Preview File Edit View Go Tools Window Help Overview of Key Idea from the Theorists.pdf 1 page Search Overview of key ideas from the theorists. Piaget 1896-1980 Children construct knowledge (Adapted from Early Years Curriculum Guidelines, 2007) Vygotsky 1896-1934 Knowledge is developed by actively participating in social and cultural experiences. Bronfenbrenner 1917-2005 Development and learning are genetically predetermined Brain Researchers (Late 1980's - ) Early Years is a critical period of brain development. Uniform stages of development Children are biologically programmed Play is critical in cognitive development Making meaning is strengthened by language Children live and learn in many different social and cultural contexts Learning is a shared process Children take in information through all the senses Chemicals generated through positive emotions strengthen memory Children explore new experiences through their current understandings Scaffolding (The child actively constructs and the adult supports.) Development and learning are greatly influenced by children's backgrounds, lifestyles, cultures and prior knowledge Sensory input in the Early Years triggers chemicals in the brain that build connections and create complex cognitive structures Language within learning experiences becomes the child's thinking processes Interactions with people, objects and symbols affect children's understandings and capabilities Zone of proximal development rage o 39 SEP LO