No sooner have you spoken than what you have said becomes the property of another.
-Hindustani Proverb
Dr. Fraser Mustard's impassioned campaign calling attention to the crucial first years of life, and how brain development during that time sets the stage for health and well being, inspired economists, educators, and politicians, both in his home nation of Canada and around the world. Mustard died at home on November 16 after battling cancer.
In the late 1990s, he co-chaired a seminal report, with former New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor, Margaret McCain, for the Government of Ontario on early childhood learning. The report was issued as "The Early Years Study — Reversing the Real Brain Drain". In the introduction to this report, Mustard and McCain observed:
"We examined the evidence from the neurosciences, developmental psychology, social sciences, anthropology, epidemiology, and other disciplines about the relationship among early brain and child development and learning, behaviour, and health throughout all stages of life. We consider, in view of this evidence, that the period of early child development is equal to or, in some cases, greater in importance for the quality of the next generation than the periods children and youth spend in education or post secondary education."
A number of friends of the World Forum Foundation shared their memories of Dr. Mustard...
Sheldon Shaeffer from Thailand: "I was largely ignorant of the importance of early childhood until Fraser (whom I thought then was already an ancient sage!) came to IDRC in Ottawa in the early 1980s, where I was working, and gave such a passionate and convincing presentation that I was hooked for life. He made such a difference to so many."
Alan Pence from Canada: "I saw that Fraser was doing a presentation at the University of Victoria and went to the lecture hall to hear him. His presence and the manner of his presentation were ‘biblical’— the Old Testament prophet coming down off the mountain to share his wisdom. I was captivated, met with him, was later invited to join the CIAR group he was developing, and thoroughly enjoyed the contact and discussions over the years. He will be greatly missed by many."
All Beginnings Workshop Book are 40% off for 24 hours! The Beginnings Workshop Book Curriculum: Brain Research, Math, Science contains the following insightful articles:
APPLYING BRAIN RESEARCH
- Primed for Learning: The Young Child’s Mind
- Turning Knowledge Into Practice
- Is Your Program Brain Compatible?
- Using Early Childhood Brain Development Research
MATH AND NUMBERS — I
- The History of Mancala in the Garden Room
- Music and Math: How Do We Make the Connection for Preschoolers?
- Line Printing: A Process for Exploring Mathematical Concepts
- After-School Fun With Math: Collections, Sorting, and Graphing Games
MATH AND NUMBERS — II
- Math Talk With Young Children: One Parent’s Experience
- How Children Build Their Understanding of Numbers
- Early Math: It’s More Than Numbers
- Assessing Mathematical Learning: Observing and Listening to Children
- Encouraging Rich Mathematical Experiences at Home
SCIENCE, USING THE OUTDOORS
- Summertime Science for School-Agers: Just for Fun?
- Nurturing Environmental Awareness in Children
- Sharing Nature With Children
- The Adventure Outside Your Classroom Door
- Environmental Education As a Teaching Tool
YOUNG CHILDREN AND TECHNOLOGY
- Computers for Infants and Young Children
- Using Technology to Enhance Early Learning Experiences
- Creative Use of Technology With School-Agers
- Evaluating and Selecting Software for Children
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Comments (1)
Displaying 1 CommentShaker Coop
Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States
I am indeed saddened to hear of Dr. Mustard's death. I used one his studies to support my dissertation work spiritual development beginning at birth. I am thankful that he was able to make such a powerful statement in a way that allowed for many to hear! He will be missed.
deb schein
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