Developing Minds of Young Children
"The future of any society depends on its ability to foster
the health and well-being of the next
generation."
As early childhood educators, we know that young children come into this world without their brains fully developed. This is both our opportunity and challenge--to provide high quality early childhood environments that promote development in all domains. And, as the quote above indicates, doesn't our future depend on it? Ttoday's children are tomorrow's parents, citizens and workforce.
Building Brains Over Time
Our goal is to nurture--much like we may do in our gardens over the summer--toward the healthiest outcome in each and every child. Let's talk about what children need to nurture their brains:
- Health and wellness through pre-natal care;
- Understanding and acting on the brain research that indicates most of the brain's connections are made after birth and during the first three years of life;
- Experiences we provide have a significant impact on how these brain connections are made;
- A 3 year old 's brain is much more active than an adults--an adult brain becomes much more efficient;
- The baby's brain grows in spurts with "primetimes" in developmental domains;
- "School" begins for a child at birth (not in kindergarten!)
- C hildren need loving care and quality experiences to promote their development.
Loving and Learning are Intertwined
We can build brains by giving lots of loving and nurturing to the children in our care. And, children need hands on learning! The opportunities to discover and explore. Babies need to experiment; they need to try things that are challenging.
A saying by one of my favorite ECE authors puts it succinctly: Loving and learning are intertwined. When children are loved and cared for, they feel confident going out into the world to explore, discover and experiment. By providing the love and learning, we are helping to build baby's brain. Now, that's meaningful work!