Science has shown that healthy brain development depends upon ongoing conversations and interactions between an adult and a child. This process of “serve and return,” where an infant “serves” through gestures, cries or coos, and an adult “returns” by acknowledging and responding in a positive manner, is critical for building neural connections and language development.
Becoming a new father can feel a little overwhelming. There’s the lack of sleep, the added responsibilities, the loss of free time, and trying to balance it all.
At First 5 California, one of our core focuses is ensuring parents and caregivers of young children are aware of the importance of talking, reading and singing. Engaging with a young child in these ways helps to build critical neural connections in the brain and puts them on a path for lifelong success. Another activity that will help them become even more ready for school and life is counting. Studies have shown that early exposure to simple math skills helps children develop familiarity and comfort with math, increases their confidence, sets the foundation for more advanced concepts, and helps with
This special event, which emphasizes the importance of talking, reading, and singing with children beginning at birth to help boost brain development
The First 5 California Reading Tour visited the Inglewood Library last week to host dozens of preschoolers at a special event filled with stories, songs, and puppet shows. The tour, which emphasizes the importance of talking, reading, and singing with children beginning at birth, is an important grassroots component of First 5 California’s statewide public education and outreach campaign, Talk. Read. Sing. It changes everything®.