INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AT YOUNG AGES
The 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
NAMED ONE OF THE NATION ’ S TOP 50 CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS 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 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 Rd . in Peters Township and 655 Painters Run Road , Upper Saint 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 .
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