Over-thinking This Assignment

     I was initially overwhelmed with this assignment. As usual, I was overly analytical about it and assumed my confusion was due to my inability to comprehend some complicated aspect of the work. Instead, I reread the directions and realized I had interpreted them incorrectly. Now the process is moving along much more smoothly.
     I am an information addict. I gathered way too much data on the subject of brain development in early childhood and started to drown in it. From prenatal to adolescence, the human brain goes through major changes. I began my exploration of brain development at Better Brains for Babies (BBB) and finally stopped at a blog on National Public Radio. I visited Zero to Three, Developing Child at Harvard's Brain Architecture, Urban Child Institute, American Academy of Pediatrics, Medical News Today, Child Welfare, and Trauma Pages, to name a few. 
     This is how I approach many research topics. I overload myself with sources and begin the process of selecting what I can use. Therefore, the Metacognition theory as a search model seemed a natural fit for me. I read multiple articles and visit many websites, and then proceed to adjust my focus as necessary.
     I attended a training for trainers at BBB. This included  modules on brain anatomy, brain development, foundations for learning, attachment, physical well-being, play, consistency, and stress and trauma. I was surprised at how much experiences impacted brain development, especially abuse and neglect. I began to research that aspect of development more thoroughly. This is where I would like to focus my work now.