Brain and development

Sharing Web Resources – Week 4

My website for consideration and learning is www.zerotothree.org

 The section I find very relevant and informative now is Care and Education. From this section I learn about behavior and management, mental health, emotional and social development, and the importance of early experiences. I found the site very helpful in my professional development. How brain works in early childhood continue to interest me. Zero to three has detailed information that aroused my curiosity. I have learnt so much.

Brain and Early experiences.

       Although individual genetic differences have  influence on how a child develops, there is mounting evidence that experiences affect the way genes are expressed (i.e., turned on and off) in the developing brain. While good early experiences help the brain to develop well, experiences of neglect and abuse can literally cause some genetically normal children to become mentally retarded or to develop serious emotional difficulties.

 Of great significance is the knowledge that Children who receive sensitive, responsive care from their parents and other caregivers in the first years of life enjoy an important head start toward success in their lives. The secure relationships they develop with the important adults in their lives lay the foundation for emotional development and help protect them from the many stresses they may face as they grow. Researchers who have examined the life histories of children who have succeeded despite many challenges in their lives consistently found that these people have had at least one stable, supportive relationship with an adult (usually a parent, relative, or teacher) beginning early in life (Werner & Smith, 1992).

Partnering with parents to support them in their tasks as their children’s first teacher is highly encouraged. 

 It is now clear that what a child experiences in the first years of life profoundly influences how his brain will develop and how he will interact with the world throughout his life. Parents play the most important role in providing the nurturing and stimulation that children require, but they need information and support to develop good parenting skills. Helping parents to understand this important fact is an important step in early care and education.

New areas I will explore further

Play , is gaining importance and it is one new area I am finding challenging to make a part of my classroom experience. From the discussion and readings, there’s a lot happening during playtime. Little ones are lifting, dropping, looking, pouring, bouncing, hiding, building, knocking down, and more. Children are busy when they’re playing. And, more than that, they are learning.  Play is the true work of childhood.

References

www.zerotothree.org

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