Experiences early in life have a lasting impact on later learning.
Today, neuroscientists are able to show that early experiences actually shape the architecture of the brain and strongly affect whether a child grows up to be a healthy, productive member of society.
The graphic below illustrates that much of a young child's brain synapse formation takes place in the first five years of life. Synapses are what connect our brain cells (neurons). They form a network in the brain. This network influences intellectual capacity, memory, problem solving and language.
Explore the Videos Fact Sheets and Websites below to learn more.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Experiences Build Brain Architecture (1:57) Watch how the brain is constructed |
Still Face Experiment (2:49) See firsthand how prolonged lack of attention impacts an infant’s socialization. |
Serve and Return (1:43) Learn how interaction between children and adults in their lives is fundamental to the wiring of the brain. |
Core Concepts in the Science of Early Childhood Development (PDF, 7 pages). Explains key concepts in brain development in Flip Chart Format.
InBrief: The Science of Early Childhood Development (PDF, 2 pages). Addresses basic concepts of early childhood development.
Early Experiences Shape the Brain (PDF, 2 pages). Provides four numbers to remember about early childhood.
Connecting Neurons, Concepts and People (PDF, 2 pages). Summarizes what is known about early brain development and corrects common misunderstandings.
Center for the Development Child
