For this two-part assignment, you will create a presentation for families of young children who are excited to learn more about brain development.
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.). 8 things to remember about child developmentLinks to an external site..
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.) Lifelong healthLinks to an external site..
Note: Please watch the overview video and read the entire webpage.
- Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.). Gene-environment interactionLinks to an external site..
Note: Please read the entire webpage.
- National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2020). Connecting the brain to the rest of the body: Early childhood development and lifelong health are deeply intertwined: Working paper no. 15.Links to an external site. [PDF].
- National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2010). Early experiences can alter gene expression and affect long-term development (Working paper 10)Links to an external site. [PDF].
Note: You will be required to share your presentation with at least one member of a family. Take time during and after the presentation to discuss the information, and then share their response(s), insights, and questions in Part 2 of this Assignment.Part 1: Presenting the Brain
Make sure to include the following key concepts in your presentation and narration:
- How the fundamental architecture of the brain develops in-utero, infancy and early childhood in a sequential manner
- How the neuroscience of early development is intricately interconnected to all domains of child development—physical, cognitive, social and emotional, and linguistic (including bilingual development)
- The lasting impact that early brain development has on lifelong health outcomes for individual children—physical, mental, emotional, and relational
- How early brain development is profoundly impacted by the interrelationship between the child’s genes (nature) and their earliest relational and environmental contexts and experiences (nurture)
- How the concepts of attunement and serve and return are essential when looking at the infant’s early relational experiences
- Neuroplasticity and its implications for positive outcomes in early intervention
Part 1 Assignment Length:
Your narrated PowerPoint should be between 15 and 20 minutes. Also, include your narration in the “Speaker Notes” section of each slide. Develop as many slides as you need to capture every meaningful component of your message. However, note the guidance included in the Assignment, and keep in mind that you do not want to overload your slides with words but rather spotlight important points, and add detail through your narration. It is recommended that you consult the resources provided on creating effective narrated PowerPoints.
Note: The following resources will support you in creating effective narrated PowerPoint presentations.
Part 2: Reflection
Reflect on the experience of sharing your presentation with one or more family members. In your reflection, include responses to the following:
- Briefly describe the family or families with whom you shared the presentation.
- What questions were asked and how you responded
- What insights were shared?
- How did this process affect your thinking about the importance of building caring relationships with young children and families in your current or future role as an EC professional?
- How might you utilize the approach of engaging families in reflective conversations about critical early childhood topics like this one to advocate for young children and the field?
- How would you amend your presentation based on what you learned when presenting it?
Part 2: Assignment Length: 4-5 pages.
