The Developing Brain

"This tool shows how classrooms can differentiate instruction, spend time on what really matters, and make sure that all children are making progress. I love the practical applications for each age level and what teachers can do to support optimal l

Marilee Sprenger is an adjunct professor at Aurora University, where she teaches graduate courses on brain-based teaching, learning and memory, and differentiation. A creative and compassionate educator, she began her career teaching prekindergarten and kindergarten. She has also taught at the elementary, middle, and high school level. As an independent consultant, her passion is brain-based teaching and best practices using brain research and differentiation. She also consults in the areas of learning styles, using music in the classroom, teaming, multiple intelligences, emotional intelligence, and memory. As an educational consultant with Two Rivers Professional Development Center, she worked for the Illinois Regional Offices of Education in the area of staff development associated with learning standards and testing. She speaks internationally, and her interactive and engaging style allows participants to make connections with their classrooms and their students. She is affiliated with the American Academy of Neurology and is constantly updated on current research. Sprenger is the author of several books, including Memory 101 for Educators and Becoming a Wiz at Brain-Based Teaching, Second Edition, published by Corwin Press. She has contributed to textbooks, and her articles have appeared in publications such as Educational Leadership and the ASCD Brain-based Education/Learning Styles Networker. Her dedication to education has won her many awards, but she cherishes most the wonderful students and teachers whose lives have touched hers.

Preface: You Don-t Know Jack!
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
What Is Best Practice?
Brain-Compatible Teaching Principles
Early Childhood Practices
An Ounce of Prevention
About This Book
1. The Basic Biology of Brain Development
Brain Chemicals
Electroencephalograms
Windows of Opportunity
Experience Dependent and Experience Expectant
First Language
Second Language Learning
Motor Development
Memory Development
Music
Math
Emotion
Thinking About Brain Growth
2. Building the Brain Through Age Two
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Gross Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities From Birth to Age Two
Reading and Language Development
Physical and Motor Development
Cognitive Development
3. The Three-Year-Old Brain
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Three-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Three-Year-Olds
4. The Four-Year-Old Brain
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Four-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Four-Year-Olds
5. The Five-Year-Old Brain
Scenario
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Five-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Five-Year-Olds
6. The Six-Year-Old Brain
Scenario
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Six-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Six-Year-Olds
7. The Seven-Year-Old Brain
Scenario
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Seven-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Seven-Year-Olds
8. The Eight-Year-Old Brain
Brain Development
Language and Reading Development
Physical and Motor Development
Social and Emotional Development
Cognitive Development
Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Eight-Year-Old Brains
For Language and Reading Development
For Physical and Motor Development
For Social and Emotional Development
For Cognitive Development
Child Development Checklist: Eight-Years-Old
Bibliography
Index