Stuff – Rachel Browne 
Parents wanting to polish their preschooler’s literacy and numeracy skills are better off asking them to try writing out a Christmas wish list rather than buying every item on it. That’s the verdict from new research from Sydney’s Macquarie University, which found an improvement in the skills of young children who used writing and counting in practical ways such as making lists or composing letters. Lead study author and lecturer at Macquarie University’s Institute of Early Childhood Dr Yeshe Colliver said parents often felt pressured to buy pricey apps and educational toys in the belief they would boost brain power.(more)