1. Intellectual Development in Infants
Chapter 9

2. Early Brain Development
Neurons – nerve cells in brain
Neural pathways – links between neurons – wire the brain for thinking processes
Link development reach peak at age 10

3. Brain structure Cerebrum Thalamus Cerebellum Pituitary Gland
Brain Stem
Spinal Cord

4. How the Brain Works
Axons
Myelin
Dendrites
Synapses
Neurotransmitters

5. Stimulate Brain Development
Keep it simple and natural
Match experiences to child’s mental abilities.
Practice makes perfect
Actively involve the baby
Provide variety , but avoid overload
Avoid pushing the child. See page 286

6. Intellectual Development in the First Year
Key terms
Perception
Attention span
Sensorimotor period
Object permanence
Imaginative play
Symbolic thinking
Concepts

7. Signs of Intellectual Development
Remembering experiences
Making associations
Understanding cause and effect
Paying attention

8. Piaget’s Learning Theories
Sensorimotor – 0-2 years – learn thru senses and actions.
Preoperational – 2-7 years – in the moment – own activities and perceptions
Concrete operations – 7-11 years – think logically, learn best thru experiences
Formal operations – 11-adult – capable of abstract thinking

9. Sensory Play Learning to move hands and feet
Crawling and walking – opens up world
Seeing, touching smelling, listening
Everything goes in mouth
Need to provide objects and toys that stimulate child’s senses

10. Concept Development
Concepts – general categories of objects and information
Think that labels are for whole objects, not parts
Think that labels apply to the group that the objects belong in
Believe that an objects can only have one label.

11. Helping Infants Learn Understand Age Appropriate for each child
Give child time and attention
Positive feedback
Express love
Talk, talk, talk
Keep environment safe – child proof

12. Different Toys for Different Ages
Birth to 3 mos.
4-6 mos.
7-9 mos.
10-12 mos.

13. Toys The word “Toy” comes from an old English term that means :TOOL
Toys are TOOLS for a child.
With these tools, children are allowed to use their senses, fine and gross motor skills, and their imaginations.
Cognitive and social skills are also increased as a child plays with toys.
Toys are valuable TEACHING tools.

14. Toy Selection Make sure the toy is DAP Soft & Cuddling Toys
Toys for age-appropriate development of the child
Soft & Cuddling Toys
Dolls, stuffed animals, etc.
Manipulation/Small Motor Skill Toys
Blocks, puzzles, snap, gears, games, etc.
Large Motor Skill Toys
Tricycles/bikes, balls, jump ropes, scooters, etc.
Dramatic Play
Dress-up clothes, furniture and accessories, etc.

15. Safety Issues SIZE of toy and pieces No SHARP edges or points
Larger than the child’s two fists
No SHARP edges or points
Broken toys should be fixed or thrown away
NON-TOXIC materials
Avoid all painted toys for babies & toddlers
DURABLE, WASHABLE and CLEAN
Toy’s that won’t break easily
Toys that can be cleaned easily

16. Child Protection and Safety Act
SIZE of toy and pieces
Larger than the child’s two fists
No SHARP edges or points
Broken toys should be fixed or thrown away
NON-TOXIC materials
Avoid all painted toys for babies & toddlers
DURABLE, WASHABLE and CLEAN
Toy’s that won’t break easily
Toys that can be cleaned easily

17. Toys should be … AGE- APPROPRIATE (DAP) SAFE TEACH a Skill or Concept
Check the suggested age on the packaging
SAFE
This applies to new and used toys
TEACH a Skill or Concept
Aide in one of the 5 areas of Child Development
FUN - FUN - FUN!!!

18. The End
For more fun view Classic Toys PowerPoint