IN Peters Township April/May 2018 | Page 43
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
wouldn’t have 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
in which the brain operates. The brain has an amazing ability to
READY.
SET.
GOddard!
We help children explore
and discover their interests
through play in a safe
environment. We provide
ample opportunities for
fun learning experiences,
promoting a lifelong love of
learning in literacy, science,
technology, engineering,
arts and mathematics.
NOW ENROLLING ALL AGES,
INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN!
PETERS TOWNSHIP (VENETIA) • 724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH (UPPER SAINT CLAIR) • 412-564-3600
constantly change its structure and function in response to external
experiences, emotion, and the environment. The brain in young
children can be compared to soft plastic, and is like a sponge.
There are dendrites within the brain—connections between brain
cells—that 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. Children’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 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 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 submitted by Bob & Lori Santo.
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. 2018
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.GoddardSchool.com/Pittsburgh.
PETERS TOWNSHIP
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APRIL/MAY 2018
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