1. In recent years, many educators have spoken of the first few years of life as being a critical period for brain development, in large part because much synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, and myelination occur during this time. They have therefore suggested that infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers should be immersed in many stimulating activities that provide a foundation for reading, writing, arithmetic, and other basic skills. Respond to their line of reasoning by answering the following questions:

a. What roles do synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, and myelination each play in brain development?

b. Is formal education that begins at age 5 or 6 too late?

2. Several teachers tell you that they are "teaching to students' right brains" by spending a lot of time on painting, map interpretation, geometry, and other highly visual and spatial activities. Critique their claim using what you have learned about how the human brain functions.

3. There are both advantages and disadvantages to elementary school children's participation in organized team sports.

a. Describe at least two advantages and two disadvantages.

b. Recommend reasonable steps that can enhance the advantages and offset the disadvantages.

4. As a teacher, you will probably have one or more students with special physical needs (e.g., chronic medical conditions, or recent head injuries) in your classroom. List five different strategies that may be useful as you work with such students.