The Brain Grows Dramatically By Age 5
The preschool years represent a time of some of the most dynamic and elaborate developmental changes and brain growth. Pediatric neuroscience has made huge advancements and discoveries in human brain development in the last 40 years. Both the increases in size and volume of the brain itself and the abundance of foundational neural connections rapidly developing from before birth through preschool are particularly notable findings.
“Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. Just as a weak foundation compromises the quality and strength of a house, adverse experiences early in life can impair brain architecture, with negative effects lasting into adulthood.”
Positive and responsive interactions with young children build thriving brains. These early years before school entry are when we see the emergence of many skills and abilities in our children that can then continue to be developed and refined into young adulthood and beyond.
“… the quality of a child’s early environment and the availability of appropriate experiences at the right stages of development are crucial in determining the strength or weakness of the brain’s architecture, which, in turn, determines how well he or she will be able to think and to regulate emotions.”
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2007).
References:
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2007). The Timing and Quality of Early Experiences Combine to Shape Brain Architecture: Working Paper No. 5. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.
