Britto 2014 - Webpage UNICEF
Britto 2014 - Webpage UNICEF
Insider (https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/category/insider/)
213
© UNICEF/BANA2014-00573/Mawa
Toddlers in Bangladesh are introduced to the alphabet.
On April 16th, a remarkable, and probably the rst-of-its-kind meeting took place at UNICEF New York.
Sixteen (no coincidence with the date) neuroscientists discussed and debated the in uence of early
experience on brain development and function. These scientists, who represent the super specialized
elds of neuroscience, biology, epigenetics, psychiatry, nutrition, chemistry and child development,
provided answers and insights into why early childhood development is so important for individual and
societal development, and how this science could in uence UNICEF’s approach to achieve results for
children.
And what happened when biology walked through the front door? It delivered 3 key messages to UNICEF.
(https://s32152.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0416rfs811.jpg)
Enriching the Brain: insights from Dr. Saul Cypel, Dr. Mohamed Mikati, Dr. Zul qar Bhutta and Dr. Stephen Porges. The main insights from the different
sessions at brain development meeting were captured creatively in these panels by Image Think. (c) Ray Stubblebine
Message 1: The relationship between genes and environment is closer than we ever imagined. Genes
predict our brain development but it is experience that sculpts it
The argument between nature and nurture is over. We are in the midst of a revolutionary shift in the way
we think about brain development, emphasizing the paradigm shift regarding the role nature and nurture
play in how our brains are shaped. The constant interplay between our experiences and genetics shapes
our brains, and thus early experiences (as early as the womb and even before conception) are built into our
brain. Because the brain is a social organ, its development is dependent on social interactions. The brain
needs and relies on experience.
The complexity of the brain lies not only in the genes, but also in the interaction with the outside world,
which shapes the brain accordingly. Aside from genetic predispositions, a child’s brain grows based on the
experiences and opportunities that the brain is afforded to shape itself as the child grows.
(https://s32152.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0416rfs668.jpg)
The Three Pound Universe: insights from Dr. Jack Shonkoff, Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, Dr. Sue Carter and Dr. Stephen Matthews. (c) Ray Stubblebine
Message 2: The brain is complex because it is not a homogenous organ but a highly inter-related and
integrated organ
The human brain, a mere 3 pounds (1.36 kgs), is a highly complex system that has evolved over millions of
years, and differentiates humans as a unique species. Different regions of the brain have distinct roles and
the functions develop in a hierarchical manner.
The oldest brain structures are the brainstem and cerebellum – that control our body’s vital functions of
heart rate and breathing. The limbic brain, consisting of the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus, is
responsible for emotions, values and other unique functions that control so much of our human behavior.
The cerebral cortex, the vast majority of which is the neocortex, and the newest area of the brain (in terms
of our evolution), but also includes the pre-frontal cortex, is responsible for language, cognition, executive
function, consciousness – in other words higher other thinking and imagination that in uence individual
learning and the development of culture and society more broadly.
(https://s32152.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0416rfs892.jpg)
Building Better Brains: insights from Dr. Frank Oberklaid, Dr. Andrea Danese, Dr. Francesco Branca, and Dr. Judy Cameron. (c) Ray Stubblebine
When our brain fails to get what it expects and needs, especially in certain critical or sensitive time
periods, then the amount of effort required to set it back on track is enormous and optimal outcomes are
less likely. For example, in the case of care and early stimulation, Charles Nelson’s research from the
Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), has shown that when the placement of a child into a family (or
“placement into high quality foster care”) occurred before two years of age, children more closely
resembled typically developing children, but when placement occurred after 24 months, then placement
into a family did not create positive outcomes.
Early brain development and function is fascinating. This meeting only touched the tip of the ice-berg in
what we have to learn and could use to improve the effectiveness of our programmes for young children
around the world. After this meeting, there is one guest who is always welcome at UNICEF – biology!
Pia Britto is the Senior Adviser on Early Childhood Development based in UNICEF’s headquarters in New
York.
(https://s32152.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0416rfs749.jpg)
Wrenching the Brain: insights from Dr. Charles Nelson, Steve Soumi, Dr. Barak Morgan and Dr. Michael Georgieff. (c) Ray Stubblebine
Watch interviews with some of the experts from the meeting on brain development in children:
Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel talks new insights into brain development | UNICEF
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By Pia Britto (https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/author/piabritto/)
26 September 2015
A historic moment for early childhood development (https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/a-historic-moment-for-
early-childhood-development/)
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International Psychoanalysis » Blog Archive » How children’s brains develop – new insights Reply
(http://internationalpsychoanalysis.net/2014/05/14/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/)
14 May 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-206)
[…] Click Here to Read: How children’s brains develop – new insights by Pia Britto on the Unicef Connect
website on May 14, 2014. […]
piabritto
12 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-207)
unicefethiopia (http://unicefethiopia.wordpress.com)
15 May 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-186)
i’m happy to all your help,you help the childrens in the diffult times,that’s truthly good, continue to do that
and help them.i thank you,and i’m happy to that.
