Characteristics of an Enriched Environment

From Magic Trees of the Mind

by Marian Diamond and Janet Hopson

 

• Includes a steady source of positive emotional support
  
  
• Provides a nutritious diet with enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and calories
  
  
• Stimulates all the senses (but not necessarily all at once!)
  
  
• Has an atmosphere free of undue pressure and stress but suffused with a degree of pleasurable intensity
  
  
• Presents a series of novel challenges that are neither too easy nor too difficult for the child at his or her stage of development
  
  
• Allows for social interaction for a significant percentage of activities
  
  
• Promotes the development of a broad range of skills and interests that are mental, physical, aesthetic, social and emotional
  
  
• Gives the child an opportunity to choose many of his or her own activities
  
  
• Gives the child a chance to assess the results of his or her efforts and to modify them
  
  
• Offers an enjoyable atmosphere that promotes exploration and the fun of learning
  
  
• Above all, allows the child to be an active participant rather than a passive observer  

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About the Author:

Marian C. Diamond, Ph.D. is a neuroanatomist in the Department of Integrative Biology ay the University of California, Berkeley. She is co-author of Magic Trees of the Mind. She is also a member of New Horizons for Learning's International Advisory Board, advising us on the development of our News from the Neurosciences area.

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Posted with permission of the author by
New Horizons for Learning
http://www.newhorizons.org