Benjamin+B

__Brain Development in Early Childhood__

 __ Prenatal Development __   During the second or third week of the first trimester, the brain begins to develop. In the following two weeks, the brain will divide into five areas, while also recognizing the sex of the fetus. (  Zieve, D., Juhn, G., Eltz, D., 2009) . By around the twenty fifth week, the brain will be more developed with neurons engaging near the cortex of the brain.

 __Neurons__  Neurons are small cells in the brain, which are very active in the second or third trimester. This time of activity will depend on development of the brain, which is contributed to by many internal and external factors such as substance use or genetic abnormalities. During the activity, many electrical connections known as synapses will occur between neurons, which have dendrites at an end to import information (Scheibel, 1997). Also, each neuron has an axon at the other end for information output (Graham, 2008).

__ Postnatal Development __   Around the time of birth, the brain is about one fourth of the weight it will achieve (Zero to Three, 2009). In this stage, neuroplasticity is greatest which allows for mass learning. However, this plasticity will decrease as the individual becomes older, which is why critical periods are so important (D3Web Designs, 2009 EBD).

 The first year of infancy is very significant in development and milestones. After six months of age, milestones are generally seen relatively at the same in typically developing children, although some do develop at different rates. Generally, an infant can start grasping things at sit and sometimes stand without support at seven or eight months, while nine to ten months motion will set in through crawling and possibly learning the first few steps of walking. The last two months will hopefully result in cruising and eventually walking (Perles, 2009).  Another milestone would be learning to raise the head and grasp small objects around three months. Language skills are equally important and at four months, sounds should start to be imitated, with receptive language responses of responding to an infant's name also evident. Hopefully, at eighteen months and two years a small vocabulary and short sentences should exist, respectively (LoveToKnow, 2007).

To support healthy brain development, proper nutrition is extremely important to keep appropriate nourishment. Especially at the toddler ages, brain growth will be somewhat dependent on vitamins and diet, among other factors (Associated Content, 2007).

__Development Charts: __

<span style="color: #de0d0d; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 132%;">1-6 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• [|Responds to sound] • [|Stares at faces] || • Follows objects briefly with eyes • Vocalizes: oohs and aahs • Can [|see black-and-white patterns] || • [|Smiles, laughs] • Holds head at 45-degree angle || • Follows objects across field of vision • Notices his hands • [|Holds head up] for short periods || • [|Smiles, laughs] • Holds head at 45-degree angle • Makes smoother movements || • [|Holds head steady] • Can bear weight on legs • Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy [|(mini-pushup)] || • [|Holds head steady] • Visually tracks moving objects || • Squeals, gurgles, coos • Blows bubbles • Recognizes your voice • Does [|mini-pushup] || • [|Rolls over], from tummy to back • Turns toward loud sounds • Can bring hands together, bats at toys || • Can bear weight on legs • Coos when you talk to him || • Can [|grasp a toy] • [|Rolls over], from tummy to back || • [|Imitates sounds]: "baba," "dada" • [|Cuts first tooth] • May be ready for [|solid foods] || • Plays with his hands and feet || • Recognizes own name • [|Turns toward new sounds] • [|Rolls over] in both directions || • Sits momentarily without support • Mouths objects • [|Separation anxiety] may begin || • [|Imitates sounds] • [|Rolls over] in both directions || • [|Is ready for solid foods] • Sits without support • Mouths objects • Passes objects [|from hand to hand] || • Lunges forward or [|starts crawling] • [|Jabbers] or combines syllables • [|Drags objects] toward himself ||
 * [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="50" height="1"]]
 * Child's Age** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do)** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)** ||
 * [|1 month] || • [|Lifts head] when lying on tummy
 * [|2 months] || • Vocalizes: gurgles and coos
 * [|3 months] || • [|Recognizes your face] and scent
 * [|4 months] || • [|Smiles, laughs]
 * [|5 months] || • [|Distinguishes between bold colors]
 * [|6 months] || • Turns toward sounds and voices