Reply
piabritto
12 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-199)
thank you Jacques for offering to help – we need all hands on deck to make a difference
[…] How children's brains develop – new insights These scientists, who represent the super specialized
elds of neuroscience, biology, epigenetics, psychiatry, nutrition, chemistry and child development,
provided answers and insights into why early childhood development is so important for … Read more on
UNICEF Connect (blog) […]
So much information to be given out that can make such a difference in a life and how to get
that message out. We didn’t know what we didn’t know. I think back and wonder how so many of
us have even survived with all of the things that could and can go wrong.
Eli Anderson
17 May 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-208)
Greetings.
This is fascinating and extremely well-timed. Working as a storyteller, poet & narrative coach, the impact of
this article, provides additional evidence to support the craft; and reinforces the reason that this work has
become my purpose. The 700-1000 synapses being formed at such a young age simply reinforces the fact
that the arts is a must. Critical to the healthy, mental, physical and spiritual well-being if the human-being. I
deliver a lecture on The Power of Story, I hope I may in someway use this excellent work, in the hope that
others will listen.Stay blessed. OL.
Reply
Pam
13 September 2015
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-1324)
EDUCATION at the high school level and in college of the importance for raising your children
and the RESPONSIBILITY that you will have in raising an infant into a healthy adult. The most
important job in all of the world and we do not educate on the role of being a PARENT.
[…] https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/05/14/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights
(https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/05/14/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights) […]
Caroline (@Carolin16613794) (http://twitter.com/Carolin16613794)
24 May 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-196)
Thank you, fascinating. It helps to understand why students who struggle with language tasks at the age
of 10-11 improve very slowly despite much intervention.
Reply
Great example of what a blog can do. I think you have created a good template for blogging about the kind
of evidence based re ection and consultation that goes on in UNICEF and many other effective
development agencies around the world. I wonder if you could add by post here links to some of the key
writing/research or presentations from this meeting?
Reply
piabritto
12 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-201)
thanks Dale!
<>
Pia, I found this a fascinating and convincing argument to support why it is so crucial to leave no child
behind–at any age, but particularly, among the youngest. So much of the current neuroscience ndings
suggests that the development of “heart coherence” is also crucial—something that can actually be
measured through the shape of brain waves. (Google “The Heart Math Institute” for more explanation.)
This is why it is crucial for children to experience play, affection, joy, positive feelings at early ages, not to
mention human bonding, to ensure that these templates of neurons are formed and ful lled. UNICEF’s
photo of the week (March 27, 2014) is a beautiful re ection of this bonding template that stays in our
subconscious for life. Click back and see this photo and check out how that tiny, in nitesimal infant is
looking at the mother!
<>
Reply
The biology of poverty and violence | IRIN – humanitarian news and analysis (http://notalfuns.ml/the-
Reply
biology-of-poverty-and-violence/)
4 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-212)
[…] a recent UNICEF paneldiscussion by scientists on the subject, Shonkoff said in a televised interview:
“The quality of the […]
Andrew fuller
5 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-211)
This is terri c and I also wonder if there should be a fourth key mesSage: we now know how to create the
conditions in which optimal brain development occurs and with that knowledge comes a responsibility to
advocate for this for every child
Reply
Monterey County Child Care Planning Council | Exchange Every Day Reply
(http://www.mcccpc.com/cares/exchange-every-day/)
6 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-198)
[…] her blog, Pia Britto, UNICEF’s Senior Advisor on Early Childhood Development, reported that 3
messages were delivered to UNICEF from this meeting. One of the messages was “Early Intervention is the
answer: it becomes […]
Spare the rod: the biology of poverty and violence - Africa Express: notizie dal continente Reply
dimenticatoAfrica Express: notizie dal continente dimenticato (http://www.africa-
express.info/2014/05/30/spare-rod-biology-poverty-violence/)
7 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-205)
[…] a recent UNICEF panel discussion by scientists on the subject, Shonkoff said in a televised interview:
“The quality of the […]
Daseta Gray
7 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-182)
Pia great article. I am a certi ed infant toddler specialist who focuses on 0-3 years old and I also do
classes for caregivers of infants/toddlers. It is critical the children are given cognitive, social and
emotional school readiness before age 3.
Reply
piabritto
12 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-183)
I agree and now we need get this information out to others in the practice and policy
communities
[…] This is from UNICEF, it’d seem they are getting into the neurodevelopment swing o’ things . Welcome.
[…]
How children’s brains develop – new insights | The Child and Youth Advocate Reply
(http:// rstcallbc.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/)
11 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-191)
[…] This UNICEF post on early brain development highlights three primary messages from neuroscience:
[…]
piabritto
12 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-202)
thank you and do use this as a way to weave stories for the youngest children. keep up your great work!
Reply
How children’s brains develop – new insights | Renascence School International Education News Reply
(http://rschoolgroup.org/news/?p=55257)
22 June 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-210)
[…] “On April 16th, a remarkable, and probably the rst-of-its-kind meeting took place at UNICEF New York.
