4 1/2 too young?

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:13 pm

You bring up a very, very important point.

Our brains are "plastic" (maleable, etc.) for learning various things at a young age. When you hit adolescence (plus or minus) those particular learning centers of the brain are shut down, and you end up with what you have. You can still learn things like language later in life, but: 1) you use a different part of the brain to do so, and 2) it won't be stored in and used by your brain quite the same way.

Now I'm not suggesting that we should deny our children their childhoods, but...starting early can be a very good thing - if you know how.

- Bill

Mary S · Post by **Mary S** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:52 pm

Awesome information guys (and girls)

Saw the thread on bullying here as well. Len, do you (or does anyone else) teach children at those early ages in regard to street safety/anti-bullying, etc. in addition to the traditional learnings in the dojo?

RachelL · Post by **RachelL** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:54 pm

Hi Mary,

I know you asked Len, But I will answer under the anyone else category. We teach a safty program that goes from anti abduction to bullying to kids in classes ranging in ages from 4 1/2 up. The classes are very successful and I am amazed at what most kids already know. Our classes are based on much of the work done by Dr Terrance Webster Doyle author of 'Why is everybody always picking on me" a guide to handeling bullies. He has a great series of books available on many subjects for kids and teens.
Our staff has also developed much of what we do for in class role play and set up. Definately worth looking into for everyone.