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. |