Core Knowledge

Core Knowledge Using what you learned about brain development in Chapter 4, explain why intensive intervention for poverty-stricken children starting in the first 2 years has a greater long-term impact on IQ than intervention at a later age. A child’s brain development is very critical in its first 2 years. A childs brain develops dramatically during the first 2 years. â€Å"During the first two years neural fibers synapses increase at an outstanding pace.Because of developmenting neuron requires space for these cognitive structures a surprising aspect of brain growth is that as synapses form many surrounding neurons die 20-80 percent, depending on the brain region. † When a child is living in a low poverty environment it affects the child’s brain since the neurons are not being stimulated by their caregivers. Looking at a caregiver who does not interact with a child a young age the child will have less interaction with a person. This correlates with a child†™s IQ. When neurons are seldom stimulated they lose their synapses in a process called synaptic pruning.About 40 percent synapses are pruned during childhood. â€Å"About half of brains volumes consist of gilal cells which are responsible for myelination. The Development through the lifespan book talks about children who are adopted have a greater chance to better nutrition and health. The book also talks about stress. Chronic stress of early deprived orphanage rearing disrupts the brains capacity to manage stress, with long-term physical and psychological consequences. Reference Berk, L. (2009) Development through the lifespan. Allyn & Bacon; 5 edition. 2009