The document discusses brain development and environmental influences. Most of the brain's cells are formed before birth, but connections are made during infancy and early childhood. Early experiences and interactions with the environment are critical for brain development. Nutrition, sensory stimulation, and loving care help build a child's brain, while talking establishes foundations for language learning. The brain develops most during early periods and remains active into adulthood.

1. Environmental Influences on theDevelopment of the BrainJonathan Pensotes

2. What Do We Know AboutBrain Development?FACTSMYTHS

3. Most of the brain's cells are formed before birth, but most of the connections among cells are made during infancy and early childhood. FACTAt birth the brain is fully developed, just like one's heart or stomach.MYTH Talking to a baby is not important because he or she can't understand what you are saying. MYTHThe brain's development depends entirely on the genes with which you are born.MYTHEarly experience and interaction with the environment are most critical in a child's brain development. FACTTalking to young children establishes foundations for learning language during early critical periods when learning is easiest for a child. FACTWhat children need most is loving care and new experiences, not special attention or costly toys. Talking, singing, playing and reading are some of the key activities that build a child's brain. FACTChildren need special help and specific educational toys to develop their brainpower.FACTA toddler's brain is less active than the brain of a college student.MYTHA 3-year-old toddler's brain is twice as active as an adult's brainFACT

4. FORMATION OF NEURAL CONNECTIONS AT BIRTH AT 7 YEARS AT 15 YEARS

5. LobesOfThebrain

6. CRITICAL PERIODS IN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Visual and Auditory development Language development Physical and Motor development Emotional and Social development

7. ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Life experiences Increased stimulation

8. FACTORS AFFECTINGDEVELOPMENT Maternal Nutrition Child Nutrition Early Sensory Stimulation

9. NUTRITIONDIET

10. FiveFOODgroups

11. Maternal NutritionThe mother supplies all the nutrients to inborn fetus through the food intake so that she should take care of her diet for her sake and that of the fetus.

12. Child NutritionAdequate nutrition contributes to a continuous brain growth, rapid skeletal, and muscular development. It is not the amount of food that children eat but what they eat that contributes to healthy living.

13. Children under 6 years of age tend to be farsighted, because there eyes have not matured and are shaped differently from thoseadults Early Sensory Stimulation

14. FACTORSAFFECTING GROWTH Genetic HistoryNutrition Exercise Sleep Emotional Well-Being Medical Conditions

15. “The child’s genetic history influences to a large extent of his growth. As a matter of fact, it is number one in the list. By just looking at the parent’s height, the rate of growth of the child can more or less be predicted”GENETIC HISTORYLYNNE LEVITSKY, M.D.CHIEF (Pediatric Endocrine Unit)Massachusetts General HospitalBoston

16. “Without a good diet, kids won’t grow normally”NUTRITIONJO ANNE HATTNER, R.D.Pediatric SpecialistAmerican Dietetic Association

17. Children born with or develop serious medical conditions can have stunted growth if not treated. Some of these are gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease; food allergies; thyroid problems; hormone deficiency; heart, kidney, or liver ailments, and certain chromosomal abnormalitiesMEDICAL CONDITIONS

18. EXERCISERegular physical activity promotes growth by strengthening bones and muscles.

19. SLEEPAbout 70-80% of growth hormone is secreted during sleep. – Paul Saenger

20. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEINGChildren must be nurtured with love, patience, & understanding. They need a supportive family environment.

21. Environmental Influences on theDevelopment of the BrainJonathan Pensotes