The brain of a newborn grows by experience. Most brain growth in the cerebral cortex and limbic system – brain regions involved in abstract thought, language and emotional control – occurs after birth. One aspect of growth is the activity of nerve pathways from the sensory organs to the brain. The more sensory stimuli that baby receives, the greater the number of connections established between brain cells. At birth, baby’s brain is the most flexible so that early experiences with parents make a huge contribution to shaping the child’s future.
The way one experiences yourself and others is, to a large extent, determined in the first three years of life. What one learns then becomes established in our emotions and neural make-up. Sensory intelligence is more important than IQ or Emotional Intelligence. Everyone experiences their environment and living space in their own way via the senses. If the senses are not fully developed in the prenatal, newborn and young childhood phases, the adult will only be able to use a fraction of that which is available.
It is important to help the child develop optimally in every one of these initial phases. In this way s/he will become an adaptive adult who integrates successfully with the environment. Primary carers, teachers and educators that will come to perform a caring or educational part in the life of the child ought to familiarise themselves with the nature of these developmental phases.
The KASI programme consists of pleasurable activities designed for the prenatal, neonatal and young childhood phases. Baby learns through the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, feeling and movement. Easily available devices – usually household appliances – are used with illustrations and examples through video, photographs and proven recipes to derive the most benefit from each.
The KASI programme enables facilitators like parents, nannies, au pairs and teachers to stimulate the child’s senses on a daily basis by means of enjoyable play. The various stages of the programme, with names like “I am safe,” “I am special” and “I am myself,” are designed to lead to well-adapted children, adolescents and adults.
KASI is offered to facilitators interested in a one-on-one home programme as well as small group stimulation classes that may take place in the peaceful surrounds of a studio or classroom. KASI’s daily programme optimises growth and learning while avoiding over- or understimulation. This is followed by a complete programme for the mid childhood years from about 6 to puberty and adollescence.
Knowledge of sensory needs and preferences may assist parents, caregivers, facilitators and eductators to connect the child via its 5 visible and 2 hidden senses to its ever changing current and future environments.
Further Reading
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The Brain Map was adapted in 2006 by ZERO TO THREE from BrainWonders, a collaborative project (1998-2001) between Boston University School of Medicine, Erikson Institute and ZERO TO THREE.