Presentation given on May 13, 2014 at the Kay Meek Centre prior to Dr. Leonard Sax.

2. EARLY LEARNING DEVELOPMENT

3. The Early Years Matter
The biological 'code' of success in life is built by all the sounds,
sights, touches, thoughts and emotional interactions that children
experience in their first few years (Clyde Hertzman).

4. But what we are
really doing is
human
development .
No where has
there been
greater
understanding
and clarity over
the last several
years than in this
work of human
development.

5. Cognitive,
social and
emotional
capacities are
inextricably
intertwined;
to focus on
any one
requires
consideration
of all three.
(AB Family Wellness,
2013)

6. The development
of these three
capacities occurs
largely in the
frontal lobe of
the brain, and
relies on the
interrelated
neural circuits to
function properly
throughout the
life course.
(AB Family Wellness, 2013)

8. COLLEGE READY CAREER READY

9. BUT ALSO LIFE-READY!

10. Grad Rate
about 98%
More than 80%
of students
going to post-
secondary
In the 100th
percentile on all
provincial
assessments

11. It is about
smart AND
caring
As we approach our
country’s 150th
birthday, Canada’s
Governor General, the
Right Honourable David
Johnston, has
challenged Canadians
to imagine our country
as it could be – a smart
and caring nation that
holds promise for all.

12. Kids Today
compared with 5
years ago:
• Make better decisions
• Drink less alcohol and
using fewer drugs
• Feel safer at school
• And also need more
sleep and feel stressed

13. THE FIVE DOMAINS OF SELF-REGULATION
(Stuart Shanker’s model)
13

14. Infancy Mastery over sensory functions.
Regulation is provided by caregiver -
predictability/stability
Toddler Beginning to participate in managing their
responses
School age Increasing autonomy to manage within
institutions
Teen Self-regulation is devolved within
institutions/society

15. (A. Diamond, 2009)
School activities that give rise to the pleasure surge
& prompt the release of dopamine include:
• Participating in acts of kindness
• Collaborating with peers
• Making choices & solving problems
• Engaging in physical activities such as
sports, dance and play
• Enjoying creative efforts and
disciplines such as music, art, drama,
storytelling and reading.
MindUp Curriculum, 2011

16. Parents are part
of the process
not just
observers of the
polished product

17. Deeper learning
happens when
students use what
they know to solve
problems, make
decisions, and
inquire into real-
world issues.

18. Thank you for
coming – to
support your
children, and
our
community’s
children – we
want the best
for all young
people in our
community