From Bumps to Babies

SHC Article SHC Early years SHC Nursery SHC Story

In our recent Lecture Series titled “Bumps to Babies,” Ms Danielle Devanny and Ms Cath Okill shared insights into children’s brain development. With Ms Devanny’s extensive 14-year experience in schools worldwide and Ms Okill’s impressive three decades in education, their expertise offered an enlightening presentation to parents.

Key points from the lecture:

𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆: The journey of brain development starts even before a child is born, during pregnancy. The first five years are crucial, known as the “formative years,” where experiences significantly shape cognitive growth.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Children thrive when they feel valued and connected. Lack of attention can lead to stress. Therefore, engaging in two-way conversations and playful interactions is essential for healthy development.

𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Playtime isn’t just for fun; it’s fundamental for children’s development. It triggers the release of happiness-inducing chemicals in the brain, fostering emotional well-being.

𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: At our school, we prioritise nurturing strong relationships with each child. We believe in creating a supportive environment where children feel valued and engaged, facilitating their growth and learning journey.

The “Bumps to Babies” lecture series highlighted the critical importance of providing children with a positive start in life. By fostering interaction, play, and connection from pregnancy through early childhood and beyond, we can lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning and development.