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