BRAIN FACT: Brain Circuits Involved With Empathy Are Also Partially The Same As Cicuits Involved With Violence

Resent research reveals that the brain circuits involved with empathy are also partially the same as circuits involved with violence.   The researcher states, "We all know that encouraging empathy has an inhibiting effect on violence, but this may not only be a social question but also a biological one -- stimulation of these neuronal circuits in one direction reduces their activity in the other."

To read an article on this go to Science Daily.
 
A wonderful new program called Roots to Empathy is showing impressive results. Read the innovative and positive project aimed at preventing bullying in this article, Fighting Bullying with Babies.

BRAIN FACT: Brains Of Infants And Toddlers Are Too Immature To Be Taught To Read

The brains of infants and toddlers are too immature to be taught to read. Children at these ages can only memorize. It is most advantageous to teach actual reading when the brain has matured. Young brains benefit most from being read to, having fun interactions with people, and playing with real objects.

Frequently I am asked about the, “Your Baby Can Read” program. It is always great to use this as an opportunity to explain how the developing brain really learns. I am thrilled to let you know, The Today Show reported that experts agree that this program is not valuable to developing brains. Watch here!

It will be wonderful when everyone is aware of the knowledge we have to help all children develop best!  This can be done so easily even during busy everyday life. Sharing real brain development activities and information is made easy with, The Brain Development Series.

BRAIN FACT: Continuous Or Intense Stress Can Affect Children's Brain Development

Continuous or intense stress can affect children’s brain development. When children have repeated or long term exposure to stressful experiences this results in increased levels of stress chemicals that can cause lasting damage. However, children actually learn how to cope when exposed to regular stress. This occurs when a caring adult consistently responds to the child.

I am thrilled to see a recent article in The Seattle Times by Jerry Large discussing a symposium on the impact of stress on the brain and how critically important it is to address these issues. You can read the article, The Science of Healthy Children here.

In my brain presentations on the impact of relationships,  I often show the clip of the still face experiment mentioned in this article.  You can view it here: 

BRAIN FACT: The Easiest Time For The Brain To Learn A Second Language Is During The Pre-School Years

The easiest time for the brain to learn a second language is during the pre-school years.  Research indicates there may be additional benefits when learning multiple languages.  Children can develop better overall verbal skills, a better vocabulary, and sequencing abilities.

This article, Brain Boosting Activities, from Sue Hubbard, M.D. The Kids Doctor, points out the value of multiple language learning along with other areas that support optimal brain development. 

BRAIN FACT: A Child Will Make Trillions Of Connections In The First Five Years

While the brain makes connections throughout life, a child will make trillions of initial connections in the first five years. Research demonstrates that play and interactive experiences in nature have a very positive impact on healthy brain development.

Carol Torgan, Ph.D has put together a extremely valuable list of over 200 resources related to play. You can enjoy it here. 

BRAIN FACT: The Developing Brain Learns Best Through Play

The developing brain learns best through play. Children need each day filled with opportunities to learn through fun and interactive experiences. Pushing young children toward academics is not supportive of optimal development.

"Play-based preschools and kindergartens show significantly better long-term outcomes, both academically and socially, than didactic and overly academic programs for young children. Yet false assumptions about the importance of learning discrete cognitive skills, such as decoding and phonics, at an early age have led many schools to adopt developmentally inappropriate practices in kindergarten."

This statement is included in a policy brief  from The Alliance for Childhood. HERE is the complete brief.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: The Grand Issue!

Click Here to read the November braininsights Newsletter.  This issue is full of brain development resources.  Check it out!

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