The Newsletter http://zttcfn.pub30.convio.net/child-development/from-baby-to-big-kid/ provided tips and tools on brain development, an interactive brain quiz (which I took and I was surprised at the answers), common questions asked, and a brain map. which lays out the active parts of each section and its importance.
Also the newsletter provided a brief on a new policy, which promotes early language an literacy development. One part in the brief that caught my attention was:
the literacy gap hinders our nation's ability to create the workforce needed to compete in the global market and ensure future prosperity. Sound policy should be grounded in the fact that young children's language and literacy development begins long before they walk through the door of kindergarten classroom.
(Zero To Three Newsletter)
Within the brief it provided a fast fact: at 16-18 months when children begin amassing vocabulary, word learning is significantly affected by economic background. The brief was very informative and highlighted excellent points and fast facts. This article is available at the web site listed above if anyone is interested in reading more about it.
The web site http://zerotothree.org/about-us/
Provided a download of the week, which was titled "Healthy Minds 24-36 months. This article provides age based information to parents that links research on child and brain development to the important ways which babies and toddlers grow and learn in months of 24 to 36. I thought this was a great article and related to out topic this week because brain development and children's learning should begin at an early time because if not it can affect their learning and development and put them at a disadvantage.
The web site also listed policy recommendations. What I read was that the congress and the administration prepare for the reauthorizing of Elementary and Secondary Education Act and consider how to increase literacy skills and reduce the early achievement gap for all children. As mentioned before they stress the importance of the earliest years, when the critical foundation for later learning is formed.
It goes on to list main focuses for policies.
The web site also has links to training, reflective practice and program development and the Zero to Three Journal, Press, and Publications. This links provides readers with more resources and reading materials of a variety of topics.
As, I reviewed the web site and newsletter, it really made me think and realize how all three sectors really do add to early childhood education. The brain function is the central part because if the brain doesn't begin to develop correctly it can cause learning problems, which in turn cause less job opportunities in the future and the loss in the economy and the politicians work hard to try to develop program were children are going to learn and develop and receive the highest quality of care because like Dr. Grace said, a stronger workforce begins with early childhood.
I love this site! I explored it a little and found "Play Year" under the play tab. It gives fantastic ideas of things parents can do with their children through play. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery interested site!!!! I explored it as well. Zero to Three is a mission that promotes health and development of toddlers and infants. It also let us know the way babies are held, talked to and cared for. It also teaches us who we are and how we are valued. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome site. For as long as I could remember, I strongly believe in promote literacy and language development in infant. Perhaps, it was because I was taught and was able to write at age two. My parents were frightened that I would never learn because of my deafness, so they placed me in early childhood program at age of two. From there I learned to write and "sort of " read earlier than my peers.
ReplyDeleteChildren should be given the opportunity to learn in friendly and fun environment.
Good work!
I love the site too! I have used it many times personally and professionally. I think the brain map is great piece of information.
ReplyDeleteThese early years are so important in development and what it to come later on in life.