NEUROSCIENCE, PLAY DEPRIVATION, AND PLAY- FOR-PLAY

NEUROSCIENCE New wave of high-tech brain-imaging technology opened the door for research regarding the role of experience in human development. In 1996, the United States had more than 3,000 brain researchers with over $1 billion dollars in resources. Because of the unprecedented interest in neuroscience, the 1990s are called the “decade of the brain”

EMERGENCE OF NEUROSCIENCE Many researchers purport that infancy and early childhood were optimal periods of development and the brain is most plastic during those periods of development and highly influenced by the environmental stimulation. Children raised in orphanages with minimal ongoing stimulation suffered emotional deprivation resulting in apathetic, immature behavior during adolescence. In cases of severe deprivation, 2 to 4 yr olds could not sit or walk alone. Animals (dogs) raised in isolation from birth were unable to avoid pain, acquire normal social interactions, or perform well on problem-solving tasks.

PIAGET’S NOTION OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES The formation of cognitive structures (schemata) depends on opportunities for use of action sequences. Consequently, schemes become more reinforced and complex with continued use and stimulation Accommodation by the child depends on a proper match between existing mental structure, objects, and events encountered The greater the variety of stimulations to which the child must accommodate her behavioral structures, the more differentiated they become and the more rapid the rate of intellectual development. Variety of stimulation is essential for development in the periods of infancy and early childhood

INFANT PLASTICITY One study seems to suggest that questionable/negative effects to both over and under stimulation. –no stimulation leads to no elaboration of neurological structures –over stimulation leads to over development and later deficits in behavior The period of infancy may be a sensitive period for play and brain stimulation. It is during this stage that lateralization occurs.

HIGH-TECH BRAIN IMAGINING Neuroscience is the study of brain functioning and interconnecting of cells This new brain imaging technology focuses of on 3 elements of brain organization and operation: –(1) chemical composition; –(2) electrical transmission/magnetic fields –(3) distribution of blood thru the brain. Two types of imagining technology used to study chemical composition: –Computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) –Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI)

HIGH-TECH BRAIN IMAGINING Cont. CAT scan uses multiple x-rays that respond to density of areas scanned MRI provides an image of the chemical composition of the brain by focusing on chemical differences in soft tissue PET (Positron emission tomography) traces sequential changes in brain energy by monitoring chemical functions, including blood flow, through the brain and other body organs

ORGANIZATION OF THE BRAIN Brain functions thru billions of brain cells called neurons and trillions of connections (synapses) that transmit (receive and send) electrochemical signals (messages). –Each neuron has an axon which sends electrochemical signals to other neurons and contains small hairlike structures (dendrites) that receive signals. –Electrochemical transmission across these structures requires neurotransmitters (chem catalysts) such as dopamine, serotonin, or endorphins Before a baby is born he has more neurons and synapses than s/he needs. Dissolved by birth. There is a continuous expansion of synapses and pruning during the 1 st 3 years of life. The early experiences of play and stimulation are critical in the development of brain regarding brain wiring

EFFECTS OF DEPRIVATION ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Violence/traumatic experiences are related to poor attachments in young children. Inappropriate attachments due to abuse and neglect may result in over stimulation of brain stem and midbrain (areas not highly influences by external forces). Studies confirm the correlation between attachment and violence. Brain development is influenced by environ influences on mother—drugs, stress, malnutrition, illness, trauma, abuse—content which can be passed to the fetus during prenatal…Neglect, Social Deprivation, Stressful Living Conditions, and Lack of Appropriate Stimulation all jeopardize early brain development and may result in immature social and emotional behavior, impulsivity, violence, and dramatic reduction in learning capacity.

NEUROSCIENCE AND PLAY All health mammals play The range and complexity of play increases as neurons start hardwiring connections at a remarkable rate The early games and frivolity of animals and humans equip them for the skills they will need in later life –Mammals engage in rough and tumble play (fight or flight/hunting/survival trait). –Humans engage in social play (play house—language skills development, social roles, survival trait) Play is essential for healthy development. Consequently, Early play/stimulation determines pruning and hardwiring of the brain

NEUROSCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT Most of the brains neurons are dedicated to analysis and reason functioning As early as 6 months, infant’s brains are wired and prepared for the internalization of language—Language magnets Research suggests that language should be taught before children enter into preschool –Importance of reciprocal talk (Parents talk, children listen and imitate), neural pathways are strengthened.

NEUROSCIENCE AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT At birth, infants rely on limited motor skills and reflexes— Sensorimotor skills/development (Piaget). Increased sensory and physical stimulation influences brain development and greater neuro connections in the cerebellum (region of brain which regulates coordination and muscle control. During the development of fine and gross motor skills, there is also an increase in mylenation (nerve cell coating that insulates against loss of electrical signals) of synapses. By early stimulation of motor development, you lock in those neural and motor circuits. “No world champion skater or golfer took up the sport after age 12”

EFFECTS OF PLAY DEPRIVATION ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT Researchers purport that lack of or inappropriate play leads to dysfunctional adults Changing technocratic society affects play in children. –Today children spend more time watching TV than play. –More solitary play; fewer safe areas for play –More video game play (violence themes) Children struggle to play, even in dangerous areas (war zones; unsafe neighborhoods). However, play is different and therefore learning is different. Explore rational/irrational play; constructive/destructive Is rough and tumble play beneficial for all kids? Imaginary play for abused children?