<span style="color: #de0d0d; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 132%;">7-12 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• [|Drags objects] toward herself || • Lunges forward or [|starts crawling] • [|Jabbers] or combines syllables • Starts to experience [|stranger anxiety] || • Waves goodbye • [|Stands] while holding onto something • Bangs objects together • Begins to understand [|object permanence] || • Passes objects [|from hand to hand] || • [|Stands] while holding onto something • [|Crawls] • Points at objects • Searches for [|hidden objects] || • Pulls self to standing, [|cruises] • Picks things up with thumb-finger [|pincer grasp] • Indicates wants with gestures || • [|Jabbers] or combines syllables • Understands [|object permanence] || • [|Cruises] while holding onto furniture • Drinks from a [|sippy cup] • [|Eats with fingers] • Bangs objects together || • Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo • Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent || • Picks things up with [|pincer grasp] • [|Crawls] well, with belly off the ground || • Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent • Indicates wants with gestures || • [|Stands] alone for a couple of seconds • Puts objects into a container || • Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo • [|Stands] alone for a couple of seconds • [|Cruises] || • [|Understands "no"] and simple instructions • Puts objects into a container || • Says one [|word] besides "mama" and "dada" • Stoops from standing position || • Indicates wants with gestures || • Takes a few steps • Says one [|word] besides "mama" and "dada" || • [|Walks] alone • [|Scribbles] with a crayon • Says two [|words] besides "mama" and "dada" ||
 * [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="50" height="1"]]
 * Child's Age** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do)** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)** ||
 * [|7 months] || • [|Sits] without support
 * [|8 months] || • Says "mama" and "dada" to both parents (isn't specific)
 * [|9 months] || • [|Stands] while holding onto something
 * [|10 months] || • Waves goodbye
 * [|11 months] || • Says "mama" and "dada" to the correct parent
 * [|12 months] || • [|Imitates] others' activities

<span style="color: #d80e0e; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 132%;">13-18 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• [|Bends over] and picks up an object || • Enjoys gazing at his reflection • Holds out arm or leg to [|help you dress him] || • Combines words and gestures to make needs known • Rolls a ball back and forth || • Empties containers of contents • [|Imitates others] || • [|Toddles] well • Initiates games • Points to one body part when asked • Responds to instructions (e.g., "give me a kiss") || • Uses a [|spoon or fork] • Matches lids with appropriate containers • [|Pushes and pulls] toys while walking || • Uses three [|words] regularly • [|Walks] backward || • [|Scribbles] with a crayon • Runs • Adopts "no" as his favorite word || • [|"Helps"] around the house • Puts his fingers to his mouth and says "//shhh//" || • Has [|temper tantrums] when frustrated • Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object || • Discovers the joy of [|climbing] • Stacks three blocks • Uses [|spoon or fork] • Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g., the telephone) || • [|Takes off one piece of clothing] by himself • Gets [|finicky about food] • Switches from [|two naps to one] || • Enjoys [|pretend games] • Likes riding toys || • [|Feeds doll] • [|Speaks] more clearly • [|Throws] a ball underhand || • Dances to [|music] • Sorts toys by color, shape, or size • [|Kicks ball] forward || • [|Scribbles] well || • Strings two words together in [|phrases] • [|Brushes teeth] with help • Stacks four blocks || • [|Throws] a ball overhand • Takes toys apart and puts them back together • Shows signs of [|toilet training readiness] ||
 * [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="45" height="1"]]
 * Child's Age ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do) ** ||
 * [|13 months] || • Uses two [|words] skillfully (e.g., "hi" and "bye")
 * [|14 months] || • [|Eats with fingers]
 * [|15 months] || • Plays with ball
 * [|16 months] || • Turns the pages of a [|book]
 * [|17 months] || • Uses six [|words] regularly
 * [|18 months] || • Will [|"read" board books] on his own

<span style="color: #d80e0e; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 132%;">19-25 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• Runs • [|Throws] a ball underhand • Enjoys helping around the house || • Understands as many as [|200 words] • Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat) || • [|Washes and dries own hands] with help • Points to picture or object when you call it by name • May know [|when she needs to pee] || • [|Takes off own clothes] • Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away || • [|Learns words] at a rate of ten or more a day • Can [|walk up stairs] (but probably not down) || • May start [|exploring genitals] • [|Draws] a straight line • Names several body parts || • Able to set simple goals (e.g., deciding to put a toy in a certain place) || • [|Throws] a ball overhand • [|Kicks ball] forward • Stacks six blocks || • Names simple picture in a book • Can [|walk down stairs] || • Follows [|two-step requests] (e.g., "Get your doll and bring it here") || • Does simple puzzles • [|Draws] a straight line • Names several body parts || • [|Puts on loose-fitting clothes] • Might be ready for a [|big bed] • Understands opposites (e.g., tall vs. short) || • Uses [|50 to 70 words] || • Opens doors • [|Sings simple tunes] • Takes more of an interest in [|playing with other kids] || • Talks about self (likes, dislikes) • Asks [|"why?"] || • Half of speech is understandable • Makes [|two- to three-word sentences] || • Talks about self • Arranges things in categories • Can [|walk down stairs] || • Begins to understand abstract concepts (e.g., sooner and later) • Becomes attuned to gender differences • Learns to [|jump] ||
 * [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="45" height="1"]]
 * Child's Age ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="95" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do) ** ||
 * [|19 months] || • Uses a [|spoon and fork]
 * [|20 months] || • [|Feeds doll]
 * [|21 months] || • Can [|walk up stairs]
 * [|22 months] || • [|Kicks ball] forward
 * [|23 months] || • Names simple picture in a book
 * [|24 months] || • Names at least six body parts

