Why Are We Like This?

Sometimes I wonder how I went from a little chunky, drooling baby to a full grown adult with thoughts, feelings, hobbies and pet peeves and what particularly shaped me to be the way that I am. Although we all started out the same, each of us grew into a completely unique individual and it is all because of our development. Brain development begins happening from the time we are in the womb. Genetics as well as environmental factors can play a huge role in the way our brain develops. As we grow, our experiences can also shape how our brains develop. Such things as poor nutrition, stress, and a lack of parental-child relationships can hinder development at a young age. If a mother takes psycho-active drugs, drinks alcohol or takes prescription medication while the child is still in the womb, it can have long-term effects on the behavioral aspects of the child as they grow. Sensory and motor experience can also have an affect on brain development which was found when observing animal testing. According to Kolb & Gibb (2011), "raising animals in deprived environments such as in darkness, silence, or social isolation clearly retards brain development" (p.10). Having visual stimulation and sensory play can play a large role in helping a child's brain develop correctly.

Another factor that shaped the people we become as adults is our DNA; however, there are things that can shape the way our genes work. The study of this is called epigenetics. In short, epigenetics means that even though we have our set and predetermined genetic makeup, our environmental influences can change the way our genes are expressed. Although it doesn't change our DNA, it can change the way our DNA is read. For example, identical twins share the same DNA, however as they age, their behaviors, weight, health, and personalities change. These chemical signals derived from environmental influence affect how and when our genes are switched on and off (Cantor et al, 2018). A child that may have markers for certain diseases may not end up having that disease due to the way they are raised and the way they nurtured. Epigenetics truly shows that both nature and nurture are important when it comes to development.

To learn a bit more about epigenetics, the video below explains it in a quick minute. Also, it involves cats and I'm a huge cat lover (one is actually sleeping on my lap as I type this!)

Our brains are such fascinating organs and learning about how children's brains develop is so important, especially for early childhood professionals. If we are able to learn how and when certain development takes place, childhood professionals will be able to alter their teaching to make it more effective for children to learn and grow. Although we've come a long way in learning about brain development, there's still a long way to go, especially when it comes to incorporating the neuroscientific discoveries into education. As Ansari (2011) states, "how will cognitive neuroscience inform education, and how will education inform cognitive neuroscience?" Yes, learning about brain development is important but at what point can that knowledge be put in to action? As educators, we need to constantly tailor our curriculum based on the information that is available to us and keep things new and fresh for our youth. Engaging young minds with creative education is crucial in making sure they are on the correct path to positive development.

In the journey of learning about mind and brain in developmental context, I'm interested to understand more about the how and why certain environmental factors such as stress and sleep affect our learning and our health. As someone who suffers from an autoimmune disease, I notice a significant difference in my learning when I am stressed and how that stress can also affect my body and my health. I would also love to learn more about epigenetics because it's fascinating that certain people who have a predisposition to certain factors can actually change the way their DNA can present itself. So many thing about our brain remain a mystery but I would like to learn all I can about why we are the way that we are.

Citations

Ansari, D., Coch, D., & De Smedt, B. (2011). Connecting Education and cognitive neuroscience: Where will the journey take us? Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43(1), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2010.00705.x

Cantor, P., Osher, D., Berg, J., Steyer, L., & Rose, T. (2018). Malleability, plasticity, and individuality: How children learn and develop in context1. Applied Developmental Science, 23(4), 307–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2017.1398649

Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2011). Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal de l'Academie canadienne de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, 20(4), 265–276.