Leadership+and+the+Human+Brain

DECEMBER 11 - Leadership and the Human Brain (updated 12/13/07 - scroll down)
The contribution of brain research in regards to the young child, in tandem with Developmentally Appropriate Practice

**FOCUSING QUESTIONS:**
§ What knowledge of brain development is critical for an early childhood leader?

§ How does understanding how the brain develops increase leader effectiveness?

§ How can an understanding of brain development and its application to developmentally appropriate practice impact decisions made by early childhood educators and leaders?

READINGS:
[Reader] //Early Childhood Education Journal,// 29, 2001 o Rushton & Larkin, **“Shaping the Learning Environment: Connecting Developmentally Appropriate Practice to Brain Research”**

[Reader] Diamond & Hopson, //Magic Trees of the Mind// o Chapter 5, **“These Become Part of the Child: Stimulating the Mind in the Preschool Years”**

[Reader] //Dialogue for Kids// (Website) o **//“//****Brain Facts” http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season3/brain/facts.cfm**

[Reader] //“How are the Children?” Report on Early Childhood Development and Learning// o **“Early Childhood Development and Learning: Ten Key Lessons”**

[Internet] New Horizons for Learning o Marion Cleeves Diamond**, “What are the Determinants of Children’s Academic Successes and Difficulties?”** http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/diamond_determinants.htm

[Internet] PBS, The Secret Life of the Brain
 * 3-D Brain Anatomy:** http://www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/3d/
 * The Baby's Brain:** http://www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/episode1/index.html
 * The Child's Brain:** http://www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/episode2/index.html

[Internet] The Timing and Quality of Early Experiences Combine to Shape Brain Architecture http://www.developingchild.net/pubs/wp-abstracts/wp5.html This paper was posted after the class, but has related content for us to consider. Scroll to the bottom of this page for the PDF of the article and also see the other papers available on similar issues.]

FROM THE CLASS:


**NEW 12/13**

**NEW 1/08** From the New York Times