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Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children

Strategies for Caregivers and Educators

Doris Bergen, Lena Lee, Cynthia DiCarlo, Gail Burnett

Foreword by: Sandra J. Stone

Publication Date: September 11, 2020

Pages: 144

Available Formats
HARDCOVER
ISBN: 9780807764459
$90.00
PAPERBACK
ISBN: 9780807764442
$29.95
EBOOK
ISBN: 9780807779125
$29.95
Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children 9780807764459
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  • Description
  • Author
  • Reviews
  • Contents

Description+

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.

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.

Reviews+

“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

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

$90.00

Professors: Request an Exam Copy

Print copies available for US orders only. For orders outside the US, see our international distributors.

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