Meeting Dr. Deak

Two years ago, I went to Florida for an early childhood convention.  It was incredible! The best part however, was sitting through a 2-hour lecture from Dr. JoAnn Deak talking about brain development.  Check out her books, "Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain,"  "How Girls Thrive," and one on the way this fall about the adolescent brain.  In fact, just check out her website for the latest research, books, and resources: http://www.deakgroup.com/

I went home from that convention and couldn't stop talking about all that I had learned about the brain and the best practices to help "stretch" children's "rubber bands."  I was so enthralled by the lecture that I brought home a copy of the "Fantastic Elastic Brain" for my principal and Headmaster to look at.  Dr. Deak calls teachers and parents "Nero sculptures," which is a pretty big deal if you ask me!  So, imagine my surprise when I found out the new headmaster knew Dr. Deak from previous projects and invited her to be Brownell Talbots 21st Century Learning speaker!!!  I was so excited I cried!  this woman is a amazing and I couldn't wait to share her with the rest of Brownell's educators.

With all that said, Dr. Deak showed up Wednesday, and got right to work on a 3-hour lecture to the faculty.  Now, 3 hours sounds like a long time, but most were disappointed when her time with us was over!  Thursday, she spent visiting the school, with students during their forums, and a couple classes. One was mine!  Can you imagine the person you so look up to and admire (though you really never met them before) sitting in your chair and talking to your students!  It was really an emotional experience that I will NEVER forget.  Later in the evening, Brownell opened up the lecture to the public where Dr. Deak spoke mostly about parenting and the importance of creating "technology boundaries," deposing of "artificial task's," and that the "grit factor is more important than academic factors."  She blew some theories out of the water and you could see the wheels turning in every single persons head.

Lastly, Dr. Deak spent Friday morning just with fathers.  While Nick is yet to be a father, he enjoys learning all he can about bringing his "babies up right." He is also fascinated by the brain and how one action can influence your child's entire life.  He told me Dr. Deak had asked men to hold their babies like a Kangaroo for the first year to bond, but it also happens to change brain chemicals in the child's brain for the rest of their life.  It also produces a chemical change in men, but only when they are holding the baby.  Everything about this so fascinating!