IN Mt. Lebanon Winter 2017 | Page 19

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
T
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AT YOUNG AGES
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
wouldn’t have provided him with the experience of golf starting at a
young age, would he have been the phenomenal golfer that he was?
The brain changes physiologically as a result of experience. The
functioning ability of the brain is determined by the environment
in which the brain operates. The brain has an amazing ability to
constantly change its structure and function in response to external
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
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 the young
learner 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, 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 at school, provides them with the
opportunity to play, discover, make messes, make mistakes, discuss
their thinking out loud, and work collaboratively with their peers,
parents, and teachers. We have fun providing that environment
here 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, loved and are provided with an
abundance of experiences. Have fun providing these important
experiences with your child 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
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 or call 724.941.6464.
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
Mt. Lebanon | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 17