11 October 2024
Dear Parents,
As we transition into a new season, isn’t it wonderful to witness the dramatic changes in nature around us? After the recent winter storms that caused so much damage, seeing the world come back to life brings a renewed sense of hope and excitement. I hope you share this feeling as we step into the new term, with all the opportunities it holds for our children.
In reflecting on this time of growth and renewal, I came across an article on Brain Development and the Role of Experience in the Early Years by Adrienne L. Tierney and Charles A. Nelson, III. The research in this article struck me deeply as it underscores something so fundamental to us as parents: how crucial these early years are for our children’s development, particularly their brain development.
The article explains how the brain's development begins as early as two weeks after conception and continues well into adulthood. However, the childhood years are especially critical because the brain is incredibly sensitive to experiences during this time. Activities such as speaking to our children, helping them recognise faces, and engaging them in interactive play are not just fun moments—they actively shape the brain's structure. These early experiences lay the foundation for crucial abilities like language, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
The processes that occur in the brain—like synapse formation and pruning—are fascinating. They explain why our little ones absorb so much information and why their brains are so flexible and adaptable. While genetics play a significant role, the environment, and the experiences we create for them, influence their growth just as much.
What really resonated with me was how the article emphasised the lasting impact of experiences during these early years. The things we do with our children today have a lasting influence on how they process the world, make decisions, and form relationships in the future. Of course, their development doesn’t ever stop, but these early years provide a unique window to build strong, healthy brain architecture.
As we embrace this term, I look forward to all the ways we can continue supporting our children’s growth, both in and out of the classroom, and I encourage you as parents to join us on this incredible journey.
