Brain Science
Building a strong foundation
Overwhelming evidence indicates that a child’s brain will develop at an incredible rate during the first few years of life. Brain connections are developed through the stimulation of senses: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. These connections are strengthened through repetition, hence providing appropriate stimulation in the first six years, takes advantage of the windows of opportunity that allow children to learn most efficiently.
The basic architecture of the human brain is constructed through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood. Like the construction of a home, the building process begins with laying the foundation, framing the rooms and wiring the electrical system in a predictable sequence. A strong foundation in the early years increases the probability of positive outcomes.
Children's brains develop best in an environment of strong, consistent, nurturing relationships. These relationships buffer toxic stress, and include a "serve and return" process where children's attempts to interact with adults are met with attention and returned, much like serving and returning a ball in a game of tennis. When children lack these enriching interactions, they have less opportunity to develop their brains in these critical ways.
Brain Development Resources
The Norlien Foundation’s Alberta Family Wellness Initiative has produced a number of informative, easy-to-understand videos on different aspects of brain development.
The 2011 Early Brain and Biological Development Symposium highlights key presentations made during the foundation’s 2011 symposium.
Dr. Anda's presentation http://www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/adverse-childhood-experiences-connecting-developmental-lens-health-our-society
The Frameworks of Early Brain Development covers four topics in-depth (60 min. each). http://www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/learning-modules
Zero to Three.org, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families has lots of great information about early brain development.
