The human brain - basic introduction to learning and neuroplasticity

The human brain is made of special cells, called neurons, connected together in pathways or networks

Brain cells, or neurons, receive signals through their dendrites and pass them on through their axons

Babies are born with most of their brain structure and lots of connections in place

Humans build pathways in their brains as a result of experiences and actions, and all pathways are equally strong

Serve and return interactions, between a baby and adults around them, are an important way for brains to grow

Stress is always good for the brain

Our behavioural habits - things like avoiding people if we think they're angry, or being shy around new people, for example - are based on random chance and genetics.

Babies who have trusting relationships with the people in their lives, and get to have lots of good experiences like talking and playing, grow better networks

Once you're an adult, your brain is stuck like that forever

Our brains just keep adding new pathways over time as we learn new things