Long before empirical neurological research validated her insight, Montessori understood that healthy, full-term babies come equipped with a physiological passion for learning. Brain studies have confirmed that most of the brain's development and inner wiring occurs during the first 2 years of life. A newborn's neurons have sparse, weak…

Children, Play, and Development, Fourth Edition, discusses the relationship of play to the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of the child. Author Fergus P. Hughes focuses on the historical, sociocultural, and ethological context of play; the role of development in play; and the wide range of theories that provide a framework for…

Initiatives in education reform emphasize inquiry-based active learning and real-world relevance to increase science literacy nationwide. Active teaching and learning approaches yield rapid intellectual development and may increase interest and motivation to learn science. Incorporating the topic of drug use with neuroscience, biology, psychology,…

This review describes the prenatal and postnatal development of the human cortex. Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, dendrite maturation, synaptogenesis, and white matter development are discussed. In addition, the concept of "critical" or "sensitive" periods is discussed as well as genetic and environmental influences (Nature-Nurture). The effects…

Advocates the inclusion of music education within the academic curriculum instead of labeling music as being "extracurricular." Supports the importance of music education by discussing how music assists with a child's intellectual development and success in other subjects and rewires the brain to work more efficiently in all areas of thinking.…

Port Washington-Saukville (Wisconsin) School District created the Bright Beginnings Committee to identify effective teaching strategies to engage all students in relevant learning. Brain-based strategies include use of movement, music, metaphors, personal stories, humor, color, brainstorming, prime teaching time, and project demonstration. (11…