‘Must View’ Free Resources – Secondary Education around Early Neurodevelopment (SEEN) Lesson Resources
In the busy world of education, it's not always easy to spot resources that can make a difference. At the recent ASE conference I was reminded of the SEEN lesson and assembly resources, developed by Kindred Squared, which offer an opportunity to intertwine the secondary biology curriculum with PSHE, while also addressing the critical role early childhood experiences play in lifelong learning and development. These resources help the parents of the future understand how to support the development of their children. You may want to pass on the resources to any colleagues responsible for teaching Child Development or Early Years.
See the introductory video here https://youtu.be/MEoW_KNF30c
SEEN resources https://kindredsquared.org.uk/projects/#seen
Watch a video overview of the lessons here https://youtu.be/S5b8fxjC7s8?feature=shared
A BBC news clip where the Kindred Squared Director Felicity Gillespie explains the importance of this work https://youtu.be/nHPGWqQ7-pE?feature=shared
The Importance of Early Brain Development
The ASE talk included a number of fascinating facts and figures around development and being ‘school ready’. The foundation of a child’s learning journey begins long before they step into a classroom. Astonishingly, during the first year following birth a million neural connections are formed every second and 80% of brain development occurs by the age of three. These connections lay the groundwork for future learning, health, and well-being.
Neglect or lack of positive interactions during these formative years can severely impact a child's cognitive development, resulting in long-term disadvantages. The "serve and return" interaction between a caregiver and child is pivotal. This simple, responsive communication method fosters robust brain architecture, which is essential for children to thrive academically and socially – and Science teachers can play their part in ensuring that the next generation of parents understands this.
Linking SEEN Lessons to the Biology Curriculum
SEEN lessons are designed to complement and enhance the biology curriculum. For instance, lessons on brain development and neuroplasticity fit with the study of genetics and the environment's role in variation, as well as reinforcing terminology such as neuron, and helping students to understand the key role that repetition has in learning. The resources could fit into your GCSE combined science course when teaching about the nervous system.
If your Science curriculum is too full, then speak to your PSHE co-ordinator as the lessons could instead be taught as part of the PSHE curriculum.
Addressing the Disadvantage Gap
Educators play a vital role in narrowing the disadvantage gap. Research indicates that 40% of the attainment gap at 16 is already evident by the age of five. Shockingly, many five-year-olds enter school not fully ready, with some unable to perform basic tasks such as feeding or dressing themselves independently.
The SEEN resources empower teachers to educate students about the critical role of early experiences. By integrating these lessons into the curriculum, teachers can help raise awareness among future parents about the importance of nurturing and responsive caregiving. This knowledge is crucial for fostering school readiness and mitigating early disadvantages.
The following videos may be of interest to you – they are part of the SEEN lesson resources. My favourite is the last one which is 8 minutes long, and your older students may enjoy it too.
· Experiences build brain architecture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNNsN9IJkws
· Neuroplasticity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfYCZa87g
· Build your baby’s brain through play https://youtu.be/fpiYNkkNmEo?feature=shared
· Serve and return https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/serve-and-return
· Baby talk class https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-talk-class
· Brain’s journey to resilience https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/brains-journey-to-resilience
By adopting the SEEN secondary lesson resources, UK secondary school science teachers can make a profound impact not only on their students' academic journey but also on the future generations they will one day parent. Emphasising the importance of early development and parental engagement is essential for creating a society where every child has the opportunity to succeed.