Why the First 2,000 Days Matter: A Look Inside the Brain

1. Title Page

2. Acknowledgments

3. The Amazing Transformation

4. Brain Growth in the First Five Years of Life

5. Neurons are Communicators

6. Neurons Work in Networks

7. A Forest of Brain Connections

8. Building a Flexible Brain

9. Experience Strengthens Connections

10. The Brain Removes Unused Connections

11. A Thriving Brain

12. Biology + Experience Build the Brain

13. A Window into the Developing Brain

14. A Window into the Developing Brain - Video

15. Building a Coordinated Brain (1/3)

16. Building a Coordinated Brain (2/3)

17. Building a Coordinated Brain (3/3)

18. Learning Happens in Relationships

19. Questionnaire

20. Knowledge Check

21. Additional Resources

22. Cited References

23. Get in Touch

Axon
output fiber of a neuron

Cell body
the neuron's processing center

Dendrites
input fibers of a neuron

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
a non-invasive brain imaging technique used to determine which regions of the brain are active

Neurons
cells located in the brain and throughout the body that are specialized to communicate messages

Pruning
the process of removing excess synapses

Sensitive period
a time in development when the brain is especially ready to learn a skill

Synapse
connection point between neurons