When babies are born, are some born smarter than others? It may be a genetic gene that makes them intelligent. As these babies become toddlers, is it possible to teach them to read? Can they understand what is happening? According to Sara Gable who wrote an article in ClassBrain.com: The brain's job during the first 3 years is to establish and strengthen connections with other neurons. These connections form when impulses are sent and received between neurons. Axons send messages and dendrites receive them. These connections form synapses. Between birth and age 3, the brain creates more synapses than it needs. Highly used synapses become a permanent part of the brain. Synapses that are not frequently used are eliminated. Because we want children to succeed, we must provide plenty of positive social and learning opportunities so that the synapses associated with these experiences become permanent (Gable). (See Figure 2)All babies are born with the same opportunity. It's up to parents or caregivers to influence and help their little one's brain develop to its full potential. A baby's environment impacts how they develop their learning abilities. If you never talk to a toddler or show him how to do something, how will he learn? With guidance and care, it is possible to teach a toddler to read. However, many parents are skeptical about the possibility of teaching a toddler to read. Some parents don't want to force their toddler to read. Some people think that maybe they don't like reading because they are in a hurry. Some parents think their toddler will learn to read when he or she is ready. Judith Hudson, developmental psychologist, supports these parents. She said on babycenter.com: ...... middle of paper ...... House, 2001.Print.Arias, Rose. Personal experience. 2009Coon, Dennis. and John O. Mitterer. Psychology, a journey. 4th ed. Belmont: Schreiber, 2008. Print. Gable, Sarah. Nature, nurture, and early brain development. Class Brain.com. May 3, 2008. the web. June 14, 2010. http://www.classbrain.com/artread/publish/article_30.shtml Kuo, AA, et al. “Parent Report on Reading to Young Children.” Pediatrics 113.6 part 2 (2004): 1944-1951. CINAHL with full text. EBSCO. Internet. May 6, 2010. Hudson, Judith. “When and how to teach my toddler to read”. BabyCenter LLC. 1997-2010Web. April 29, 2010. http://www.babycenter.com/404_when-and-how-can-i-teach-my-toddler-to-read_6900.bcTitzer, Robert. Your baby knows how to read. Carlsbad: Penton Overseas, 2008. Print Travis, Wendy. Baby born intelligent or well-behaved: life scenario. May 27, 2008. the web. May 27, 2010. www.lifescript.com/life/family/kids/.