Re-thinking the Brain
Source: Families and Work Institute. (1997). Rethinking the Brain:
New Insights into Early Development. p.18.
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OLD THINKING:
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NEW THINKING:
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- How a brain develops depends on the genes you are
born with
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- How a brain develops hinges on a complex interplay
between the genes you're born with and the experiences
you have.
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- The experiences you have before age three have a
limited impact on later development.
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- Early experiences have a decisive impact on the
architecture of the brain, and on the nature and extent
of adult capacities.
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- A secure relationship with a primary caregiver
creates a favorable context for early development and
learning.
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- Early interactions don't just create a context; they
directly affect the way the brain is "wired."
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- Brain development is linear: the brain's capacity to
learn and change grows steadily as an infant progresses
toward adulthood.
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- Brain development is non-linear: there are prime
times for acquiring different kinds of knowledge and
skills.
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- A toddler's brain is much less active than the brain
of a college student.
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- By the time children reach age three, their brains
are twice as active as those of adults. Activity levels
drop during adolescence.
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