In conclusion of Brain Awareness Week, here a few brain facts:
THE BRAIN GROWS AFTER BIRTH
A child is born with over 100 billion neurons or brain cells. These neurons create connections with each other, to physically wire the brain. Eighty-five percent of this brain development happens from birth to age three.
EARLY EXPERIENCES MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
The brain grows as connections between brain cells are made. The cells are dependent on experience to create connections. After eight months a child exposed to a nurturing and stimulating environment may have 1,000 trillion connections created. The brain adapts to experiences in the environment.
REPITION MAKES STRONG CONNECTIONS
The brain organizes through a "use it or lose it" process. The brain eliminates and strengthens connections in an effort to become more efficient. Connections that are frequently used are retained. Connections that are not used repeatedly are eliminated so the active connections can become stronger.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Children need to hear people talk to them directly about what they are seeing and experiencing in order for their brains to fully develop language skills.
Research show that when mothers spoke to their infants often, their children learned almost 300 more words by age two than did children whose mothers rarely spoke to them. Language heard through television or conversation not directed to the child did not provide the same benefits. Infants need direct interaction with language right from birth.
LOVING TOUCH
Early adult-child interactions have a dramatic impact on brain development. Warm, responsive care meets an infant's basic needs. Research shows that consistent care giving is not only comforting for an infant, it plays a critical role in healthy brain development. The way that parents and other caregivers respond to babies, directly affects the brain and creates the base for learning and relationships throughout life.
A child is born with over 100 billion neurons or brain cells. These neurons create connections with each other, to physically wire the brain. Eighty-five percent of this brain development happens from birth to age three.
EARLY EXPERIENCES MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
The brain grows as connections between brain cells are made. The cells are dependent on experience to create connections. After eight months a child exposed to a nurturing and stimulating environment may have 1,000 trillion connections created. The brain adapts to experiences in the environment.
REPITION MAKES STRONG CONNECTIONS
The brain organizes through a "use it or lose it" process. The brain eliminates and strengthens connections in an effort to become more efficient. Connections that are frequently used are retained. Connections that are not used repeatedly are eliminated so the active connections can become stronger.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Children need to hear people talk to them directly about what they are seeing and experiencing in order for their brains to fully develop language skills.
Research show that when mothers spoke to their infants often, their children learned almost 300 more words by age two than did children whose mothers rarely spoke to them. Language heard through television or conversation not directed to the child did not provide the same benefits. Infants need direct interaction with language right from birth.
LOVING TOUCH
Early adult-child interactions have a dramatic impact on brain development. Warm, responsive care meets an infant's basic needs. Research shows that consistent care giving is not only comforting for an infant, it plays a critical role in healthy brain development. The way that parents and other caregivers respond to babies, directly affects the brain and creates the base for learning and relationships throughout life.
No comments:
Post a Comment