Brain Under Construction [Paperback]

William H. Staso (Author), Todd Banter (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0964424517 | ISBN-13: 978-0964424517 | Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

Using information from developmental psychology and brain research, this book provides parents and caretakers many ideas for enhancing the cognitive growth of their children in the early years. Though expressively written to address the needs of young toddlers from 8-18 months, its wide range of ideas are appropriate for children through age 3. Among topics covered are the foundations for concepts, facts, "how-to" knowledge, cause-effect reasoning, communicative competence, and memory skills.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Great Beginnings Pr; 1 edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964424517
• ISBN-13: 978-0964424517
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,140,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlock the Potential of Your Baby's Brain, November 4, 1999

By 

Vikki Spencer ([e-mail]) (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brain Under Construction (Paperback)

It not only answers the question "What do I do with my baby?" but explains WHY you must involve the brain processes NOW. No day was never wasted, but intentional in building my son's future functioning as a learner, thinker and processor. Now, at 22 months, he uses 4 word sentences,is potty training himself, and counts to 10 and back (and I only knew about Vol.2! ) This does not create "superkids", it merely teaches the parent how the baby's brain is developing and how to involve themselves with exercises to maximize growth. Every area of brain development has corresponding basic exercises which are explained in detail. The baby sets the pace so there is no stress involved. More user friendly than "What to expect" and equally, if not more important. Crucial for stay at home parents, daycares, and shower gifts! I'm convinced that this book, if used well, will improve the intelligence of future adults across the board.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Book for Parents of Young Toddlers, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Brain Under Construction (Paperback)

I feel very fortunate to have read and used both of Dr. Staso's books with my daughter. I have no doubt that her reaching several developmental milestones much earlier than normal were greatly aided by the brain-stimulating activities Dr. Staso suggests. Unlike other child development books, Dr. Staso's books are much more comprehensive in their approach to explaining the hows and whys of brain development in infants and young toddlers. Dr. Staso explains in detail how various activities (which are both fun and easy to do with your child too) can help your child understand concepts, make connections between relationships, increase his or her awareness, and enhance language comprehension at much earlier ages than previously thought. This book and Dr. Staso's book for infants, What Stimulation Your Baby Needs... are among the best that I've read on this subject. Thank you Dr. Staso, and please write another book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well done, June 20, 2004

By 

M. Schuster (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brain Under Construction (Paperback)

I have kids, I'm a early childhood teacher, and I do workshops on brain development for child care workers, so I have a bunch of these books and articles. I found this one of the best. He uses no special, expensive "developmental" toys or materials, many of which are only loosely based on the brain research. He makes it clear that it is not about creating a super-baby. The human brain is wired to pull what it needs from the environment, and by providing the optimal stimulation and nurturing, the baby's brain can develop to its full potential. If you use these techniques, your baby might hit some milestones early, but that isn't really the point.

Many parents will find they are already doing many of these activities, but I think most parents or caregivers will find that there are some simple, new activities to put in their day.