Join us for Apple Talks
I've always loved to read. As a kid, my parents read to me every night and I got lost in the adventures of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl and Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, among countless others. I credit my love of reading to those experiences I shared with my family when I was young.
Research tells us that what we experience in the first few years of life builds our brains. Just as a house needs a strong foundation to hold up the walls and roof, a brain needs a solid base to support all future development, good mental function and better overall health for life. Positive interactions with caring adults build the architecture that holds up the walls and roof of every child’s developing brain.
Reading, talking and playing together help build this architecture and important skills such as coping with stress, focusing on tasks and getting along with others.
Reading begins with understanding shapes and colours, then words and eventually concepts. When your child says “ela-pont” and you say back “el-e-phant” you’re sharing a serve and return exchange (much like a game of tennis), an important building block of brain development and lifelong health.
As kids see and hear the same word, phrase or story over-and-over, they build their understanding and vocabulary. When kids have strong language and literacy skills, they’re more likely to do well in school.
Reading and playing also open kids up to creativity and imagination—the fun parts of being a kid! When kids and adults play together, from jumping in puddles to playing sports, kids learn to anticipate, solve problems and have unstructured fun.
You can learn more about the links between your child’s developing brain, reading, talking and playing at Apple Talks, a fun and free event across Alberta. Experts in children’s health and community will be on hand to answers to all your questions. Join us in Red Deer February 26 and Grande Prairie March 12.
To register or to learn more, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/10363.asp
Stay healthy!
Tell us, what question would you ask one of our AppleTalks experts about child brain development?
