CHAPTER 5 – PAGES

The Secret Life of the Brain

Brain Development:  Brain has 100 to 200 billion neurons, or nerve cells, that store and transmit information.  Neurons send messages to one another by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters, which cross the synapses.  Synapses – space between the neurons.

– A Brief explanation of a neuron and synapses. Neurons and Synapses:

Neurons that are stimulated by the environment continue to establish synapses. Neurons that are seldom stimulated soon lose their synapses (their ability to communicate) through a process called synaptic pruning. Sensitive Periods of Brain Development.

Molding a live sculpture:  In order for brain development to move forward appropriate stimulation of the child’s brain is vital during periods in which the formation of synapses is at its peak.  At birth, the brain is nearly 30% of its adult weight, by age 2, it reaches 70% and at 6 years 90%.

Development of the Cerebral Cortex:  Cerebral Cortex: Surrounds the brain. Accounts for 85% of brain weight. Contains greatest amount of neurons and synapses.  More sensitive to environmental influences than any other part of the brain.  Frontal Lobe: Emotions, reasoning, judgment, inhibitions. The functions and memories of the cerebral cortex develop over many years, all learning of knowledge and skills being regulated by emotions and in communication.

Other advances in brain development:  Cerebellum: located at the rear and base of the brain, aids in balance and control of body movement. Visual-motor coordination: Hopscotch Throwing a ball Print letters of the alphabet

Corpus Callosum:  Corpus Callosum: Large bundle of fibers that connects hemispheres of the brain. The more complex the task, the more critical communication between the hemispheres.

Sensitive Periods in Brain Development:  Young brain’s rapidly developing organization.  Depends on ordinary experiences.  Opportunities to see and touch objects, to hear language and other sounds. The brains of all infants, toddlers and young children EXPECT to encounter these experiences for normal growth.  Extends throughout our lives.  Consists of additional growth of established brain.  Varies widely across individuals.  A violinist is going to have different areas of the brain stimulated than a poet.  Young brains vulnerable in many ways... Children should be allowed to grow and explore. Experience-Expectant Brain Growth: Experience-Dependent Brain Growth:

Try This Out Right brain Left brain CONFLICT Right side: creative, drawing, music, rhythm. Left side: writing, reading, math. Are you more right or left brain dominant?

Brain Development Article Review: Find a current article (2010 – 2016) related to brain development in children. Read the article. Next, take the right brain/left brain test. Type a one page (double space) response about your article – what to include: Title, Date, Author of the Article ½ a page summary about your article ½ a page personal reflection/response about your article as well the results of the right/left brain test.