The field of neuroscience has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. We have learned so much about how children’s brains develop and about what types of experiences help children grow to be the best they can be. While the knowledge base has grown, it is important to keep in mind that we are really not sure what else there is to learn about the brain as this is still a growing science evoking in us a sense of wonder and curiosity. We do know that the experiences of young children will have long lasting effects. These can be either positive or negative. Knowing this, parents and educators need to strive to assure that all children receive quality care from parents and others as they grow and develop.
Quality care for children begins before birth. We have long heard about the importance of pregnant mothers’ diets and rest and the need to avoid alcohol, drugs and stress. These recommendations are even more important as we understand brain development. Most of the brain’s growth occurs between the fourth and seventh month of pregnancy. By birth the baby’s brain has reached 60 percent of its development.
Healthy social and emotional attachment is imperative especially during the first 2 years of life. Children need to have their needs met. When they cry they are telling us that they need something and as the adults in their lives, it is our job to assure they are well fed, clean, safe and cuddled. The experiences of bonding to an adult are vital for young children. They need to know that someone will always be there to care for them and meet their every need. Some people would like to consider this spoiling a baby, when in fact; it is laying a foundation vital for developing trust. Holding and cuddling a baby is also extremely important. Unfortunately in today’s busy world too many parents have turned to infant seats, swings and bouncy seats to contain children rather than their arms. There is nothing wrong with all of this baby gear but we need to be sure they are not abused. Children need time to be held.
The early years are also when children learn how to express their emotions. It is important that the adults around them provide a good example. If we want children to express anger, love, sadness and hurt appropriately, we need to model appropriate reactions when we face those very same feelings. Children who are neglected, exposed to stress, abuse or violence can actually have brains reorganize and make chemical adaptations that will reduce the child’s ability to regulate emotions later in life. I found it interesting when working with young children in childcare that I was able to see exactly where a child learned to behave as he or she did. Children’s behaviors are more often than not, a reflection of their parents.
Young children need sensory stimulation. Studies have shown that early sensory stimulation has long-lasting effects on learning. As children grow they learn best by actively moving and doing. It is through play that children experiment with and learn about the world around them. This makes sense when we understand that information is taken in by our five senses. The more senses we can employ in learning, the more learning occurs. Television and computer games do not provide the stimulation that children need. Providing children opportunities to play and move are vital. Choosing care based on play opportunities is far more important than academics. Young children should not be sitting and doing dittoes and learning the alphabet by rote. As adults we remember learning this way and expect it for our children. We know so much more today and children need to play, it is indeed their work.
Children need to have many experiences repeated over and over again. It is through repetition that neurons of the brain develop pathways and learning occurs. When young children ask the same question over and over again or when you find yourself telling them the same thing over and over again, it is not because they are trying to irritate you. They are involved in learning. This is how children learn. It is also important to understand that children’s learning has a scaffolding effect. That is, one skill builds on the next. Providing children with lots of safe, nurturing learning experiences when they are young will provide a foundation on which their continued learning can build.
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