The brain is quite malleable throughout life. It can be nourished and developed well into old age. In fact there's no reason to ever stop growing it. Even at age 80-90, your brain can still be youthful and quick if you exercise it and challenge it. The more we use it, the better it gets.
The structure of the brain can be changed in as little as one week's time by exposing it to enriching experiences. Such enrichment ought to include multi-sensory experiences, novelty, challenge and feedback. Our brains are also enriched by specific nutrituion and by positive social bonding experiences in our learning environments. The effects, however, of enriched brain development often dimishes after two to four weeks unless challenge and novelty are maintained. Hence, dull classrooms are out! and multi-sensory coloful, intriguing environments are in. (excerpt from Super Teaching by Eric Jensen)
Gregorio Esparza ACCELERATED Elementary School is committed to providing enriched experiences for all students. In addition to great classroom instruction, we provide additional opportunities to allow our students to explore new areas.
HOW DO WE PROVIDE ENRICHMENT?
- Numerous Field Experiences, special programs, and guest speakers during the school day for all PK-5 students that relate to their grade level curriculum.
- Learning Tree- Our K-5 aftershool program which includes a daily enrichment component.
Afterschool Enrichment -a variety of options for 2nd-5 grade students
EXAMPLES OF PAST ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES