Babies learn language from their parents and caregivers, which is important for the neurological and physical development of their brain. When they hear words repeated over and over again, this creates and strengthens pathways in their brain. If words are not repeated, neurons in their brain shrink and die, decreasing the child’s ability to learn. Therefore, language is the basis of where learning occurs.

In this TEDxAtlanta talk, Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald discusses how baby’s brains are hardwired to learn, and how the number of words a child hears by age three can be an indicator for their performance in school and life.

Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., serves as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and State Health Officer.