Executive Function skills change significantly between the ages of 3 and 5. In this example video, Dr. Stephanie Carlson, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Reflection Sciences, explains how 4-year-olds outperform 3-year-olds during a “Less is More” game… until the 3-year-olds ability to pretend is used. Watch the video to see how! Key takeaways: Executive…
May 21, 2020
What is the Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS)?
Video: about MEFS and Reflection Sciences https://youtu.be/0U7qjXHJU9A At Reflection Sciences, we are here to scientifically support your goals surrounding social-emotional development, Executive Function, and school readiness. Our quick and fun Executive Function measure, MEFS (the Minnesota Executive Function Scale), paves the way for schools to meet the needs of their children and reduce opportunity and…
May 21, 2020
Improving Mindfulness in Children
Mindfulness impacts social and academic achievement In this video, learn how mindfulness is essential to early childhood development of academic and social skills, and how it can be improved through activities in the classroom. Mindfulness is a way of thinking that promotes moment-to-moment attention to yourself and the environment. Mindfulness is regulated by a cognitive…
May 21, 2020
Executive Function: Skills for Life and Learning
What is Executive Function? Executive Function is at the center of our brain’s architecture. It is a set of skills that are key ingredients in our academic, social, and professional success. It’s not just about learning language, numbers, and colors anymore! Here are some key things to know about Executive Function as you go about your…
May 21, 2020
Measuring Executive Function with the MEFS App
What is the Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS)? https://youtu.be/zj7S_yT0cg8 The MEFS App is the only digital app that has been proven to accurately measure Executive Function (EF) by peer-reviewed, published scientific research. MEFS measures EF in children as young as 2 years old. MEFS helps teachers understand and meet the needs of their students through…
April 20, 2020
Five Fun Strategies for Home-Based Learning to Share with Parents
No one could have predicted what your classroom would look like now – a nature poster as a backdrop on the wall of your dining room for visual effect, an iPad on your left and a laptop on your right to make sure you’re seeing what you’re students are seeing – it’s a brand new…
April 23, 2019
Reflection Sciences Celebrates the Heart of Afterschool Programs during “Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week”
Saint Paul, MN. April 23, 2019 | Reflection Sciences, Inc. is joining the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) to celebrate the professionals that are at the heart of afterschool programs during “Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week” April 22-26, 2019. Reflection Sciences’ mission is to reduce gaps in achievement and opportunity by advancing the science and practice of…
March 18, 2019
Agency Development, Literacy, & Numeracy
The Science of Early Learning summarizes current developmental cognitive research on agency development, literacy, and numeracy in young children, birth through age eight. The report was developed by Deans for Impact in collaboration with Dylan Kane and Callie Lowenstein, practicing teachers; Rachel Robertson of Bright Horizons; Dr. Daniel Ansari of Western University; Dr. Stephanie Carlson…
December 18, 2018
Support Executive Function: Parents’ EF matters too!
Previously we have talked about how parents can support executive function (EF) development in young children. Specifically, parenting behaviors that are “autonomy-supportive,” meaning they actively support a child’s goals, efforts, and choices, are related to children’s EF skills. What does an autonomy-supportive parent look like in everyday life? Let’s think of an example of a…
November 21, 2018
Comparing and Selecting an Executive Function Assessment
Executive Function (EF) is the set of foundational skills that help prepare children for success in school, college, and beyond. They have been termed “essential skills for life” because of their effect on adult life (including relationships, career, finances, etc.). Children are not born with Executive Function skills, but they are born with the potential…