Vicki Hazelwood 6/24/26 Vicki Hazelwood 6/24/26

What is play? One definition among many

Research into play has struggled to create a single, all-encompassing definition for play that can directly answer the question: What is play? In this blog, I will cover some of the important features of play that have been developed in scientific literature and connect these features to Building Brains Together (BBT)’s definition of play.

Vicki Hazelwood 6/15/26 Vicki Hazelwood 6/15/26

What Makes a Game Executive-Function-Building?

Have you ever wondered how we choose which games to include in our curriculums? While all kinds of play improve executive function, there are specific reasons why we’ve promoted each of our games as EF-building. Read this blog to learn more about what makes a game executive function building!

Building Brains 6/3/26 Building Brains 6/3/26

Is your child ready for preschool?

If preschool is an option you are considering, this blog suggests some skills that are worth working on at home before your little one starts.

Building Brains 6/26/25 Building Brains 6/26/25

Brain Foods

This blog will explore the facts and fiction behind “Brain Foods” as well as what real additions you can make to your diet to support your brain health.

Building Brains 5/29/25 Building Brains 5/29/25

Building Brains Community Action

As this blog will highlight, we return to LHA every week (in rain or shine, snow or wind) with a team of dedicated volunteers to bring our mission and opportunities to play outdoors to LHA families. Learn more about this community program by reading this week’s blog.

Building Brains 5/8/25 Building Brains 5/8/25

Neurodiverse Play

Is there a right way to play? This blog will explore the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for play, and likewise the development of executive function.

Vicki Hazelwood 4/17/25 Vicki Hazelwood 4/17/25

Bilingualism: Lifelong brain benefits

Read about the incredible role of bilingualism in supporting executive function, and consider the diverse ability of acquiring a second language to alter brain outcomes.

Vicki Hazelwood 4/10/25 Vicki Hazelwood 4/10/25

Technology and the Developing Mind: Striking the Right Balance

Screens have become a go-to for entertainment, education, and even parenting. But is this constant exposure helping or harming our kids?

Vicki Hazelwood 3/19/25 Vicki Hazelwood 3/19/25

How Childhood Friendships Shape the Brain Forever

In this post, we explore how different types of childhood friendships, both supportive and challenging, contribute to emotional growth, mental well-being, and the development of executive function.

Vicki Hazelwood 3/6/25 Vicki Hazelwood 3/6/25

The Benefits of Chess in Building Young Minds

It’s easy to assume chess is just for serious thinkers or future grandmasters, but in reality, any kid can play, and the benefits go far beyond the game board.

Vicki Hazelwood 2/19/25 Vicki Hazelwood 2/19/25

Brain Benefits of Reading

It is crucial that children gain literacy skills and develop the “reading parts” of their brains at a young age so that they can be well-equipped to navigate their education, their relationships, their passions, and their future adult lives.

Vicki Hazelwood 2/6/25 Vicki Hazelwood 2/6/25

Games on the Go!

The goal of this blog is to provide you with a list of games that require no materials, and so can easily be done on the go and in or out of the house to help you find time to play every day!

Vicki Hazelwood 10/15/24 Vicki Hazelwood 10/15/24

Attachment Theory: Understanding Child-Adult Relationships

What is attachement theory and what can we learn from it to help shape our interactions with children?

Vicki Hazelwood 9/19/24 Vicki Hazelwood 9/19/24

What is Emotional Intelligence?

If emotional intelligence can both serve as a tool to help us understand and express our thoughts and feelings, clarify our behaviours and interactions with others, and make us more resilient, then we really ought to find some ways to practice.

Vicki Hazelwood 9/5/24 Vicki Hazelwood 9/5/24

Brain Benefits of Mindful Moments

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in the middle of your day, had a hard time falling asleep, or experienced difficulty expressing your emotions? If so, you may benefit from learning about mindfulness and taking time for a mindful moment the next time you experience one of these common issues.

Vicki Hazelwood 8/21/24 Vicki Hazelwood 8/21/24

Back to School Readiness

Without the right support, some kids may lack what’s called “school readiness”. In this blog, I will introduce you to the concept of school-readiness, and how you can use resources from Building Brains Together to help prepare your child for school.