<span style="color: #d80e0e; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 132%;">25-30 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• [|Walks] with smooth heel-to-toe motion || • [|Uses pronouns] (e.g., I, me, you) • [|Washes and dries own hands] || • [|Speaks] clearly most of the time • [|Draws] a vertical line || • Opens doors || • [|Understands] descriptions (e.g., big, soft) • [|Draws] a vertical line || • Starts to recognize [|ABCs] • [|Balances] on one foot || • [|Washes and dries own hands] • [|Draws] a vertical line || • [|Draws] a circle • [|Balances] on one foot || • [|Puts on a T-shirt] • [|Names one color] • Names one friend ||
 * [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="50" height="1"]]
 * Child's Age ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do) ** ||
 * [|25 and 26 months] || • Stacks six blocks
 * [|27 and 28 months] || • [|Jumps] with both feet
 * [|29 and 30 months] || • [|Brushes teeth] with help

<span style="color: #d80e0e; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">31-36 months: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">

• [|Draws] a circle || • [|Puts on a T-shirt] • [|Balances] on each foot for a second • Recognizes [|ABCs] • [|Brushes teeth] by herself || • Uses two adjectives • [|Draws] a cross • Points to objects described by use || • Names one friend • Carries on a simple conversation || • Alternates feet going up and down stairs • Uses prepositions (e.g., on, in, over) • [|Speaks] clearly most of the time (75 percent can be understood) • Stacks eight blocks || • Is [|toilet trained] during the day • Wiggles thumb • Expresses a wide range of emotions • [|Draws] a stick figure || • Uses three to four [|words] in a sentence • Names two actions (e.g., skipping, jumping) || • Hops and skips • Follows a two- or three-part command • [|Separates fairly easily] from parents • Rides a tricycle || • [|Balances] on each foot for three seconds • [|Gets dressed] without help ||
 * ** Child's Age ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Mastered Skills (most kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Emerging Skills (half of kids can do) ** || [[image:http://www.babycenter.com/i/trans.gif width="100" height="1"]]
 * Advanced Skills (a few kids can do) ** ||
 * [|31 and 32 months] || • Recites own name
 * [|33 and 34 months] || • [|Names one color]
 * [|35 and 36 months] || • Describes how two objects are used

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 143%; line-height: 115%;">__**References:**__ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">LoveToKnow Corp. (2007). Baby Milestones. Retrieved from http://baby.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Baby_Milestones

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Associated Content. (2007). Proper Nutrition is Important for Brain Development in Toddlers. Retrieved from [| http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/362844/proper_nutrition_is_important_for_brain.html?cat=25]

Perles, K. (2009). Infant Motor Skills Development-Six Months to One Year. Retrieved from [| http://www.brighthub.com/education/early-childhood/articles/43516.aspx#]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"> Graham, J. (2008). Brain Development: What We Know About How Children Learn. Retrieved from [| http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4356.htm]

Zieve, D., Juhn, G., Eltz, D. (2009). Fetal Development: MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Retrieved from [| http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002398.htm]

D3Web Designs. (2009). Prenatal Brain Development. Retrieved from **[| http://www.child-development-guide.com/prenatal-brain-development.html]**

D3Web Designs. (2009). Early Brain Development. Retrieved from **[| http://www.child-development-guide.com/early-brain-development.html]**

Scheibel, A. (1997). Embryological Development of the Human Brain. Retrieved from [| http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/scheibel.htm]

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families.(2009). Brain Development. Retrieved from [| http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_brain]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> [| http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/dev.html] [| http://www.starlarvae.org/SL_graphics/Neuron.jpg] [| http://www.sbmedia.co.za/CPD/Vol_20/103%20support/clip_image001_0000.jpg][|http://blog.bioethics.net/baby.jpg]
 * Images:**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-1-to-6-months_1496585.bc http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-7-to-12-months_1496587.bc http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-13-to-18-months_1496589.bc http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-19-to-24-months_1496591.bc http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-25-to-30-months_1496593.bc http://www.babycenter.com/0_milestone-chart-31-to-36-months_1496595.bc
 * Charts:**