Genetics plays an important role in the intelligence of children, but, according to Carolyn Csgongradi, society and environmental interactions also influence the learning process. Babies are born with innate information via their genes. Engaging them in various activities helps strengthen this information and build on it.
Pregnancy
Boosting health and brain development starts during pregnancy. Keep active to increase blood flow and hence nutrient and oxygen levels to the fetus. Eat healthy foods during pregnancy to ensure that the fetus receives quality nutrients. Consume oily fish three to four times a week to provide good levels of omega-3 oils which, according to Joseph Jacobson in the Journal of Pediatrics, may improve brain function.
Breastfeeding
According to A. Reynolds of the Child Development Unit at the University of Colorado-Denver, breastfeeding is thought to have a small effect on the development of babies' brains. Although this effect is minimal per person, it is thought that it could be meaningful over a population. There is also a more powerful impact on preterm babies that are breastfed. Breast milk is a superior food for babies that enhances overall health and development.
Bonding
Dr. Melanie Beingessner states that humans have the least developed brains of all mammals at birth, and because of this, the environment considerably effects brain development. Building attachments by bonding with parents and caregivers is the first stage of brain development. Touching is a powerful form of communication that results in bonds of trust and security. Lack of touching as an infant can lead to a decrease in brain development, as witnessed in orphanages in Romania in which children showed poor cognitive and social development.
Audio Stimulation
Talking to babies from the beginning stimulates the brain and aids development. As babies get older and can contribute to conversations, ask questions to challenge them. Reading out loud not only helps memory capacity but also introduces vocabulary and literacy. Some researchers believe that music also plays a role in increasing infant intelligence. Gargi Talukder on Brainconnection.com suggests that, based on Wisconsin studies, listening to Mozart may increase infant IQ .
Sign Language
Dr. Linda Acredolo, psychology professor at the University of California-Davis, states on Brainconnection.com that if children start learning sign language by 11 months of age, their IQ by the second grade will likely be 12 points higher than those of children who were not introduced to sign language as babies. The Babies and Sign Language website states in its long list of benefits that sign language promotes language skills and increases creative thinking. Cognitive skills are being developed at an early age; this may increase IQ.
Physical Exploration
Allowing babies to touch objects and explore their textures and shapes aids brain development by challenging the brain to learn new tasks. A baby's mind is blank as compared with that of an adult, so the learning curve is huge. The Franklin Institute website discusses engaging the brain with activities such as modelling clay. Exercise also plays an important role, but North Dakota State University's Extension Service warns against overstimulating young infants, as stress can inhibit development. To keep stress to a minimum, ensure that infants play in a safe environment with no physical threats.
No comments:
Post a Comment