Mirror Neurons
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Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that was discovered in the 1990s by a group of neuroscientists in Italy. These neurons are located in the motor cortex of the brain, which is the area responsible for controlling movement. What makes mirror neurons unique is that they don't just activate when you perform a certain action, but also when you observe someone else performing the same action. In other words, mirror neurons "mirror" the actions of others, as if you were performing the action yourself. Mirror neurons are believed to play a key role in a range of human abilities, including empathy, imitation, language learning, and social interaction.
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During early childhood, mirror neurons become more active as children observe and imitate the actions of those around them, such as their parents, teachers, or peers. For example, a child may learn to walk by watching and imitating their parents or older siblings. Mirror neurons also help children develop social and emotional skills. By observing the facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice of others, children can learn to understand and express emotions, communicate effectively, and build relationships with others.
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In education, mirror neurons can be utilized to enhance learning and skill acquisition. By observing a teacher close to them performing a task, students can activate their mirror neurons and mentally simulate the actions being performed. This can help to reinforce neural connections related to that task and improve learning outcomes. For example, if a teacher demonstrates a math problem-solving technique, students can observe the teacher's actions and "mirror" them to solve similar problems on their own. Similarly, in language learning, students can observe and imitate the pronunciation and intonation of a native speaker, which can help them improve their own speaking skills.
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At Brain Builders Academy, we work with the developing brain to harness the power of mirror neurons. We have one of the lowest student teacher ratios in Chicagoland which keeps the children close to their teacher allowing them to watch and mirror more effectively than in a large traditional classroom. Our math and reading classes are taught on a one-to-one ratio with the tutor sitting next to the student so that the child's mirror neurons are activated. Overall, mirror neurons provide a powerful tool for learning through observation and imitation, and we look forward to helping your child reach their full potential.