The Wonder Year
This excellent documentary-style film follows a newborn baby called Orson and his family through his first year of life in his home environment. Not only does it show the changes in his physical development, it also conveys how important his experiences are linked to his brain development. Three sections - nought to three months, four to seven months and eight to 12 months - each contain several short segments linking theory and practice. Messages are clear and easy to understand and are reviewed at the end of each section. The information about brain development is complex, but the use of diagrams make it accessible to parents and professionals or students. The need for attention, warmth and affirmation is explained clearly. Examples of Orsons' parents' attunement and also misreading of his signals show what to look for when communicating with a baby. The accompanying booklet has a full transcript and additional information and research linked to each section. This would be useful for anyone working in an early years setting, but especially to anyone who wants to find out more about early years development. It would be excellent to use in a postnatal setting with parents.
