Transcript neuroscience, play deprivation, and play-for-play

NEUROSCIENCE, PLAY
DEPRIVATION, AND PLAYFOR-PLAY
NEUROSCIENCE
• New wave of high-tech brain-imaging technology
opened the door for research regarding the role of
experience in human development.
• In 1996, the United States had more than 3,000
brain researchers with over $1 billion dollars in
resources.
• Because of the unprecedented interest in
neuroscience, the 1990s are called the “decade of
the brain”
EMERGENCE OF NEUROSCIENCE
• Many researchers purport that infancy and early childhood
were optimal periods of development and the brain is most
plastic during those periods of development and highly
influenced by the environmental stimulation.
• Children raised in orphanages with minimal ongoing
stimulation suffered emotional deprivation resulting in
apathetic, immature behavior during adolescence. In cases of
severe deprivation, 2 to 4 yr olds could not sit or walk alone.
• Animals (dogs) raised in isolation from birth were unable to
avoid pain, acquire normal social interactions, or perform well
on problem-solving tasks.
PIAGET’S NOTION OF COGNITIVE
STRUCTURES
• The formation of cognitive structures (schemata) depends on
opportunities for use of action sequences. Consequently, schemes
become more reinforced and complex with continued use and
stimulation
• Accommodation by the child depends on a proper match between
existing mental structure, objects, and events encountered
• The greater the variety of stimulations to which the child must
accommodate her behavioral structures, the more differentiated
they become and the more rapid the rate of intellectual
development. Variety of stimulation is essential for
development in the periods of infancy and early childhood
INFANT PLASTICITY
• One study seems to suggest that questionable/negative
effects to both over and under stimulation.
– no stimulation leads to no elaboration of neurological
structures
– over stimulation leads to over development and later deficits in
behavior
• The period of infancy may be a sensitive period for play
and brain stimulation. It is during this stage that
lateralization occurs.
HIGH-TECH BRAIN IMAGINING
• Neuroscience is the study of brain functioning and
interconnecting of cells
• This new brain imaging technology focuses of on 3 elements of
brain organization and operation:
– (1) chemical composition;
– (2) electrical transmission/magnetic fields
– (3) distribution of blood thru the brain.
• Two types of imagining technology used to study chemical
composition:
– Computerized axial tomography (CAT scan)
– Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI)
HIGH-TECH BRAIN IMAGINING
Cont.
• CAT scan uses multiple x-rays that respond to density of
areas scanned
• MRI provides an image of the chemical composition of
the brain by focusing on chemical differences in soft
tissue
• PET (Positron emission tomography) traces sequential
changes in brain energy by monitoring chemical
functions, including blood flow, through the brain and
other body organs
ORGANIZATION OF THE BRAIN
•
Brain functions thru billions of brain cells called neurons and trillions of connections
(synapses) that transmit (receive and send) electrochemical signals (messages).
– Each neuron has an axon which sends electrochemical signals to other neurons and
contains small hairlike structures (dendrites) that receive signals.
– Electrochemical transmission across these structures requires neurotransmitters
(chem catalysts) such as dopamine, serotonin, or endorphins
•
Before a baby is born he has more neurons and synapses than s/he needs. Dissolved by
birth. There is a continuous expansion of synapses and pruning during the 1st 3 years of
life.
•
The early experiences of play and stimulation are critical in the development of brain
regarding brain wiring
EFFECTS OF DEPRIVATION ON BRAIN
DEVELOPMENT
Violence/traumatic experiences are related to poor attachments in young children.
Inappropriate attachments due to abuse and neglect may result in over stimulation
of brain stem and midbrain (areas not highly influences by external forces).
Studies confirm the correlation between attachment and violence.
Brain development is influenced by environ influences on mother—drugs, stress,
malnutrition, illness, trauma, abuse—content which can be passed to the fetus
during prenatal…Neglect, Social Deprivation, Stressful Living Conditions,
and Lack of Appropriate Stimulation all jeopardize early brain development
and may result in immature social and emotional behavior, impulsivity,
violence, and dramatic reduction in learning capacity.
NEUROSCIENCE AND PLAY
• All health mammals play
• The range and complexity of play increases as neurons
start hardwiring connections at a remarkable rate
• The early games and frivolity of animals and humans
equip them for the skills they will need in later life
– Mammals engage in rough and tumble play (fight or flight/hunting/survival
trait).
– Humans engage in social play (play house—language skills development,
social roles, survival trait)
• Play is essential for healthy development. Consequently,
Early play/stimulation determines pruning and
hardwiring of the brain
NEUROSCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT
• Most of the brains neurons are dedicated to analysis and
reason functioning
• As early as 6 months, infant’s brains are wired and
prepared for the internalization of language—Language
magnets
• Research suggests that language should be taught before
children enter into preschool
– Importance of reciprocal talk (Parents talk, children listen and
imitate), neural pathways are strengthened.
NEUROSCIENCE AND PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT
• At birth, infants rely on limited motor skills and reflexes—
Sensorimotor skills/development (Piaget).
• Increased sensory and physical stimulation influences brain
development and greater neuro connections in the cerebellum
(region of brain which regulates coordination and muscle control.
• During the development of fine and gross motor skills, there is also
an increase in mylenation (nerve cell coating that insulates against
loss of electrical signals) of synapses.
• By early stimulation of motor development, you lock in those
neural and motor circuits. “No world champion skater or golfer
took up the sport after age 12”
EFFECTS OF PLAY DEPRIVATION ON
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
• Researchers purport that lack of or inappropriate play leads to
dysfunctional adults
• Changing technocratic society affects play in children.
– Today children spend more time watching TV than play.
– More solitary play; fewer safe areas for play
– More video game play (violence themes)
• Children struggle to play, even in dangerous areas (war zones;
unsafe neighborhoods). However, play is different and therefore
learning is different.
• Explore rational/irrational play; constructive/destructive
• Is rough and tumble play beneficial for all kids? Imaginary play
for abused children?