Neither the size of the brain nor the number of brain cells, but it is the number of interconnections among the nerve cells (neurons) that matters resulting from the way in which the brain is brought up and taught.

During the first years of life, baby's brain undergoes extraordinary changes. Starting shortly after birth, a baby's brain produces trillions more connections between neurons that it can possibly use. These interconnections are largely determined by the excellence of you in nurturing them with the Brain Food (your love, the oxygen, the nutrition and the information) since long before birth.

By the age of three, a child who is neglected or abused bears marks that are exceedingly difficult to erase. And at the age of 10 or earlier, the brain drastically drops those connections that are seldom or never used, leaving behind a unique mind with patterns of emotion and thought.

The responsibility lies with the parents in creating a stimulating environment for the family to encourage the creation of sensory experiences and intellectual development. This process of appropriate upbringing should continue throughout life to develop thinking and learning habits resulting in stimulated neurons becoming more and more strongly interconnected.

Why continuous learning? Today, there is an increase concern among working parents on the need for a proper day care and early education for their children who receive less quality time at home. There is an urgent need for nurseries and pre-schools to design programs that can boost the brainpower of these youngsters. Rich experiences really do produce rich brains. And if there is inadequate stimulating environment, a child's brain suffers.

Hence, 'Continuous Learning' becomes our motto of providing education for babies as young as 0 month up to adults to maximize the intelligence granted naturally by Allah. We do believe that repetition of education is crucial for these neurons to remain interconnected to each other. And children love repetition too. Nevertheless, the method of education shall be different depending on the individual age and capability.

For example, since the movement of a baby during the first year of life is limited, the major learning process is through his multi-sensory experience. As he enters into his toddler hood, he will then learn through his curiosity by exploring his environment. The use of flash cards, story books, CDs, nursery rhymes, educational toys, role play, outdoor activities, etc is believe to encourage the development of your child's intelligence.

* Next Month Article :
What is I-LIFT Concept?