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

Doris Bergen (Author), Lena Lee (Author), Cynthia DiCarlo (Author), Gail Burnett (Author), Sandra J. Stone (Foreword by)

9780807764442

Paperback / softback, published 11 September 2020

144 pages
22.6 x 15.4 x 1 cm, 0.212 kg

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.

• 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
• Jesú
  s 
  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 Jesú
  s, 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