The brain is the main character in the story of child development! This section will explain the parts of the brain, their function and purpose - as well as some funny brain facts! Did you know that the brain is shaped like a walnut but the same size as a coconut?
This section will also provide ways to challenge the little ones in our care everyday so that their brains can keep growing!
This section will also provide ways to challenge the little ones in our care everyday so that their brains can keep growing!
The Parts of the Brain:
- Thalamus: Directs incoming information to the appropriate part of the brain for further processing
- Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands: Adapts the body to its environment by constantly adjusting hormones
- Hippocampus: Involved in securing long-term memory
- Amygdala: Registers and generates fear and emotion
The Hippocampus is most important to teachers because our goal is for children to remember what we teach them!
Time to look at a specific study of the brain:
Recent memory research that analyzed pattern-making ability tested people with a long list of words. When the subject was asked to remember certain words on the list, the subject's mind would group words into general ideas. For example, when asked if the word sweet was on the list, the subject replied “yes”, even though it wasn’t on the list. However, the words sugar, cake, cookie and candy were on the list (Weiss 24).
This is an important study for parents and teachers to be aware of because we need to break down concepts for children into themes, groups or ideas.
This is an important study for parents and teachers to be aware of because we need to break down concepts for children into themes, groups or ideas.
The brain loves a challenge and by nature it can solve difficult puzzles, riddles, and problems!
In the first three years of life, neurons in the brain connect rapidly. Every time a neuron connects it is forming a new idea. With more time and age, children can grasp more complex subjects like reading, mathematics, and music.
What we do know is that enriched environments have a pronounced effect on brain development – in other words, children can learn more when they are surrounded by more learning opportunities (Fogarty 3).
What we do know is that enriched environments have a pronounced effect on brain development – in other words, children can learn more when they are surrounded by more learning opportunities (Fogarty 3).
The “problem of the day” strategy is an easy way for kids to stimulate their minds and get their creative impulses flowing. These problems can be posted on the blackboard by teachers or written on the fridge by parents each and every morning.
Sample Riddle:
What is black, white and red all over?
A Newspaper
Great Sample Puzzles can be found at:
http://www.thekidzpage.com/onlinejigsawpuzzles/
http://www.coolmath-games.com/
Sample Math Problem:
Times table refresher! What is 12 x 12? 144
Sample Riddle:
What is black, white and red all over?
A Newspaper
Great Sample Puzzles can be found at:
http://www.thekidzpage.com/onlinejigsawpuzzles/
http://www.coolmath-games.com/
Sample Math Problem:
Times table refresher! What is 12 x 12? 144
Remember that each brain is unique just like every child!
If we nourish their minds, their success will flourish.
Work Cited:
Fogarty, R. Brain-compatible Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. 2009. 4.
Weiss, R. P. Brain-based learning. Training and Development. 54 (1). 2000. 20-25.
Fogarty, R. Brain-compatible Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. 2009. 4.
Weiss, R. P. Brain-based learning. Training and Development. 54 (1). 2000. 20-25.