Nurturing Brain Development

Posted Jan 22, 2010 by RoxR

when it comes to brain development in young children, earlier is critical.

The miracle of birth is just the beginning of many wonders as children begin to grow. One of the most fascinating and important marvels is the development of the child's brain.

The first years are critical to brain growth

Researchers know that early childhood experiences have a direct impact on how the brain is "wired." Because the brain matures in the world, rather than in the womb, early experiences are crucial to the development of the baby's brain and to the neuron connections vital to brain growth.

The "wiring" of the brain (neuro-pathways) grows at a tremendous rate during the first three years of life. The infant brain contains 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons! These neurons are in place before the child is born. After the child is born, the synapses, which connect the points between the neurons, develop quickly (think of a spark plug firing). This rapid change is referred to as synaptogenesis. Larger numbers of synapses allow more messages to travel in the brain, and enable more information to be processed. (Bloom, Nelson, & Lazerson 2001)

About ninety percent of brain growth occurs in those first few years; so the more experiences a child has the more connections that are built in the brain. Emotions have a great deal to do with how a child's brain develops, too. Providing a safe, secure environment aids in brain development. Early experiences help to determine brain structure and shapes the way people think, learn, and behave for the rest of their lives.

What can be done to enhance brain development?

What kinds of early experiences help build a child's brain? Along with proper nutrition and rest, touching, cuddling and talking to infants and young children help in brain development. There is also a direct correlation between brain development and language development. Connect with young children by reading to them, singing to them, playing games, reciting poems and silly rhymes. Explore the world around, look at the clouds, play in the sand, visit a farm or the zoo and then talk about the things you see and do. The Reiner Foundation offers other useful information on brain development.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/233028_nurturing-brain-development