IN Bethel Park Fall 2017 | Page 44

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
BRAIN
DEVELOPMENT
AT YOUNG AGES
T
he most rapid period of growth for the brain is from birth to age
10 and is documented as being the “window of opportunity.” It
is during this time that the brain learns and retains information
best. The more experiences and exposure to different things during
this time, the more connections are made within the child’s brain.
Therefore, learning is taking place with the ability to retain the
information. Tiger Woods is a great example: He was probably born
with a natural gift for golf; however, if his father hadn’t provided him
with the experience of golf starting at a young age, would he have
been the phenomenal golfer that he became?
The brain changes physiologically as a result of experience. The
functioning ability of the brain is determined by the environment
YOUR
CHILD
DESERVES
THE BEST
POSSIBLE
START.
NOW ENROLLING
>
ALL AGES, INCLUDING
KINDERGARTEN!
Tour your local
Goddard School
and experience
why it’s the best
preparation
for social and
academic success.
PETERS TOWNSHIP
(VENETIA)
724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH
(UPPER SAINT
CLAIR)
412-564-3600
GoddardSchool.com
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc.
Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2016
42 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Bethel Park
in which the brain operates. The brain has an amazing ability to
constantly change its structure and function in response to external
experiences, emotion and the environment. The brain at this age can
be compared to soft plastic, and is like a sponge. There are dendrites
within the brain, which are connections between brain cells. These
can grow at any age, but have optimal growth during the “window of
opportunity” period. The young plastic, sponge-like mind is craving
experiences, interaction and information in order to form as many
dendrite connections as possible.
Please note that parents and teachers should provide as many
connections as possible, at the earliest age possible. This helps create
a foundation for young learners to fall back on and recall information
from any point in their lives, whether it is at 7 or 70. The brain
constantly seeks connections between the new and the known. There
is a trick in creating dendrites, and that is providing a safe, secure and
loving environment, as well as an environment rich in experiences.
Another trick is that emotion creates a dendrite connection with
respect to the child’s experience as well. By creating this rich, positive
and active learning environment, the child will have a positive
experience to either recall at a later date or to further develop a skill.
An enriched environment gives children the opportunity to make
sense out of what they are learning. Learning is a process of active
construction by the learner, and an enriched environment gives
children the opportunity to relate what they are learning to what
they already know. The brain is essentially curious and is innately
social and collaborative. A child’s learning is enhanced when the
environment, whether at home or school, provides the opportunity to
play, discover, make messes, make mistakes, discuss his/her thinking
out loud, and work collaboratively with peers, parents and teachers.
We have fun providing that environment at The Goddard School.
The active learning philosophy formed through extensive research by
Jean Piaget supports brain development. Children learn best in a non-
threatening environment in which they feel safe, secure and loved
and are provided with an abundance of experiences.
Have fun providing these important experiences for your children
and know that their minds are VERY impressionable. Make the most
out of this early childhood timeframe with your little ones!
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®,
located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township,
724.941.6464, and 655 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair,
412.564.3600. Goddard offers both full- and part-time
infant/preschool/kindergarten programs. For more
information, visit www.goddardschools.com/Pittsburgh.