Table of Contents

List of Figures
Foreword: Relating the Miracle of Young Life to Mysteries of the Growing Brain Colwyn Trevarthen, Emeritus Professor, University of Edinburgh, UK
Acknowledgements
Introduction: What To Expect and What Not To Expect From This Book

1. Neuroscience: What Is it?
2. Why Should Early Childhood Practitioners Know About Neuroscience?
3. Emotional Well-being: How Can We Help to Build Healthy Brains?
4. Children’s Language and Communication Development: What Can Neuroscience Tell Us?
5. Beyond Nature Versus Nurture: Is Neuroscience Relevant to the Debate?
6. Conclusions and Recommendations: Where Do We Go From Here?

Glossary of Terms
Bibliography
Index

Promotional Information

A balanced introduction that bridges the gap between current neuroscience research and early childhood practice.

About the Author

Mine Conkbayir is a lecturer and training director for the Membership Body, National Early Years Trainers and Consultants (NEyTCO) and co-author, with Christine Pascal, of Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues (Bloomsbury, 2014).

Reviews

This practical guide translates the complex subject of neuroscience ... and distils its implications for practice.
*Nursery World*

I especially enjoyed the myth-busting sections found throughout the book. I thought this was an excellent addition for readers without a neuroscience background ... I think Early Childhood and Neuroscience offers an excellent summary of a variety of topics for a wide range of readers.
*The Psychologist*

A FABULOUS addition to my bookshelf. I've recommended to all my students (who are scrambling to buy a copy). A long overdue look at childhood from an evidence-based neuroscience perspective, no pseudoscience, no hype, AND an enjoyable read. [Mine Conkbayir is] my new hero!
*Sarah McKay, founder of The Neuroscience Academy, Australia*

The neuroscience of early childhood development is advancing with unprecedented speed, and early childhood caretakers and educators need a source to support them in understanding and distilling the new findings into usable knowledge for practice. Conkbayir’s readable book nicely accomplishes this goal. It will be a handy addition to educators’ toolkits.
*Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Associate Professor of Education, Psychology and Neuroscience, Brain and Creativity Institute, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, USA*

This book offers a new perspective on the developing child and links to new and traditional theories of child development. It shines a much needed spotlight on development of our very youngest children, including what happens in the womb. The combination of theory and practice makes this a very accessible and relevant book for Early Childhood students and practitioners.
*Helen Perkins, Senior Lecturer, Childhood and Family Studies, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, UK*

This book is a valuable addition to the academic study of Early Childhood and early years practice. The author engages the reader in a journey to support how a critical understanding of neuroscience is vital in our work.
*Eunice Lumsden, Head of Early Years, The University of Northampton, UK*

An excellent and up-to-date overview of key aspects of neuroscience and brain development and how this might impact on classroom practice.
*Susan Hunt, Nottingham Trent University, UK*

[An] excellent book with helpful links between theory and practice ... [and] great to see foundation degree students used in case studies!
*Ann Gorecki, University of Winchester, UK*

This is an excellent book and the first that I have found to specifically combine neuroscience with the early years.
*Bath Spa University, UK*