Pennsylvania Early Learning Forum: Bright from the Start

I’ve returned from the latest library conference in Harrisburg. While catching up on the day-to-day stuff is usually first priority, I wanted to share a few tidbits that I brought back from keynote speaker, Jill Stamm, Ph.D. from Arizona State University and New Directions Institute. Her presentation, Bright from the Start, reminded me of a few key things (things that may seem like old news but are important to remember) about the first five years and brain development. We see articles in popular magazines about baby brain development and promotions for items that will teach your child everything he/she needs to know. I think everyone can agree that we want what’s best for our children. We want them to have every opportunity to succeed. Sometimes the information out there is overwhelming. Neuroscience has shown us how babies’ brains are wired. Experts tell us what works best from a scientific standpoint. But, it really is very simple. Dr. Stamm calls it the ABC’s of Early Learning. Attention, Bonding and Communication… simply by paying attention, talking to your baby, and loving that cuddly bundle of joy, we are creating success.

A few notes from Dr. Stamm’s presentation:
• Neuroscience indicates that the majority of “wiring” of the brain comes after birth. This means that early experiences affect the way the brain is wired.
• The brain has a remarkable capacity to change due to learning experiences. It is never too late to improve a child’s life.
• You can help the children in your life to wire a healthy brain by… Talking, Reading, Singing, Playing, Touching & Cuddling
• The attention system (yes, it is its own system within the brain) utilizes mirror neurons and is developed by around 14 months. To help this system develop, the best thing you can do is pay attention to the child. If a child has someone pay attention to them, they learn how to pay attention.
• Early child caregivers are not merely babysitters. They are brain developers! It is important to recognize the work they do to improve every child’s life.
• The point of reading to newborns and infants is to provide the opportunity to get acquainted with books and language. Reading to your child exposes them to books and language and words that may not typically come up in daily activities.

For more information on Baby Brain Development:
http://www.newdirectionsinstitute.org/
www.iamyourchild.org
http://brainconnection.positscience.com/
http://www.childtrauma.org/
http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer
http://www.familiesandwork.org/
http://www.ounceofprevention.org/home/index.php