BRAIN FACT: The Brain Does Not Like To Be Bored

The brain does not like to be bored. Learning something new keeps the brain active throughout life.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Ready to Learn Math Skills In the Pre-School Years Through Comparison of Size and Shape With Real Objects

The brain is ready to learn basic math skills in the pre-school years. It doesn't occur from saying the numbers in order. It learns through doing comparisons of size and shape, and few and many. Connections will be made in the brain when this is done with real objects.

BRAIN FACT: Nutrition Directly Affects the Health Of The Brain

Nutrition directly affects the health of the brain and intellectual abilities.

Photo Credit: Simona Balint

BRAIN FACT: What You Learn and Focus On Physically Changes Your Brain

What you think about, learn, and focus on physically changes and re-wires your brain.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Constantly Scans The Environment For Safety

The brain constantly scans the environment for safety. Even an infant brain has the ability to pick up on an emotional atmosphere in fractions of a second.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Designed To Explore

The brain is designed to explore.  Through testing, observation, and trial and error the brain creates strong networks.

Thanks To You! Introducing New Features

It is extremely exciting to know of the level of interest in early brain development. Through numerous people contacting me, I have learned of the growth of awareness occurring as a result of the blog posts and the daily brain facts. I cannot be more thrilled. With this increase in awareness we are making daily progress toward finally making early brain development common knowledge!

I have heard of people sharing this information through their Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, and other social networking accounts, in newsletters, adding it to their e-mail signatures, and posting it on bulletin boards. If you know of innovative ways to share this information further, it would be great if you would share it by adding your idea in the comment section below.

Additionally, I have had people that are so intrigued by the brain facts that it leads them to wanting more information. As a result two additions will be added to the Early Childhood Brain Insights Blog. One is a "Resources" tab. It is a listing of resources I find beneficial.  If you have resources related to brain development that you find valuable, please email me or post a comment.  The second addition is to post answers to questions that are submitted. A few readers have asked for further explanations of the brain facts. These responses will be posted periodically for the benefit of all readers. If you have a question, please email me or post a comment.  It is always wonderful to hear from you.

Again, it is thrilling to see what occurs as a result of people coming together for a positive purpose. I cannot thank you enough for your part in the braininsights efforts to make this common knowledge for the ultimate benefit of everyone!

BRAIN FACT: Focused Attention And Repetition Creates Strong Pathways At Any Age

The brain is learning and reorganizing throughout life.  Focused attention and repetition create strong brain pathways at any age.

BRAIN FACT: Exploration of Natural Environments Is Critical For Optimal Brain Development

Safe and active exploration of natural environments is a critical aspect of optimal brain development.

BRAIN FACT: Different Ways of Relating To A Child Can Activate Different Areas Of The Brain

Different ways of relating to a child can activate different brain areas. Commands and demands activate different brain areas than play, laughter, and cuddling.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Dependent On Experiences For Growth

The brain is dependent on experiences for growth.  Positive experiences combined with nutrition, sleep, physical activity and time in nature provides optimal growth.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Can Only Pay Attention To One Thing At A Time

The brain can only pay attention to one thing at a time. We can do two tasks or activities at a time, but can only focus attention on one.

BRAIN FACT: Repeated Experiences With Real Objects Create Strong Brain Connections

Repeated experiences with real objects create strong networks of connections in the brain because the brain likes to verify that what it sees is true.

BRAIN FACT: Much Of What The Brain Perceives Through Communication Is Non-Verbal

A large portion of what our brains perceive through communication from others is focused on non-verbal.

BRAIN FACT: Genetic Potential Has The Opportunity To Be Expressed Through Childhood Experiences

Genetic potential has the opportunity to be expressed through experiences in childhood

Photo Credit: Cynthia Turek

BRAIN FACT: Hours In Infancy Can Shape The Brain More Than Months In Older Ages

Hours during infancy can shape the brain more than months in middle age. 

Nutrition and The Brain Radio Show

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Atlanta, GA where I worked with Lauren Zimet of Early Insights, to promote the importance of nutrition and the brain.  Lauren and I co-presented at the Georgia Dietetics Annual Conference and we were also guests on the Parents Rule! Radio Show.  You have the opportunity to listen to the entire radio show here to gain insights about nutrition and the brain. Lauren has a wealth of knowledge on the topic, so treat yourself to listening.

BRAIN FACT: Repeated Neglect, Chaos, or Violence Can Result in Aggression, Impulsiveness, And Lack Of Empathy

Aggression, impulsiveness, and lack of empathy can result when a brain experiences repeated neglect, chaos, or violence.

BRAIN FACT: Loving And Cuddling Helps the Brain To Physicially Grow

Loving and cuddling a baby does more than provide comfort, it helps the brain to physically grow.