Birth to Three: Brain Development

The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby's development. A newborn's brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. But by age 3, it has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells. We will learn about the many ways parents and caregivers can help children get off to a good start and establish healthy patterns for life-long learning. Brain Development

The Importance of Brain Development How the Brain Develops An infant is born with almost all the neurons, or brain cells, he will ever have. Over time, these neurons grow larger and form connections between them called synapses. These synapses act like bridges and allow messages to travel between neurons, which help the baby to learn and interact with his environment. How those synapses develop is influenced, in part, by his experiences. Most of these synapses are formed after birth. As the baby grows, his experiences will reinforce some connections and others will fall into disuse. Critical Periods of Development The formation of synapses doesn't happen evenly. For this reason, knowing your infant's critical periods of development and choosing age- appropriate ways to help her develop in those areas are critical to her development. For example, start talking to baby during infancy because even though she may not understand the words yet, she is learning about language. This understanding will lead to talking and building vocabulary as she gets older.

Stages of Brain Development In an Infant, Child, and Young Adult

A Good Caregiver is… Loving and Responsive One who hugs, rocks, cuddles, seeks eye contact and enjoys the child...who responds to the baby's smiles and emerging skills and interests...who finds ways to expand upon children's play to help them learn new skills...who is sociable and interested in children. One who talks with the baby about what they do and see... a playful partner who introduces new ideas, objects and games...who supports children in building relationships with other children and adults. Respects the baby's individuality One who understands and nurtures babies' development...who recognizes the baby's personal rhythms, style, strengths and limitations...and tunes into these when planning the pace and time for eating, sleeping and playing...one who is comfortable accommodating to children's special needs or conditions. Provides a stimulating and child-friendly environment An area that is clean and safe so babies can explore their surroundings...filled with interesting and stimulating things to explore...set up to promote learning through free play...changed regularly to accommodate the needs of growing infants and toddlers...organized to have distinct eating and diapering areas and set up to be comfortable and practical for adults, allowing them to focus on the children.

 Look into the baby's eyes. Infants begin to recognize faces very early! Each time he stares at you, he's developing his memory.  Encourage communication. Whenever a baby babbles or coos, repeat the sound he makes and then pause to give him the chance to respond. This shows him that what he's saying is important to you and encourages communication.  Sing songs. Play music. Say nursery rhymes. It is thought that if a child is exposed to these things early in life, it lays many foundations for academics (math and reading).  Tickle his toes -- and everything else. Laughter is the first step in developing a sense of humor. Playing games like "Patty Cake", "This Little Piggy", or "I'm Gonna Get You!" teaches your child to anticipate events.  Change baby's positions frequently. When an infant learns to play in a new position (such as on his side), his motor skills are challenged in different ways and develop more thoroughly. Activities to Stimulate Brain Development

 Use your baby's name when talking to him. Studies show that babies can recognize their own name by 4 1/2 months if it is used often.  Make the most of diaper time. Use these moments to teach body parts or pieces of clothing, and to sing nursery rhymes. Narrate to help your baby learn to anticipate routines.  Surprise him. Do the unexpected every now and then by gently blowing on his face, arms, or tummy. Make a pattern with your breaths and watch him react and anticipate.  Read books. Read books. Read books! Scientists have found that babies as young as 8 months can learn to recognize the sequence of words in a story when it's read 2 or 3 times in a row. This is believed to help them learn language.  Teach baby sign language. Baby signing is linked with earlier development of non-verbal and verbal communication. This is a terrific way to give a boost to infant brain development. Continued….

Provide safe and interesting objects to look at and explore as babies grow. Provide toys with a variety of colors, textures, and sizes (e.g., rattles, books, balls, soft objects), and watch to see which each baby is most. interested in.

Toys That Help Promote Toddler Development Provide building blocks, puzzles, shape sorters, lots of books, art supplies, and “kitchen play”.

Books, Art Supplies, Realistic Toys, Puzzles, and Get Outside and Explore Nature Toys to Stimulate a Three Years Olds Brain

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way George Evans