Sixteen (no coincidence with the date) neuroscientists discussed and debated the in uence of early
experience on brain development and function.” (more) […]
Thanks for the forward on this blog. we do need to disseminate the science
Reply
thanks andrew – yes that is correct – and i think that should be a new blog not just a 4th message –
advocating this message
Reply
thanks for disseminating this knowledge through your networks. we do need to get the word out
Reply
thanks for the welcome – it is a large network out there who understand the important of early brain
development and function
Reply
Africa in 2050: young and optimistic…with a caveat | UNICEF Connect - UNICEF BLOG Reply
(https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/08/12/africa-in-2050-young-and-optimistic-with-a-caveat/)
12 August 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-200)
[…] healthcare is vital to ward against infectious diseases in early childhood and ensure survival. The
youngest children typically make 700 neural connections per second, and require stimulus and nurturing.
Adequate nutrition is therefore […]
Africa in 2050: young and optimistic…with a caveat – UNICEF Connect (blog) | Reply
(http://makebabyhealthy.com/blog/childrens-health/africa-in-2050-young-and-optimisticwith-a-caveat-
unicef-connect-blog/)
12 August 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-204)
[…] healthcare is vital to ward against infectious diseases in early childhood and ensure survival. The
youngest children typically make 700 neural connections per second, and require stimulus and nurturing.
Adequate nutrition is therefore […]
L’Afrique en 2050 : jeune et optimiste… avec une réserve | UNICEF Connect - UNICEF BLOG Reply
(https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/09/05/lafrique-en-2050-jeune-et-optimiste-avec-une-reserve/)
5 September 2014
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-215)
[…] pour se protéger des maladies infectieuses durant la prime enfance et assurer la survie. Les enfants
les plus jeunes établissent généralement 700 connexions neuronales par seconde (article en anglais) et
demandent à être stimulés et protégés. Une nutrition adaptée est par […]
HI Pia,
This is a great way to connect the missing link. These are the main reasons why we need to have play,
social connectedness, physical activity, sensory experiences so that the brain fully develops. Cutting back
recess, not having enough time to play, not enabling children to experience things (climbing a tree, going
down the slide, seesaw, etc.) stunts their sensory repertoire, thus, crippling them (in my professional
opinion). As a pediatric occupational therapist, it saddens me that there is not enough support in child’s
growth & development, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, & cognitive encouragement. This is
insight is truly amazing and supports the occupation of being a child.
I would like to cite this on my project, it that is alright with you and Unicef.
Thank you!
Reply
jill Ireland (http://[email protected])
15 March 2015
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-222)
Play in so many areas is a thing of the past. We think we need to raise little adults. Many areas
are also raising children with lack of nutrition and the ght for survival every day is the only
reason they wake up is so they do not die where the are sleeping if they have slept at all. The
only brain connections being made is the ght or ight connections and it is almost as if they
are on steroids and the ones for speaking, metacognition, empathy,and other higher evolved
thinking skills will not get the chance to be developed and honed.
Jill
[…] https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/05/14/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights
(https://blogs.unicef.org/2014/05/14/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights) […]
Play: the building blocks of lifelong learning for children | UNICEF Connect - UNICEF BLOG Reply
(https://blogs.unicef.org/2015/03/16/play-the-building-blocks-of-lifelong-learning-for-children/)
16 March 2015
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-219)
[…] At this phase, play is very much a part of what parents and caregivers do with young children. These
interactions support and foster learning. They provide children with the tools to succeed on a lifelong
journey of learning. The way we think about early childhood development is changing rapidly with
advances in neuroscience. […]
School Me: America’s War On and For Education Pt. 1 | Melt the Crown Reply
(https://meltthecrown.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/school-me-americas-war-on-and-for-education-pt-
1/)
16 April 2015
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-214)
[…] of thinking. Forget sponges, during those formative years children’s brains are more like powerful (and
fragile) machines that react to nurturing just as much as they do to nature-ing. In fact, there’s research to
[…]
Indira Rampersad
15 May 2015
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-220)
I would have to say the genes and environment are causes of development. Studies and MRI scans show
that when infants are positioned or supported (with human support) within view of objects, the visual
exposure triggers the neurological network growth. This will continue until the brain continues to be
stimulated with visuals. But the brain has plasticity and will stop development if the network is not used.
For example, when babies creep or crawl the electrical connections in the brain develops rapidly, but once
crawling is mastered and the child starts to walk, those electrons stop or disappear and new neural
networks are built. The dynamic interplay of genes and environment also shape our cognitive
development. Early experiences help create thoughts, perceptions, memories and will later de ne who we
will become later in life. With that said, every early childcare teacher MUST understand about
brain/neurological development for their own self development and for the sake of caring for children
correctly.
Reply
Children’s care holistically should be the responsibility of all. This will make a better place for them in the
world we live in. This blog is very informative. Absolutely rich!
Reply
Muneera
4 September 2016
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-2294)
Very informative
Reply
Heinrich Mutsinzi
12 January 2017
(https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/how-childrens-brains-develop-new-insights/#comment-2534)
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