Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children : Strategies for Caregivers and Educators

This practical resource explains brain development from prenatal to age 8 with suggestions for activities educators and caregivers can use to foster children’s cognitive growth. The authors begin with the basics of brain development, and the issues that affect it, and then provide information specific to infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten to primary age levels. Educational activities are described as they relate to physical, language, social, emotional, cognitive, and academic progress relevant to brain development at each age level. Modifications of activities for young children with disabilities are included. The authors also discuss contemporary issues related to the future education of young children, including how technology-augmented experiences may positively and negatively affect children’s development.

Book Features:

• Explains brain development concepts for practitioners and students.
• Recommends brain-enhancing experiences related to age-level brain development.
• Includes modified activities for children with special needs.
• Provides vignettes for context and to illustrate concepts.
• Includes questions to promote discussion and a deeper understanding of the content.

Doris Bergen, a distinguished professor of educational psychology emerita at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, is the coauthor of Educating and Caring for Very Young Children, Second Edition. Lena Lee is a professor of teacher education at Miami University and directed a grant-funded project for low-income preschool enhancement. Cynthia DiCarlo is professor of education at Louisiana State University and executive director of the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool. Gail Burnett, owner of Miss Gail Music, received a Teacher’s Choice Award for exceptional quality preschool curriculum.