Early learning experiences have a profound impact on the developent of inafnts and toddlers.
Many may recall Rick Moranis as Nathan Huffner in the movie Parentood. He was a father bent on teaching his little girl, Patty, every bit of knowledge he could possibly pass along. Patty did not seem normal and Nathan seemed obsessed with making her a prodigy, but in more ways than you might imagine Nathan was right.
When a child is born they have an elaborate network of mental wiring in their brain just waiting to be put to use. Inevitably, a child’s brain will begin to make mental connections. The experiences and interactions you offer as a parent, teacher of caregiver promote and enhance these mental connections. Many brain researchers and psychologists recommend nurturing and visual stimulation as ways to facilitate this wiring process.
Research also suggests that those children who do not enjoy a close relationship with a parent or guardian that provides appropriate care and comfort are often prone to a tougher life – they are typically less interested in learning, and have trouble concentrating. When a lack of visual stimulation is pronounced a child may struggle with vision, as well.
This brings us to the idea of a window of opportunity. What that means is when the brain of an infant or toddler begins making connections they can accelerate at a rapid pace making it possible for the child to learn skills unimaginable for most adults. This can include the acquisition of one or more languages beyond their first language. It can mean a foundation for their academic, social and financial future.
You may not need to force a young child to learn. All it may take is offering opportunities and investing in natural childhood curiosity. When a parent shows little interest in answering questions they are unintentionally telling their child they are too curious for their own good. However, when a parent rolls with the non-stop questions they are forging mental connections that may help the child become a life-long learner and one that enjoys the personal and intellectual benefits of reading and exploring new concepts and skills.
When we become frustrated with trying to keep up with our young children, brain research indicates the toddler will often simply reduce their interest to match our willingness to teach. They naturally want to please their parent or guardian so they will reign-in their enthusiasm. The problem is most pronounced when this decision slows down their interest in gaining new skills.
At one time children did not attend school until kindergarten or in some cases first grade. Today there are multiple early learning and preschool opportunities available for young children and their families. These structured environments allow early childhood to become a time when social boundaries are defined while exploring the world in fun, colorful and brain building ways.
Many long-term studies show that preschool education provides incredible long-term benefits. These include:
- Better attitudes toward school.
- Better relationships with family members.
- Fewer arrests and antisocial acts as adults.
- Fewer special education referrals.
- Fewer repeated grades.
- Greater interest in academic pursuits.
- Greater overall maturity.
- Higher employment rates and better earnings potential. Less incidence of welfare dependence as an adult.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Less likely to skip school.
- Lower incidence of illegitimate pregnancy, drug abuse, and a variety of delinquent acts.
- More likely to receive a high school graduation or GED.
- More willing to participate in sports.
Stages of development
Research indicates the brain connections are often stronger in a seven year-old than one who is fifteen. This doesn’t mean the seven-year old is smarter, just that the connections are strong and that learning can actually be easier at this stage.
Some of the most basic stages of early brain development include:
Eyes and ears. This role is important in allowing the infant or toddler to explore what they see and hear. They may not express great manners during this time. When they want to investigate something they will do almost anything to explore. A safe environment is helpful in allowing children to make sense of the sights and sounds they encounter each day. Much of these senses are highly developed prior to the age of five.
The spoken word. When an infant is new in a family there can be a lot of crying and frustration. The baby is expressing a need the only way they know how. Crying is eventually replaced with simple words and sentences to help you understand their needs. A sense of freedom is gained when a toddler is able to help others in their world comprehend what they are thinking. Language development is easiest in children younger than ten.
Movement and coordination. Brain research indicates general movement comes easily for children, but refined motor skills can take time. In some cases those polished skills may encroach on adolescent years before showing improvement.
How you feel and who you connect with. Your brain plays an important role in the development of friendships as improvements are made in social skills as well as the self-management of emotions. Early in your child’s life their social attachment will be almost exclusively for their parent(s) or caregivers. Trust eventually allows them to develop social connections with children their own age and other adults. Early parental nurturing is important to the emotional well being of the child.
Conclusion
The life interactions parents, teachers and caregivers have with infants and toddlers are extremely important contributors to brain development. Talking to them (even before birth), singing songs, telling stories, looking into their eyes, and allowing them to see you smile – all these things promote healthy child development no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Early Childhood education programs provide brilliant opportunities to continue what families have started in the home. The end result may not be to try to have a child prodigy, but rather one that has the best chance to adjust and succeed in life and in social connections. You can improve outcomes for your child by engaging them in life’s earliest moments and allowing an early structured childhood education setting to continue to develop a platform for a lifelong love for learning.
