1. Brain Development of the Infant
OBJECTIVES
You will be able to….
Identify and describe several brain terms to explain how they relate to the developing brain of an infant
Explore the principles of brain development
Analyze ways that parents and caregivers can promote healthy brain development
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2. Brain Terms
Neurons
Nerve cells in the brain primarily responsible for the transport of information
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

3. Brain Terms
Dendrites
Short nerve projections or arms from the neuron that collect information
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

4. Brain Terms
Axon
Transmission lines for the nervous system that sends information
Synapse
A gap-like structure from which the axon of one neuron sends a signal to the dendrites of another neuron
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

5. Parts of a Nerve Cell
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

6. Principles of Brain Development
The infant brain’s wiring is shaped by the outside world.
Parents and caregivers can influence and increase this wiring by
touching the infant
talking to the infant
singing to the infant
cuddling with the infant
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

7. Principles of Brain Development
The infant experiences the new world through the use of the five senses.
Parents and caregivers can create new experiences by
creating soothing sounds through music, talk, and singing.
providing colorful, bright surroundings.
providing pleasant aromas throughout the house.
providing texture in infant’s surroundings.
providing various tastes as the infant grows.
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

8. Principles of Brain Development
The “use it or lose it” principle applies to the infant brain.
Parents can provide learning opportunities for the infant by
talking to the infant about colors, shapes, and aromas while grocery shopping, trips to the park, trips to the bakery, preparing meals, and bath time.
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

9. Principles of Brain Development
Early relationships with other people, including parents or caregivers, are an important source for the emotional and social development parts of the infant brain. Parents and caregivers should
smile often.
use a pleasant voice.
create high and low pitches of voice in conversation.
create a calm atmosphere for the infant.
provide opportunities for the infant to be with other infants and adults.
Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

10. Khan Academy