In the 1960s, a professor at Stanford University began a modest experiment testing the willpower of four-year-old children. He placed before them a large marshmallow and then told them they could eat it right away or, if they waited for 15 minutes, they could have two marshmallows.

He then left the children alone and watched what happened behind a two-way mirror. Some of the children ate the marshmallow immediately; some could wait only a few minutes before giving in to temptation. Only 30 percent were able to wait.

It was a mildly interesting experiment, and the professor moved on to other areas of research, for, in his own words, “there are only so many things you can do with kids trying not to eat marshmallows.” But as time went on, he kept track of the children and began to notice an interesting correlation: the children who could not wait struggled later in life and had more behavioral problems, while those who waited tended to be more positive and better motivated, have higher grades and incomes, and have healthier relationships.

What started as a simple experiment with children and marshmallows became a landmark study suggesting that the ability to wait—to be patient—was a key character trait that might predict later success in life.
(Jonah Lehrer, “Don’t! The Secret of Self-Control,” New Yorker, May 18, 2009, 26–27)
I think that today people in general have a lot weaker impulse control than they had in the past, since credit and instant gratification are advertised and promoted.  I think this is key in financial health, as well as beneficial in other areas.

Wasn't there a mothers/father's day sale?  Maybe that's what they meant. 

And Elizabeth Barett learned to read from watching Signing Time.  Which is the same concept, Rachel would say a word, it's written on the blackboard behind her and then a sign is given.  It adds a kinesthetic component to the learning, but VERY similar concept to YBCR.  But she learned not because of this system---she's unusually gifted. 

I agree with people who want to have an excuse for why their child didn't read, and the difference probably boils down to no parental interaction (hoping the videos will make my kid read) and interaction and communication that creates attachment and bonding.

You don't see people bashing the gym because people pay OVER $200 for a membership and then don't look like a bodybuilder. 

Great idea!   Super simple and inexpensive and does the same thing Numicon does!


What did you use to color them?

I hope you're not thinking about having him watch "Cops" and "World's Wildest Car Chases" --that was the first thing that popped into my mind.

It was Numicon!  Thanks a lot, the name slipped my mind and I couldn't find it on web searches by describing it.

Karma to you!

I've forgotten what this was called, but I saw it here.  I think there was a YouTube video from England, and they had these little rubber/plastic pieces with holes cut out of them, one "hole" per number.  There were using it in a school to teach math. 

Does anyone remember the name of this?

What age is this geared towards?

funny/mouse
wish/hungry


There are more, but my mind is blanking right now. 

Have you done any sign language with your child?  I was reading yesterday in "Superbaby" by Dr Jenn Berman how ASL makes a great bridge when learning multiple languages because it links the sign to words they know and then to words they are learning. 

I second the recommendation on these DVDs.  It's a nice change from some of the other videos my baby watches, and the music is soothing to adults, too.

I tried to enter, but I was redirected to this "Blogger" website, wanting me to sign up.  It wouldn't post my attempted entry.

Nevermind...I got it to work.  Had to start over, but it worked.

I like anything that teaches math, however the website gives you no idea what the curriculum is, for what ages it is designed, etc. 

Just ordered TW 1-9 and was wondering how long it took to ship, since shipping was pretty steep.

I got the DVDs recently and it came free with them, but I didn't know if just anyone could download it.