January 2008

Letters to the Editor

How Do Babies Learn?

Thank you for the wonderful article by Wenda Reed, “How Do Babies Learn?” in the November issue of Seattle’s Child. The ground-breaking, early-learning research she highlights is helping us all understand better our children’s development.

The research that Patricia Kuhl and her colleagues at the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences did around language learning and the importance of in-person language exposure (versus DVDs) inspired me in 2005 to create Sponge, a children’s language center now in Seattle and Issaquah. Watching our native-speaking teachers sing, dance, and play with babies and young children makes it abundantly clear how important the personal relationship is. We see how well children learn when they are engaged with both the toys and the teacher! We see young babies watching the teacher and imitating her sounds and gestures. And, as children bond with the teacher and their parents in this environment, we see tremendous learning taking place.

We are grateful for the continuing stream of research around babies and learning being done in the area and look forward to incorporating more of their results in our program!

Jackie Friedman Mighdoll
Founder, Sponge (www.spongeschool.com)

North Dad, South Dad

I picked up Seattle’s Child for the first time this weekend while I was waiting for my son to pick something out at a toy store. I have to say the “North Mom, South Mom” article in the November issue knocked me out. I’m a North Seattle dad and I’m somewhat ashamed to admit I thought all schools in Seattle were basically the same. It would seem they’re not as the article pointed out so nonjudgmentally and thoroughly. I’m up for the challenge of volunteering in a school that’s not my own. Please let me know how I would go about doing that.

Thank you for your publication. I’ll pick it up each month from now on. I especially find the education articles to be helpful since I have a kindergartener and am just learning as I go.

Conner Austin, Seattle

School Coverage Appreciated

Thank you for the continuing articles about Seattle Schools. Most of the information I read about the district comes from newspapers and they often appear to be written by someone who has an ax to grind. I haven't read anywhere about the changes the school board is considering.

As the parent of a kindergartner, I'm learning more about what's really happening in Seattle Schools through Linda (Thomas)'s column. I followed her blog and wish she still wrote it.

Also, I'd like to commend your magazine on its appealing look and use of pictures.

Mioko Kakiuchi, Seattle

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