Research on the science of reading brings us closer to understanding how the brain learns to read, but what about how the brain actually LEARNS? This distinction is important, especially considering the "end user" is a 5-year-old eating his shoe and licking the carpet...or an upper-grade struggling reader already at risk. Abstract terms like fricatives, nasalizations, trigraphs, and diphthongs can be overwhelming, even for teachers! According to Harvard neuroscientist, Dr. Immordino-Yang, "It's neurobiologically impossible for kids to think deeply about things they don't care about." Our brains are wired to make connections and it's easier to learn and store information when there's an emotional hook to hang it on. The affective neural networks are primed long before the executive processing centers are formed. By aligning abstract phonics skills with feelings, like having a crush or feeling left out, we can leverage social-emotional intelligence to fast-track reading mastery for all!

Meet the Author
Friday, February 3 from 11:15am - 11:45am EST
Katie Garner will be greeting in-person attendees at the "Meet the Author" counter outside the Sagamore Ballroom on Level 2.