Myth

Fact

At birth the brain is fully developed, just like heart or stomach.

Most of the brain’s cells are formed before birth, but most of the connections among cells are made during infancy and early childhood.

The brain’s development depends entirely on the genes with which you are born.

Early experience and interaction with the environment are most critical in a child’s brain development.

A toddler’s brain is less active than the brain of a college student.

A 3-year-old toddler’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s brain.

Talking to a baby is not important because he or she can’t understand what you are saying.

Talking to young children establishes foundations for learning language during early critical periods when learning is easiest for a child.

Children need special help and specific educational toys to develop their brainpower.

What children need most is love, 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.