the opportunity to gather with your neighbors, discuss issues that are important to you and directly influence the political process and the November elections. All this happens at your precinct caucus. A precinct caucus is Read more…
- • Better link for the Secretary of State caucusfinder (scheduled to be released Jan 20)
- • Precinct caucus information at Parents United
Get Ready! Voices for Children Advocacy Day
On March 1, 2010 at 10am nearly 1000 parents, legislators, business leaders, early childhood educators, children, and early care and education advocacy groups will unite at the State Capitol for the ninth annual “Voices for Children” rally. This group will gather to urge the Legislature and Governor to make greater investments in Read more…
- • Ride the Head Start bus from the Range! Contact Arrowhead Head Start Community Relations Manager Jerry Crittenden at 218-749-2912 x252 or jerry.crittenden@aeoa.org to be put on the list!
Action of the Month: Be prepared for the legislative session
The legislative session starts on February 4, 2010. Be sure you’re ready! Find out who represents you and be sure you download our advocacy toolkit to brush up on your advocacy skills. And come back during the legislative session to see more advocacy opportunities at www.ready4k.org/action.
- • My tip: Plug the telephone number for the Governor’s office into your cell phone so you can make your calls in the “in-betweens” — parents are busy!
Donate to Ready 4 K
Join us to assure every young child in Minnesota enters kindergarten encouraged, supported, and fully prepared for learning success. Donate today with our simple and secure online system. Thank you for your support. Click to donate.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Ready 4 K blog!
Join the Ready 4 K FaceBook group
Follow R4K at twitter.com/ready4k
Quad Cities Area Early Childhood Coalition Meeting
1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 14, Merritt Elementary School, Mountain Iron
Agenda: Continued planning of the spring literacy event.
Hostess: Jodie Phaneuf
Come join us to learn more about the coalition!
Disability Matters
Share your story with your Iron Range Legislators and the Capitol!
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 5:30 PM
Rustic Rock Chop House
301 Hat Trick Avenue, Eveleth
Hors d’oeuvres will be served
Let your legislators know how their work in St. Paul affects Iron Range children and adults with disabilities. Hear what they think will be happening in the new session. The economic downturn will not be going away soon and legislators will have to make some tough choices.
We need to help them by providing useful information. Come and share:
• Success Stories; Many community services can, and do, work!
• Your ideas for cost savings and/or getting rid of red tape
• The programs that you can’t live without
• The economic impact of community-based services and the jobs provided in communities all over
the Range
• What’s working in Education, and how Special Education funding and programs affect you and your
family
• What Personal Care Attendant cuts mean to your family
• The effect of waiting lists
• Your issues with Health and Dental Care
If possible, please come with your stories written, so our legislators can take your words back to St. Paul. Share the circumstances of your needs, describe services and how they are funded, the consequences or impact of losing services or funding, and describe possible solutions.
The event is free, but you must REGISTER in order to attend.
CALL Diane at 218-750-1251 to register.
Sponsored by the Northland Intervention Interagency Committee (NIIC) and Arc Range Chapter. Print and distribute the flyer!
Professional Development Activies required for Teacher Licensure Renewal
Professional Development Activies required for Teacher Licensure Renewal
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, February 8, Northeast Service Cooperative, 5525 Emerald Ave., Mt. Iron
This day long workshop will cover four areas needed to renew a license: mental health; positive behavioral intervention; accommodation, modification, & adaptation. Cost is $40 for lunch and materials. CEU\’s are available. Registration deadline is January 28, 2010. Call 741-0750 or go to www.nesc.k12.mn.us and select workshop registration.