Intellectual Development

1. Intellectual Development

2. Terms to know • Neuron-Nerve cell • Neural pathways-the links between neurons that “wire” the brain so that the brain can control different body functions and thinking processes • Axon-the connection between neurons that transmits instructions from the cell body to another neuron • Dendrite- branchlike features at the end of each axon that receive messages from other neurons • Synapse-tiny gaps between dendrites where messages are transmitted from one neuron to another

3. The first year • Intellectual and motor skills grow and change at an amazing rate • Newborns learn about the world through their senses • New activities will stimulate babies senses

4. Reflexes • Reflexes-not deliberate actions that come from learned responses.

5. The Brain • Born with all the neurons we will have • The brain isn’t organized just once • Neurons are not permanent • A stimulating environment helps children’s brains develop many pathways and connections

6. Brain stimulation • Children learn by doing—physical experiences • Keep it simple and natural • Match experiences to the child’s mental abilities • More repetition makes stronger connections between neurons • Use a variety of experiences, but too many can overwhelm them • Children learn better if they are interested in what they are doing • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl5mOhhxvfY&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL1450846CE60290A3

7. Year One • Remembering experiences and making associations • Understanding cause and effect • Attention span

8. The importance of play • For children play is work as well as pleasure • Essential to intellectual development • Physical necessity through which development takes place • Strengthen muscles, refine their motor skills and learn about the world

9. Toys • 0-3 months • Bright colors, moving objects, and interesting sounds stimulate development of the senses • Mobile hung above crib for baby to watch practice following objects with eyes • Brightly colored wall paper • 4-6 month • Sense of touch babies need to touch, handle, bang, shake, suck, and chew • Providing objects with different textures helps the child learn by touch

10. toys • 7-9 months • Anything that makes noise fascinates infants at this age • Books that have inserts of different textures to feel or places to press on the page that produce squeaking or squealing noises • Blocks, balls, large plastic beads that pop apart, and roly-poly toys that can be pushed or kicked • Safe house hold items can be just as interesting. Pots and pans with lids and plastic containers to stack • 10-12 months • Need things to crawl after • Those who are walking enjoy toys that they can push or pull • Toys that they can manipulate or work with their hands. Baskets, boxes, and other containers

11. Choosing toys • Encourage participation and use • As abilities increase toys can be more complex • Toys that will remain interesting and appropriate for a number of years. • Pick age-appropriate toys. • Choose toys that are well-made • Think big • Make sure your child is physically ready for the toy • Skip the balloons • Don’t pick heavy toys • Don’t pick toys with a string or cord longer than 12 in • Avoid toys with small magnets • Watch out for toxic toys