The document discusses brain development in infants. It explains that an infant's brain wiring is shaped by external experiences, and that parents can influence development by touching, talking, singing, and cuddling with the infant. It also notes that infants experience the world through their five senses, and parents can provide sensory experiences through music, colorful surroundings, aromas, and textures. Finally, it states that early relationships are important for emotional and social development, and that parents should smile, use different voice tones, and provide calm interactions and social opportunities.

1. Brain Development of the Infant

2. Brain Terms Neurons Nerve cells in the brain primarily responsible for the transport of information

3. Dendrites Dendrites Short nerve projections or arms from the neuron that collect information

4. Axon Transmission lines for the nervous system that sends information Synapse A gap-like structure from which the axon of one neuron sends a signal to the dendrites of another neuron

5. How the Neuron Works 1. Neuron 2. Dendrite 3. Axon 4. Synapse

6. Principles of Brain Development The infant brain’s wiring is shaped by the outside world. Parents and caregivers can influence and increase this wiring by: Touching the infant. Talking to the infant. Singing to the infant. Cuddling with the infant.

7. Principles of Brain Development The infant experiences the new world through the use of the five senses. Parents and caregivers can create new experiences by: Creating soothing sounds through music, talk, singing. Provide colorful, bright surroundings. Provide pleasant aromas throughout the house. Provide texture in infant’s surroundings. Providing various tastes as the infant grows.

8. Principles of Brain Development The “use it or lose it” principle applies to the infant brain. Parents can provide “windows of opportunity” for the infant by: talking to the infant about colors, shapes, and aromas while grocery shopping, trips to the park, trips to the bakery, preparing meals, and bath time.

9. Principles of Brain Development Early relationships with other people, including parents or care givers, are an important source for the emotional and social development parts of the infant brain. Parents and care givers should: Smile often. Use a pleasant voice. Create high and low pitches of voice in conversation. Create a calm atmosphere for the infant. Provide opportunities for infant to be with other infants and adults.