The Secret Life of the Brain

Program 1

Adolescent Activity


Goals:
  • Inform teens about brain development during conception and infancy

  • Teach skills to enhance baby's development
Format:
  • Screen excerpts from Program 1 - The Baby's Brain: Wider Than the Sky.

  • Invite early childhood specialist, for example a teacher or pediatrician, to discuss the brain's development and techniques to enhance neural connections. Inform attendees of the importance of an enriched environment, for example, speaking with a baby, playing music, etc.

  • Invite audience to ask questions of the expert.

    Focus Questions:

    1. Are there ways of preventing premature delivery before/during pregnancy?

    2. Does the "use it of lose it" rule apply to premature babies? And why is it harder for premature babies to develop their brain wiring outside of the womb?

    3. How do you know when a baby is exposed to too much or not enough stimuli? Does the baby have its own filter system that would naturally prevent over-stimulation?

    4. How could speaking to a baby and exposing the baby to music enhance his/her learning curve?
Participants:
  • Adolescents who are parents or soon-to-be parents
Partners:
  • Ready To Learn programs at local PBS stations

  • Prenatal care programs

  • Special high school programs for adolescent parents

  • WIC program
Materials:
  • Excerpt tape from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN and necessary audio/visual equipment

  • The Brain: A User's Guide

  • Informational handouts provided by expert
Venues:
  • Ready To Learn workshops

  • Child care centers

  • Prenatal care programs

  • High school programs
Adult Activity


Goals:
  • Inform parents and other concerned adults about the effects of pre-maturity

  • Explore techniques for improving care and developmental outcomes for premature babies
Format:
  • Screen excerpts from Program 1 - The Baby's Brain: Wider Than the Sky.

  • Invite neonatal specialist, such as pediatrician or nurse, to discuss issues of pre-maturity and new approaches to care of preemies

  • Invite participants to ask questions of the expert.

  • Discuss approach being provided at local hospital's NICU.

  • Discuss how-to's of caring for preemies at home

  • Provide information on resources available via organizations and the internet
Participants:
  • Parents, close relatives, caregivers of premature infants
Partners:
  • NICU at local hospital

  • Neonatal specialists
Materials:
  • Excerpt tape from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN and necessary audio/visual equipment

  • The Brain: A User's Guide for Adults

  • Informational handouts provided by expert
Venues:
  • Local neonatal units at hospitals

  • Maternal care programs

  • Community centers


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