Outdoor Play
Children Building Brains Children Building Brains

Outdoor Play

This Blog explores the question, “Is outdoor play better?”. Learn about the benefits of outdoor play and ways you can engage in it locally.

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Adolescent Play
Adolescents Building Brains Adolescents Building Brains

Adolescent Play

Adolescence is a unique developmental period in the lifespan with tremendous opportunity to implement play to improve executive function. Find out more in this blog post!

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Pow Wow
Culture Vicki Hazelwood Culture Vicki Hazelwood

Pow Wow

The term Pow Wow, or Pau Wau, is believed to have its roots in the Algonquian language that originated in the Nagaransett territory, or Massachusetts area, and describes a community social gathering consisting of many dancers, drummers, and singers. Learn more in this week’s blog.

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Sundance: Okaan (O-gaan)
Culture Vicki Hazelwood Culture Vicki Hazelwood

Sundance: Okaan (O-gaan)

The Sun Dance ceremony for the Northern Plains tribes has been considered to be the central ceremony that served as a unifying force to bring together the various hunting bands for the summer buffalo hunt.

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Executive Functions And The Aging Brain
Older Adults Vicki Hazelwood Older Adults Vicki Hazelwood

Executive Functions And The Aging Brain

Strengthening of executive functions can be achieved through a multitude of pathways: exercise, sleep, nutrition, play, and interpersonal relationships all play a significant role in keeping the brain healthy, and executive functions in optimal conditions as we age.

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Double Ball Game
Culture Vicki Hazelwood Culture Vicki Hazelwood

Double Ball Game

Many Indigenous groups played Double Ball or Nobbies including the Cree, Blackfoot, Inuit, Assiniboine, and Skowkale. Learn from Jason Plain Eagle about the history and his current experiences playing Double Ball.

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Child Mouthing Decisions
Children Building Brains Children Building Brains

Child Mouthing Decisions

This week’s blog looks at the topic of mouthing. When does this action start? And why do babies do this? Does mouthing indicate a problem? And does it ever stop?

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Bridging Play and Curriculum
Children Vicki Hazelwood Children Vicki Hazelwood

Bridging Play and Curriculum

Have you ever heard a child say, “Why do I need to learn this? I am never going to need it in real life.” This blog post offers some suggestions to foster enjoyable engagement and create a positive environment that promotes lifelong learning.

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