Go into the Brain and Take a Peek

Positron Emission Tomography: provides image of brain activity-- one of many types of brain imaging methods!

In the last decade or so, pioneering brain research with the help of brain imaging technology have made it possible for us to "take a peek" inside the human brain. What we know today is that babies have an enormous capacity to learn and connect information, and this potential is fully realized when children's environment is rich with stimulation—touch, sounds (and songs!), sights, smells, experiences, and most importantly meaningful talk provided by loving parents, caregivers and adults in the child's social and support network.

In fact, a research study put forth by Janellen Huttenlocher at the University of Chicago (March 19, 1999 in vol. 283 Science Magazine) highlights that 20 month toddlers who are reared by talkative mothers have 131 more vocabularies than toddlers of less talkative mothers. At 24 months, the gap widens to 295 words!

So whether you are engaging in vocal play with your child in Kindermusik Village or Our Time class or reading your child's favorite bedtime story and asking questions about it, delight in knowing that with every word you share with your child, new connections are being made or strengthed in his/her amazing brain!

Happy talking,
Miss Sunny