Environmental and Neurochemical Factors Impact That Behavior

Tammies Johnson EDU 417 Profressorourtney Plotts January 13, 2014

Help for You

Behavior is can be a complicated venture. Understanding behavior depends on genetics and environmental influences. I am a childs advocate that will help you understand your childs behavior. I am here to help you and your child find the assistance in understanding the childs behavior and seek help for combating any negative behavior.

How Does Nutrition Effect Behavior?

Behavior is controlled by the brain and environmental influences. A balance nutrition is factor of brain development. The body must have a certain amount of nutrition to function properly, especially the brain. Amino acids are very important for a healthy brain. The majority of the brains neurotransmitters are composed of amino acids. The amino acid tryptophan, synthesized from carbohydrates is used to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of well-being and calmness. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in proteins, is used to make dopamine, a natural stimulant. Amino acids protect brain cell components from damage, (Wolfe, 2010). The lack of nutrition leaves the brain very sluggish and the child struggles to focus and perform athletically and academically.

Movement
Physical activity is very important to the body. The more the physical activity the more

oxygen flows through the bloodstream. This increases capillary health and growth of the
frontal lobes,( Wolfe, 2010). Exercise is not only good for the body but also is good for the brain. Physical activity, such as aerobic exercise might be both an effective prevention and treatment late life brain atrophy and cognitive decline. In contrast to most medications, aerobic exercise interventions are consistently associated increased cognitive performance and greater brain volume in older adults. Weinstein & Erickson,(2011). Exercise stimulates new brain, so lets get moving!!!

Technology
Technology a resource that can be an exceptional teaching tool if it is used positively. Children gain

knowledge from watching television, videos, and DVDs, playing video games, and using smart
phones. This can be a positive experience. The world of video games, television, and smart phones can present negative concerns. Neuroscientist, Paula Tallal and Micheal Merzenich have

discovered that many reading problems stem from auditory processing delay in learners brain,
(Wolfe, 2010). Also the violent and explicit content of many video games are a huge concern. Increase exposure to violent and explicit content tends to become a part of the users behavior. If technology is used in a positive way results can impact the user in a positive way. Researchers warn that over reliance on the internet for knowledge impedes real knowledge creation,

Sleep
Sleep is very important. When the body does not have the proper rest it is not able to heal itself.

Sleep is a time when our brains are relieved from processing the continual input of
information that occurs while we are awake seems to be when neural connections are strengthened, (Wolfe, 2010) . Sleep is a time when the body and mind is able to rest in order to prepare for more learning. The lack of sleep hinders the brains normal acitivity.

Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity simply means that the brain is not constructed by genes but also by its

surroundings. We learn from every situation in our lives. Some situations are more relevant
because of there impact. Children are very impressionable. Their minds are very malleable. So they absorb what see, hear, and experience.

Conclusion
The brain is very complex. It is the control center for the body. Damage to the brain means no connection to the body. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, technology, and the environment sculpts the brains learning. Learning take place from birth to death. The study of the brain will help us to better understand how to reach a better potenial for teaching and learning.

References
Galagan, P. (2013). Technology and the interrupted brain: does technology make us dumber or smarter? A slew of recent and soon-to-be-published books explores that question. (HUMAN CAPITAL)(The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains)(Book Review). T+D, (9). 22. Weinstein, A. M. & Erickson, K.I. (2011). Healthy Body Equals Health Mind. Generations, 35(2), 92-98. Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom practice. (2nd ed.). Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.ent