Brain Development
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN INFANCY
It all starts with the miracle of conception, a cellular chain reaction that creates an extraordinary human life. In less then 9 months, a 100 billion neurons are created to form a human brain. However, the neurons of an infant's brain are so weakly connected at birth that the brain is capable of little beyond the most essential functions; such as breathing and sucking. It is only by repeated stimulation within the first months and years of life that the brain will make significant connections between neurons and in turn, will make us the human beings we will become. Unraveling the mysteries of the developing brain is what scientists are just beginning to achieve by newfound technology. This knowledge has given our society a new understanding of how an infant's experiences shape and form their future life. Therefore, how is society responding and portraying this new knowledge that being received?
Personally, brain development can be a fascinating topic to be educated upon, especially when one is working with young children on a daily basis. As for the rest of society; they are bombarded by one new brain development' study after another, as well as the many interpretations of each. For the past decade, the media is bursting with news concerning early brain development. As a society we are then being constantly offered new gimmicks and practices to make our child the smartest one yet. Nonetheless, how can a society choose what devices and practices are appropriate to guarantee the enhancement of their children's development?
As an early childhood educator; it is my role to ensure that I am facilitating an environment for a growing child's development. Therefore, I am fairly knowledgeable with the development of a child's brain. However as a society at whole; are we truly knowledgeable of why the early years in a child is such a vital importance to the human development? I believe there is a...
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