šŸ‘¶
Birth
Newborn (0-3 months)
Birth 1yr 2yr 3yr 4yr 5yr 6yr 7yr 8yr
šŸ§ 
Synaptic Density
~2,500/neuron
šŸ§ 
Brain Development
  • Brain is ~25% of adult size at birth
  • Rapid synapse formation begins
  • Sensory areas developing first
  • Sleep crucial for neural development
šŸ“š
Teaching Strategies
  • Respond consistently to cues
  • High-contrast visual stimulation
  • Gentle touch and skin-to-skin contact
  • Talk and sing during care routines
ā­ Developmental Milestones
Responds to sounds Tracks faces Reflexive movements Social smiling begins

šŸ’” Teaching Tip

The brain develops in a "serve and return" patternā€”responsive interactions build neural pathways. Every time you respond to a child's babble, cry, or gesture, you're literally building their brain architecture.