BRAIN FACT: When The Same Brain Connections Are Used Repeatedly They Become More Developed

Pathways in the brain are created just like on land. When you walk down a path numerous times it becomes deeper and more developed. It is the same when we use the same brain connections (or neural networks) repeatedly.

BRAIN FACT: Young Developing Brains Have A Lot Of Plasticity Or Vulnerability To The Environment

Young developing brains have a lot of plasticity or vulnerability to the environment.  Through repeated experiences brains will continue to adapt to what they are exposed to.

BRAIN FACT: Through Repetition The Brain Networks Become "Hardwired"

When learning a new skill we have to think and pay a lot of attention to what we are learning. However, through repetition the brain networks become “hardwired” and the skill becomes automatic.

BRAIN FACT: Overly Academic Preschool Experiences May Actually Slow Learning

Learning may actually be slowed by overly academic preschool experiences that introduce formalized learning experiences. This type of learning does not support a young child’s stage of brain development. 

BRAIN FACT: It Is Essential For Preschoolers To Experience Consistency Through Routines

The brains of preschoolers are working to create organization. This occurs through experiencing consistency.  It is essential that routines and predictability for young children is established.

BRAIN FACT: Brain Cells Are Continually Remolded And Reorganized By Our Thoughts and Experiences

Growing research is showing how the brain is not rigid and fixed.  Science is demonstrating that brain cells are continually remolded and reorganized by our thoughts and experiences.

BRAIN FACT: The Quality Of The Relationship An Infant Has With Their Primary Caregiver Has A Direct Impact on the Physical Development Of The Brain

The quality of the relationship an infant has with his or her primary caregivers  has a direct impact on the physical development of the brain. This impacts the nature and extent of a child’s perceptions and capabilities.

BRAIN FACT: When Memorization and Flash Cards Are Used With Young Children, Normal Growth and Development May Be Affected

When memorization  or rote-learning tasks (such as using flash cards or similar types of programs for reading early) are used with young children, normal growth and development of the brain may be affected. Brains develop best when using many senses and exploring.

BRAIN FACT: When Attention Is Focused On Something New, Brain Cells Are Changed And A Child Learns

The brain focuses on variety and stimulation. When a child focuses attention on something new, brain cells are being changed and the child learns.

BRAIN FACT: Early Interactions With Adults Directly Affects The Way A Child's Brain Is Wired

Early interactions with the adults in a child’s life directly affects the way the brain is “wired”.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Develops With A Focus On Survival First

The brain develops with a focus on survival first. Areas of the brain that contribute to “success” are developed later.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Develops Through A Combination Of Genes and Experiences

With the understanding of brain development unfolding, we now know that a brain develops through a complex combination of the genes a child is born with and the experiences that a child has after birth.

BRAIN FACT: Children Develop Their Brains Best When They Have Toys And Objects They Manipulate On Their Own Or Ones That Can Be Used To Explore

Children develop their brains best when they have toys and objects they manipulate on their own or ones that can be used to explore.  Less learning occurs if there is little opportunity for experiencing cause and effect, creativity, or imagination.

Here is a great article about choosing good toys. 

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Will Adapt To a Negative Environment Just As Readily As It Will Adapt To A Positive Environment

“Because the brain adapts to its environment, it will adapt to a negative environment just as readily as it will adapt to a positive environment.”
~National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2001

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Matures In Order of Developing The Least Complex Areas to the Most Complex Areas

The brain matures in the order of developing the least complex brain areas to the most complex areas.

BRAIN FACT: Many Brain Connections Are Formed Through Physical Play

Physical activity provides many benefits to optimal brain growth. Through physical play many brain connections are formed.

Here is an article from Parents Magazine about the importance of play. 

BRAIN FACT: When Your Attention Is Focused On Something New, Brain Cells Make Connections In New and Different Combinations

When you focus your attention on something new, your brain cells make connections in new and different combinations.

BRAIN FACT: At About Age 3 The Memory Area Of The Brain Matures

At about age 3 the memory area of the brain matures. This makes it possible to begin to recall memories.

Photo Credit: Mehmet Goren

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Makes Trillions Of Connections As An Infant and Toddler

Even though the brain is making trillions of connections as an infant and toddler, it takes years throughout childhood and adolescence to organize it into a mature adult brain.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Continually Checking The Environment For Safety

The self-preservation aspect of the brain is continually checking the people we interact with and our environment for safety.

BRAIN FACT: The Quality Of Early Experiences Shape Children's Brain Development

"There can be little doubt that the quality of early experience does shape children's brain development in critical ways. Genes and environment are both important." 
~Lise Eliot, Ph.D   From: What's Going On In There?