Brain Bits
Foundations
In the Classroom
Knowhort Your Cohort?
Potpourri
100

This region of the brain is responsible for higher level cognition and executive function and does not develop fully until your 20's.

Prefrontal cortex

100

This term refers to a back-and-forth interaction between a caregiver and child. 

Serve and return

100

This sensory material is a non-Newtonian fluid and is made of equal parts cornstarch and water.

Oobleck

100

This apprentice has previously volunteered at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum.

Naomi

100

This type of supportive play is considered optimal for learning.

Guided play

200

This region of the brain plays a crucial role in processing and regulating emotions and is responsible for activating our fight-or-flight response.

Amygdala

200

This biologically based set of predispositions shapes behavior and is a foundation for personality.

Temperament

200

This counting technique promotes one to one correspondence and helps build foundational math skills.

Count and pull

200

This apprentice has 32 pairs of earrings.

Margarita

200

This natural pigment determines the color of skin, hair, and eyes.

Melanin

300

This term refers to our brain's ability to change and adapt its structure and function throughout life.

Neuroplasticity

300

This term refers to sharing something of interest with another person at the same time and "hooks" communication. 

Joint attention

300

This term refers to returning to a previously introduced concept and continuing to strengthen or build upon that knowledge.

Spiral learning

300

This apprentice has now taught in four countries!

Mikkie

300

This type of adult is irrationally crazy about a child and is a source of strength for them.

Charismatic adult

400

This sensory system controls your body's internal sense of its muscles and joints and is stimulated by deep touch and pressure.

Proprioceptive

400

This type of connection allows children to use their caregivers as a "base" from which they can play and explore the world.

Secure attachment

400

This underlying skill is fundamental to writing and can be built through activities such as cutting, drawing, and lacing.

Fine motor

400

This apprentice used to dress up their dog in a penguin suit.

Alex

400

A child putting a pillow on their head and using it as a crown is an example of this level of symbol development.

Unrelated substitution

500

This executive function allows us to hold and manipulate information in our mind in order to do more complex tasks. 

Working memory

500

This 3 T strategy helps promotes communication and helps language development in children. 

Tune in, talk more, take turns

500

This classroom item allows children to explore proportional relationships as they play.

Unit blocks

500

This apprentice doesn't know how to ride a bike... yet.

Allison

500

This early literacy component has to do with the sounds of spoken language and their connection to letters and words.

Phonics