How the Brain Affects a Child’s Development

The first five years of your child’s life is a critical time when their brain is developing and brain cells are forming connections for learning and future success in school.

During these early years, the experiences and interactions your child has will determine which brain cells are activated and which ones are pruned away from lack of stimulation.

Your child’s learning environment has tremendous impact on brain development. It is so important for an early childhood education center to implement a curriculum to support neural pathways for language, social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development during these critical years.

Brain Development in the Classroom

A secure and safe emotional attachment is vital for the growth and development of your child’s brain. Classrooms should be filled with stimulating materials that allow teachers to facilitate children’s exploration through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as these sensory experiences send information directly to the brain and form the platform for healthy brain growth.

Each child is unique, so teachers must cater to different interests and learning styles. From infancy, your child must be exposed to many forms of language (including sign-language), and immersed in an environment rich in language and literacy.

It’s also helpful if a classroom is filled with math manipulatives, science elements, and stimulating visuals that support brain pathways for cognitive development. Problem solving is considered one of the best ways to support brain development, so teachers should conduct activities to help children explore cause and effect and employ questioning strategies that promote higher level thinking.

Technology and the Brain

Technology is everywhere, so children need healthy exposure to be prepared for life in the 21st century. Research shows, however, that hours of exposure to digital technology can lead to over stimulation of the brain, fatigue, and irritability. So, how do you thread the needle when looking for appropriate childcare? Take a balanced approach to technology. With the guidance of a teacher, children can engage in digital activities that build language, math, science, and fine motor skills to promote a healthy relationship with technology.

Maximizing Your Child’s Mental Capacity

Your child needs a nurturing learning environment, hands-on play, and novel experiences to ignite their curiosity. With expertly crafted curricula and quality teachers, children can be provided stimulating learning experiences that support brain development and maximize their mental capacity.

For more information on special preschool programs that help and support your child in reaching his or her learning goals, talk to the staff at Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies Atlanta. The Kids ‘R’ Kids First Class Curriculum® incorporates many learning tools that are fun and engaging and the staff would love to discuss each program with you.

Kids R Kids LogoAbout Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies®

Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies® provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids ‘R’ Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers. Find a Kids ‘R’ Kids location near you.

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