1. The Structure of the Brain
Brain development happens faster in the first year than in any other time of life.
Environment impacts brain development.
Newborns learn about the world through their senses. 1

2. The Structure of the Brain
The cerebrum, thalamus, cerebellum, pituitary gland, spinal cord, and brain stem make up the brain.
Neurons transmit information in the brain and nervous system.
neuron
A nerve cell. 2

3. Developing the Brain More dendrites indicate increased learning.
An increased number of neural pathways results from sensory input.
Each child’s brain gets organized in a unique way, depending on his or her experiences.
dendrite
A branchlike feature at the end of each axon that receives the messages from other neurons.
neural pathway
The link between neurons.

4. Developing the Brain
Repetitive action causes the neurons to work together so that action becomes easier.
The brain can be reorganized.

5. Developing the Brain
The brain continues to develop through responses to life’s experiences.
Caregivers can increase the speed of brain development with a stimulating environment.
How can a stimulating environment encourage brain development?

6. Early Learning Abilities
Signs of intellectual growth include:
remembering experiences.
understanding cause and effect.
making associations.
paying attention.

7. Early Learning Abilities
Infants are sensitive to sound.
Touch is an important way to communicate love to an infant.
A concept is a general category of objects and information.
concept
A general category of objects and information that can also include abstract ideas.

8. Periods of Learning
Psychologist Jean Piaget had a great influence on what is known about how children learn.
During the sensorimotor period, babies learn mainly through their senses.
At each of the six stages of the sensorimotor period, a baby has specific intellectual abilities.
sensorimotor period
Piaget’s first stage of learning and lasts from birth to about age two.

9. Encouraging Learning
Babies learn more and faster when their caregivers comfort, talk to, smile at, and play with them.

10. Encouraging Learning
Encouragement to learn relies on the time, attention, and knowledge given to the child.
A caregiver can help a baby learn by talking to and playing games with the baby.
Showing pleasure and giving praise encourages the baby to try new things.
How can playing games help a baby learn?

11. Encouraging Learning Showing love helps build self-confidence.
Babies communicate by crying, moving, gesturing, and making special sounds.
Reading to children helps them learn that sounds have meaning.

12. The Importance of Play
Playtime is essential for intellectual and physical development.
Babies need different toys as they grow and develop.

13. neuron
A nerve cell.
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14. The link between neurons.
neural pathway
The link between neurons.
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15. cortex
Part of the brain’s cerebrum; its growth permits more complex learning.
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16. axon
The connection between neurons that transmits instructions from the cell body to another neuron.
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17. myelin
A waxy, protein-based substance that coats axons and helps transmit information from one nerve cell to another.
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18. dendrite
A branchlike feature at the end of each axon that receives the messages from other neurons.
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19. synapse
The tiny gap between the dendrites where messages are transmitted from one neuron to another.
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20. neurotransmitter
A chemical released by the axon. The neurotransmitter acts as a messenger between the neurons.
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21. The ability to learn from sensory information.
perception
The ability to learn from sensory information.
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22. attention span
The length of time a person can concentrate on a task without getting bored.
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23. concept
A general category of objects and information that can also include abstract ideas.
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24. sensorimotor period
Piaget’s first stage of learning and lasts from birth to about age two.
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25. object permanence
The concept that objects will continue to exist, even when they are out of sight.
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26. imaginative play
Pretending; seeing or hearing things that might happen but have not happened yet.
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27. The use of words and numbers to stand for ideas.
symbolic thinking
The use of words and numbers to stand for ideas.
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28. Something is suitable for the age and individual needs of a child.
age appropriate
Something is suitable for the age and individual needs of a child.
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29. To take steps to protect the child from possible dangers.
childproof
To take steps to protect the child from possible dangers.
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30. manipulate
To work with the hands.
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31. function
Event.
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32. A receiver; a nerve ending that is sensitive to stimuli.
receptor
A receiver; a nerve ending that is sensitive to stimuli.
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33. To bring forth; to produce some sort of reaction or response.
elicit
To bring forth; to produce some sort of reaction or response.
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34. Reasoned; to bring to light or disclose.
determined
Reasoned; to bring to light or disclose.
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35. Reactions, usually strong or favorable, to something.
responsiveness
Reactions, usually strong or favorable, to something.
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36. Something that is potentially dangerous.
hazard
Something that is potentially dangerous.
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