Albert Knows A Thing OR Two

“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough -Albert Einstein
 I will never tire of recommending frequent and thorough comprehension checks whether at home, work or school. It is most vital with students with special needs such as ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Communication Impairments or delays or disruptions in the developmental process.
What can we do as parents, educators, trainers and employers to improve the learning and recall process?

1. Create a safe atmosphere to make mistakes and ask for help.
2. Ask learner to say back what was just said to know if message is getting through.
3. Break directions and concepts into shorter chunks.
4. Ask how they would teach the material.
5. Ask what is harder or easier to understand about the material.
6. Ask why this information is important to know.
7. Give examples of the practical application of what you are covering.
8. Make corrections with kindness, emphasizing that it is in making mistakes that we often learn the most.
9. Make mistakes often(play dim)and ask student to correct you in the way they would appreciate being corrected.
10. Discuss study techniques often and whether they learn more from rewriting notes, hearing the material multiple times, telling someone the material, highlighting key points etc.

Learning happens in every moment of every day and optimizing each moment will result in better comprehension, improved recall, more love of learning and perhaps increased self esteem. Albert felt good about himself especially when he made mistakes. He was also the consummate teacher always striving for learners to ultimately become their own teacher at heart.

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” Albert Einstein

Thumball™ Rockin NY Toy Fair 2010

The best time of year is here again, February, when it is cold and snowy and time to share hearts, flowers and TOYS. The biggest and best toy expo in the world is held each year at the Javitz Center in New York City and classic, innovative and new toys are presented for all to see.

Thumball is now being exhibited by Talicor Inc, http://talicor.com/products?search[name_like]=thumball&x=14&y=14 a top quality toy distributor of educational, communication, Christian and family games. They will be in Booth #313this year displaying the Thumball line of products and introducing new designs. A chance for more retailers to learn about Thumball, the simple game that gets great results. Over and over in the news are discussions about the fading art of verbal communication and social skills. A simple game of Thumball gets people talking, interacting and behaving at their best.

"The Ball" was recently admitted into the Toy Hall of Fame http://www.museumofplay.org/NTHoF/index.php because it is a universally understood object of fun and recreation. Thumball improved on that concept by adding key words, phrases and questions to the ball which stimulate conversation and promote learning in a playful way. Parents, teachers and leaders in every field are excited by a simple toy that does so much more than just encourage toss and catch.


It may be cold every February and Toy Fair attendees rarely get to be home with their loved ones on Valentine's Day but the love of new business and dynamic products like Thumball keep them coming back every year for the fun and opportunities that abound.