1. CHAPTER 5 – PAGES 182 - 189

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bULHxsURpUM The Secret Life of the Brain

3. 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.

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXx9qlJetSUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXx9qlJetSU – A Brief explanation of a neuron and synapses. Neurons and Synapses:

5. 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.

6. 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%.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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:

11. Try This Out Right brain Left brain CONFLICT... http://www.lovethissite.com/trythis/ http://www.lovethissite.com/trythis/ Right side: creative, drawing, music, rhythm. Left side: writing, reading, math. Are you more right or left brain dominant?

12. 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. http://www.web-us.com/BRAIN/braindominance.htm http://www.web-us.com/BRAIN/braindominance.htm 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.