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

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

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807764442
Publisher:	Teachers College Press
Publication date:	09/11/2020
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

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.

Table of Contents

Foreword Sandra J. Stone ix

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

Jesus 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 Jesus, 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 Levei 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 109

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children stands out as a significant and inspiring contribution to the field of early childhood: a must-read for parents-to-be, parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators. This book addresses the remarkable attributes of brain development but, more importantly, guides the reader to create environments and experiences for young children that will effectively enhance their developing brains, and supporting children to flourish as human beings.”
—From the Foreword by Sandra J. Stone, professor emeritus, Northern Arizona University

“This informative and very readable book combines brain research, case studies, and practical, playful ideas for engaging the brains of young children from prenatal through third grade. Includes helpful recommendations on the appropriate use of technology. Highly recommended for parents, other caregivers, and early childhood teachers.”
—Olga S. Jarrett, professor emerita, department of early childhood and elementary education, Georgia State University

“This remarkable and timely book delves into brain science research on development from prenatal through primary grades, balancing technical information with rich illustrations of applications to early education in homes and schools. Curriculum and instruction that is brain-enhancing during the early years is described and explained. The pages sparkle with meaning and relevancy.”
—James E. Johnson, professor of education in early childhood education, Penn State

“An indispensable book for educarers of young children, which comprehensibly blends brain development information with practical ways of actively engaging children to learn and develop. It brings brain research into the early years’ setting and highlights the vital work of educarers. The coherence of the book's structure with theory, vivid case studies, and explicit curricula connections clearly informs important points of discussion.”
—Eleni Loizou, associate professor of early childhood education, University of Cyprus

“As an educator who teaches toy design, I have relied on Dr. Bergen’s work in my lectures and scholarly research. It is critical to understand the mind of a child and have insight into their cognitive abilities when developing new products and experiences for children. In Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children, Dr. Bergen provides a clear, evidence-based overview of the cognitive development of the child at each stage of infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten. Each chapter begins with anecdotal stories from real families and ends with questions for discussion. This format bookends the rich academic content with engaging and applied elements. In addition to caregivers, educators, and parents, this book is a necessary read for anyone who works in the field of children’s products and services.”
—Barry Kudrowitz, Morse Distinguished Associate Professor and product design program director, University of Minnesota, College of Design