Brain Research

Brain scans

Basics of learning Neurons Dendrites Synapse

Basics of learning Neurons Dendrites Synapse

Basics of learning Neurons Dendrites Synapse

The brain is programmed for survival New born babies learn their first language Bilingual – learned naturally Bilingual – learned through formal education

Read the following words Nugisenatia Babosoto Uldenated Axphrekisito

Color identification exercise Choose a partner There will be 3 columns of colored objects on the next slide Take turns identifying the colors of the objects in each of the three columns as fast as you can Start now

Implications of the color exercise Strong network has been formed Requires some work LEP kids are experiencing similar difficulties with regard to the second language

Reinforcement is crucial A new pathway can be built and reinforced with practice Pruning is very real –If you don’t use it you lose it!

Social Interaction is Critical The brain is social Interaction with others in a social setting reinforces learning Bilingual baby experiments

Brain facts The brain is essentially curious and it must be to survive The brain changes physiologically as a result of experience An enriched environment addresses multiple aspects of development simultaneously

Brain facts The brain constantly seeks connections between the new and the known The brain is innately social and collaborative IQ is not fixed at birth Some abilities are acquired more easily during certain sensitive periods, or “windows of opportunity”

Brain facts The brain constantly seeks connections between the new and the known The brain is innately social and collaborative IQ is not fixed at birth Some abilities are acquired more easily during certain sensitive periods, or “windows of opportunity”

Develop a plan of action EJH meets in EJH workroom HS meets in HS science lab

Thank you for your attendance and participation today This language issue really is important!important