Use it or Lose it - Why Early Learning is Important

Early learning is important. I am saying this not because I am a teacher. But because I read all over the Internet about the benefits of early learning while I was pregnant, trusted the articles and experienced amazing results. I would not like to boast what all my toddler girl can do at this stage. But I would like to mention that she is a great observer of people and surroundings, has a great grasping ability and enjoys the company of her books. here I share with you all that I read about early learning.

From the moment of conception, the neurons (nerve cells) of the brain multiply faster than any other cells in a baby's body. The rapid pace of baby brain development continues into early childhood: at birth, the brain weighs 25 percent of its adult weight; by age one, 50 percent; by age two, 75 percent; and by age three, 90 percent.

 The process of pruning is illustrative of the high plasticity (adaptability) of young brains, which are literally sculpted by the environments in which they are raised.

In a now-classic experiment, kittens blindfolded for several months after birth were left unable to see properly once the blindfolds were removed. Their brains had not had the opportunity to develop the neural pathways needed to process visual information. Likewise, babies with cataracts must have them removed within the first few months of life or suffer permanent visual impairment.

Nothing is more disastrous for baby brain development than a dearth of stimulation.

In one study, rat pups were placed in one of two environments - an "enriched" one filled with toys and obstacles, or an "impoverished," empty one. After 80 days, the rats that had been stimulated were found to have brains with a heavier cerebral cortex (the part of the brain that controls memory and perception), larger neurons, and more intricate dendritic networks.

 The same principle applies to baby brain development in humans. Scientists have discovered, for instance, that certain areas of the brain are larger and more developed in children who play musical instruments than in those who do not. These include the cerebellum, which processes rhythm and timing, and the corpus callosum, which acts as the conduit for communication between the brain's left and right hemispheres - vital for musicians coordinating their right and left hands.

Studies have shown that it is much easier to acquire language skills early in life than at any other time. Very young children naturally learn language simply through continuous exposure. Young children can learn two languages from birth just as easily as they can learn one. Babies are linguistic geniuses.

It is believed that children can likewise acquire the ability to read - in more than one language - simply through consistent exposure to the written word.  Since reading is one of the most important skills a child will ever learn, parents need to be motivated to begin teaching their baby to read from the age of 4 months, or as early as possible.  Children who develop their language skills - and particularly, the ability to read - before starting school have higher self-esteem than their peers. These children are also more likely to enjoy school-based learning, as they have been equipped with the right basic tools early in life.

I trusted all this and read to my baby in the bump and have read till now everyday since the last two and a half years. She is a happy child, eager to know more and equally keen to express more. 

Hope it helps you too! All the Best!

References - www.brillbaby.com