Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children: Strategies for Caregivers and Educators

This practical resource explains brain development from prenatal to age 8 with suggestions for activities educators and caregivers can use to foster children's cognitive growth. The authors begin with the basics of brain development, and the issues that affect it, and then provide information specific to infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten to primary age levels. Educational activities are described as they relate to physical, language, social, emotional, cognitive, and academic progress relevant to brain development at each age level. Modifications of activities for young children with disabilities are included. The authors also discuss contemporary issues related to the future education of young children, including how technology-augmented experiences may positively and negatively affect children's development. Book Features: Explains brain development concepts for practitioners and students. Recommends brain-enhancing experiences related to age-level brain development. Includes modified activities for children with special needs. Provides vignettes for context and to illustrate concepts. Includes questions to promote discussion and a deeper understanding of the content.

Table of Contents:
Contents Foreword ix Sandra J. Stone Introduction 1 Purpose of This Book 3 Overview of the Book 3 Acknowledgments 4 1.  The Brain Building Process 5 Prenatal Brain Development 6 Susie’s Pregnancy and Care 6 Infant Brain Development 9 The Noah Family and Their Premature Infant Drew 9 Toddler Brain Development 12 Amata’s Activity Level 12 Preschool Brain Development 14 The Mumbara Family 14 Kindergarten/Primary Years Brain Development 17 Janie’s 2nd-Grade Year 17 Brain Development Issues for Children with Special Needs 20 Arthur’s Reading Difficulties 20 Fostering Brain Development: Role of Family and Early Childhood Professionals 22 Summary 22 Questions for Discussion 23 Suggestions for Further Reading 23 2.  Fostering Brain Development in the Infant Curriculum 24 Min 24 Daniel 24 Lola 25 Review of Brain Development at the Infant Age Level 25 Fostering Brain Development at the Infant Age Level 26 Curriculum Priorities at the Infant Age Level 27 Sample Curriculum Activities 28 Planning the Infant Day 35 Helping Parents Provide Brain-Enhancing Environments 36 Enhancing the Brain Development of Min, Daniel, and Lola 38 Questions for Discussion 40 Suggestions for Further Reading/Listening 40 3.  Fostering Brain Development in the Toddler Curriculum 41 Tommy 41 Miguel 41 Simeon 42 Review of Brain Development at the Toddler Age Level 42 Fostering Brain Development at the Toddler Age Level 42 Sample Curriculum Activities (Can Be Adapted for Preschoolers) 45 Planning the Toddler Day 53 Enhancing the Brain Development of Tommie, Miguel, and Simeon 55 Questions for Discussion 57 Suggestions for Further Reading 57 4.  Fostering Brain Development in the Preschool Curriculum 58 Jesús 58 Ruby 58 Billy 59 Review of Brain Development at the Preschool Age Level 59 Curriculum Priorities at the Preschool Age Level 59 Sample Curriculum Activities (Can Be Adapted for Toddlers or Kindergarten/Primary Children) 62 Planning the Preschool Day 72 Enhancing the Brain Development of Jesús, Ruby, and Billy 72 Questions for Discussion 75 Suggestions for Further Reading/Listening 75 5.  Fostering Brain Development in the Kindergarten/Primary Curriculum 76 Eden 76 Maigret 76 Ying 77 Review of Brain Development at the Kindergarten/Primary Age Level 77 Curriculum Priorities at Kindergarten/Primary Age Level 79 Sample Curriculum Activities (Can Be Adapted for Preschoolers) 81 Planning the Kindergarten/Primary Day 91 Enhancing the Brain Development of Eden, Maigret, and Ying 91 Questions for Discussion 95 Suggestions for Further Reading 95 6.  Fostering Brain Development with Technology-Augmented Materials 96 Nancy 96 Jason and Edwin 97 Derick 98 Types of Technology-Augmented Devices for Children 98 Review of Potential Effects of Technology-Augmented Activities on Brain Development 99 Curriculum Priorities for Technology-Augmented Activities 102 Sample Curriculum Activities for Children (May Be Modified for Other Age Levels) 103 Planning the Technology-Augmented Environment 106 Adapting Technology-Augmented Materials for Nancy, Jason and Edwin, and Derick 107 Questions for Discussion 110 Suggestions for Further Reading 110 7.  Contemporary and Future Issues Related to Children’s Brain Development 111 Emerging Issues Influencing Essential Conditions for Healthy Brain Development 111 Resilience in Uncertain Times 116 The Role of Early Childhood Professionals in Supporting Children’s Brain Development 117 Questions for Discussion 118 Suggestions for Further Reading 118 References 119 Index 124 About the Authors 132

About the Author :
Doris Bergen, a distinguished professor of educational psychology emerita at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, is the coauthor of Educating and Caring for Very Young Children, Second Edition. Lena Lee is a professor of teacher education at Miami University and directed a grant-funded project for low-income preschool enhancement. Cynthia DiCarlo is professor of education at Louisiana State University and executive director of the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool. Gail Burnett, owner of Miss Gail Music, received a Teacher's Choice Award for exceptional quality preschool curriculum.