EP 17 | Rethinking Readiness in Early Childhood

On today’s episode I speak with Nathan Wallis, a neuroscience educator on a mission to share the value of brain development in early childhood to the masses. In this discussion, Nathan challenges the concept of "readiness" and advocates for focussing on the present moment rather than preparing them for future academic demands. Earlier and faster isn’t better.

 

Nathan and I discuss:

🌸Readiness and developmental needs.

🌸Sequential brain development.

🌸The impact of cultural norms on education.

🌸The role of play in early childhood.

🌸Dangers of early academic pressure.

🌸The value of dispositions over academic skills.

🌸Balancing extracurricular activities and uninterrupted play.

 

Nathan Wallis is a father of three & foster parent with a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management. He has lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and was also a board member and senior trainer with the national body responsible for the dissemination of neuroscientific research to professionals. He has developed a reputation as a lively and engaging speaker who uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic come to life.

Nathan’s presentations explore how the brain works and how neuroscience can better inform our day to day interactions with children and young people. Information about the human brain (and how it grows to reach full potential) has exploded into our awareness over the past twenty years. The 1990’s were called the ‘decade of the brain’ and advances in scanning technologies allowed us to understand the workings of the brain like never before, showing us the huge significance of the early years and the critical role this period plays in defining later outcomes. These new findings often contradict many of the practices that parents, teachers, and other helping professionals have utilised in the belief that they are helping children. Nathan presents the practical implications of this research with a focus on how to use this knowledge to create better outcomes.

 

Connect with Nathan:

💫 Find him on Instagram: @nathanwallis

💫 Visit his website: Nathan Wallis

 

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💫 Visit my website: Little Bloom Consultancy