Chapter 3 Knowledge Check

Chapter 3

Quiz yourself using the following chapter review questions to check how well you can recall the material.

Review Questions

1. Accordion:
   1. As an organ
      1. The brain is the only organ to study itself!
   2. The impact
      1. The brain impacts everything we do in our lives
   3. Brain Development
      1. The brain develops quickly in the early childhood years
2. True or False: We are more impacted by nurture, or environment, than we are impacted by nature, or individual biology.
3. _______ are released into the synaptic gap, acting as chemical messengers that transmit signals to the receiving neuron.
4. True or False: Without neurotransmitters, the brain cannot process information or send out instructions to the rest of the body.
5. Which of the following statements is not true?
   1. Brain development is impacted by the mother’s nutrition, stress, and environment
   2. Most neural pathways are created after birth
   3. Experience sculpts the brain
   4. *Connections grow from a single/isolated experience*
6. The brain’s pathways _______ as they are used.
7. What is the optimal window of opportunity for language development?
   1. Toddler
   2. First year
   3. Preschool
   4. School Age
8. True or False: It is acceptable to challenge the child and push them to do things they are not ready for?
9. Myelin acts in two ways:  it provides _______  for the brain and _______ the cells.
10. Accordion:
    1. The brainstem and midbrain are the first to develop.
       1. These are mostly concerned with survival.
    2. Autonomic nervous system.
       1. This is where neurons are fully myelinated at birth and control heartbeat, breathing, and sucking.
    3. Least plastic layer of the brain.
       1. This is the area most resistant to change.  Functions of the brainstem include defense mechanisms, reflexes, rote responses and more.
11. The cortex is the most plastic layer of the brain; it loves  _______.
12. Accordion:
    1. Overuse of digital media can place a child at developmental risk.
       1. Not enough sleep can be caused by overstimulation by screens.
    2. Delays in learning and social skills and behavior challenges
       1. There is less interaction with parents, families, and others when the focus is on screen and screen time. Children who are scared or confused by what they see on the screen may act out.
    3. Childhood obesity
       1. Screen time is linked to less activity and physical play, also to weight gain from exposure to food advertising and snacking.
13. True or False. You can help the child regulate their body by helping them to calm the thalamus.  You can do this through movement and breathing, along with other sensory experiences like playing with play-dough.
14. Most brains that have experienced high ACEs will not function as optimally as the brains of children who have had adults help them develop a strong *stress response* system.
15. There are several elements that are an essential part of helping children overcome trauma and develop resilience. These elements are:
    1. A safe and inviting environment that includes structure, a variety of materials and opportunities for thoughtful choices for children’s activities.
    2. Excessive media time through computers, videos, and other screen time.
    3. Unorganized classrooms with overstimulating materials.
    4. Unresponsive adults who do not work to develop healthy relationships.

Answer Key

1. N/A
2. False: We are impacted by a combination of both nature and nurture.
3. Neurotransmitters. This is a tiny space between neurons where the neurons don’t actually touch.
4. True. This affects the formation, maintenance, activity and longevity of the synapses and neurons.
5. Connections grow from a single/isolated experience. It is important to remember that each experience results in making connections between new input and what is already known and in place.
6.  Strengthen. Neurons not used are subject to pruning, making existing connections stronger.
7. First Year. The chart shows the peak of the window of opportunity around 7-8 months, mid first-year.
8. False. The best approach is to follow the child’s lead and focus on their unique timetables of development
9. Substance \ insulates. This fatty layer that coats axons for protection and speeds up nerve impulses.
10. N/A
11. Change. This is where higher-level thinking happens.
12. N/A
13. False. The thalamus plays a role in sleep and alertness, while the vagus nerve when degregulated causes the child to react to threat.
14. Stress Response. This stress response system is resilience, and requires supportive relationships and opportunities for skill building.
15. A safe and inviting environment that includes structure, a variety of materials and opportunities for thoughtful choices for children’s activities.These elements can all be supported by being intentional and implementing training in mindfulness.