ECE 105 - Enhancing Brain Development Through Early Childhood Practices

1. Describe learning in relation to brain development in the early years (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 6a)
2. Analyze executive function development and related learning processes (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 3a)
3. Explain the roles of social learning and mindset in executive function development (NAEYC 1b, 4c)
4. Integrate executive function into child learning experiences (NAEYC 1b, 1c)
5. Discuss factors which help children effectively cope with stress and trauma (NAEYC 1a, 1b)
6. Identify ways to assess executive functioning (NAEYC 3a, 3b, 3c)

1. Brain Structure Related to Learning
   1.       A. Neuro behaviors that support learning processes
   2.       B. Cortical-limbic system impact on learning, stress, and motivation
   3.       C. Environmental, biological, and social impacts of brain development
   4.       D. Understand brain development over time
2. II. Executive Function Development
   1. Self-Regulation/Inhibitory control 
      1. Cost-benefit thinking
      2. Self-control
      3. Risk-taking
   2. Working Memory
      1. Attention
      2. Forgetting
      3. Memory Formation
   3. Cognitive Flexibility 
      1. Problem-solving
      2. Motivation
      3. Logic and Abstraction
3. Social Learning and Mindset 
   1. Executive function and social learning 
      1. Consequential thinking
      2. Empathy
      3. Perspective-taking
   2. Mindset
   3. Roles 
      1. Mutual learning
      2. Teacher
      3. Parent
      4. Child
4. IV. Integrating Executive Function into Learning Experiences
   1. Types of enhancements that stimulate executive function development 
      1. Manipulatives
      2. Discovery
      3. Inquiry
      4. Play
      5. Reflection 
   2. Individualized learning                         
      1.  Executive function processes 
      2.  Motivation
      3.  Daily planning
      4.  Integrating teachers knowledge and discoveries into the learning experience  
5. Stress and Trauma
   1. General and toxic stress
   2. Trauma
   3. Self-regulation, resiliency and grit
6. Assessment
   1. Formal assessment tools                             
   2. Informal assessment options
   3. Using assessment results for lesson plans