Importance of Early Childhood

Early childhood is defined as the period from birth to eight years old. A time of remarkable brain growth, these years lay the foundation for subsequent learning and development.  Early childhood is a crucial time period for the development of the mental functions of children. This development, including the emergence of the abilities and skills in areas such as language, motor skills, psychosocial cognitive and learning, is now known to be greatly influenced by exogenous factors, including the nature of the educational environment to which the child is exposed during the first 6 to 8 years of life (Bowman, Donovan and Burns, 2001). The vast majority of neurons are developed between birth and age three, as this is the brain’s peak capacity to retain new information. Since children are most receptive to information at a young age, early learning exposure plays an essential role in fostering mental development.

Science shows that taking in new sights, sounds and information plays a paramount component in the formation of active neural pathways. Research shows that kids who had early childhood education often are better students throughout school, go on to college, earn higher salaries, and use fewer government services as adults. Further, early gains in school readiness due to early childhood education have been shown to have enormous positive economic and social impacts lasting well into adulthood, from higher educational attainment and less chance of involvement in criminal activity, to higher status employment and higher earnings (Schweinhart 2007; Sparling, Ramey and Ramey 2007).

      Scientists have learned that a toddler’s brain develops over one hundred trillion brain synapses. A brain synapse is the "wiring" between two brain cells that grasps new learning. The more the synapses, the more your brain will learn! It is during this time that the human brain has the highest potential for new learning in its lifetime. Recognizing shapes, drawing, singing and playing with toys are all examples of behaviors your child learns in the first few years of life.

       By their third birthday, a child should be able to do many things, including throw a ball overhand, feed themselves, ride a tricycle, balance on one foot or copy a circle, just to name a few. And by age 4, your child will begin knowing their first and last name, following family rules, recognizing colors, eating by themselves, dressing themselves, etc.

    High-quality preschools and pre-kindergartens are geared to give your child a jumpstart to learning. Most have standards in place to prepare your child for kindergarten, so that on the first day of school, your child is ready to learn. A child should to learn certain things in preschool, just as you would expect your elementary student to learn how to read and do basic math.

Picture from : http://www.albuquerquedaycare.org/importance-of-early-childhood-education-infographic/

Picture from : http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-importance-early-childhood-education.html

Work Cited

Bowman, B., Donovan, M, & Burns, M., eds. (2001). Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers, Committee on Early Childhood Pedagogy, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington, DC.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Developmental Monitoring and Screening (2012, July 12). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html

Karoly, Lynn., Kilburn, Rebecca,.  (2005). Proven Benefits of Early Childhood Interventions Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9145/index1.html

National Eduation Organization. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

Schweinhart, L. J., (2007). "Outcomes of the High/Scope Perry preschool Study and Michigan School Readiness Program" in Early Child Development From Measurement to Action: A Priority for Growth and Equity, M. E. Young (Ed.), International Bank for Reconstruction/World Bank, Washington, DC.

Shapiro, E. (2013, September 11). Early childhood education Retrieved from Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_childhood_education

UNESCO. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Read more »

Physical Activity for the Family

The evidence is overwhelming. With nearly two thirds of the population overweight, Americans today are heavier than ever before. Fast food, frozen dinners, computers, television, and a constant need to be “on the go” bolster poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. These are the primary contributing factors to this major public health epidemic. An article written by the American Medical Association (2004) states, “If doctors could prescribe only one treatment to ensure a long, healthy life, it would be exercise” (p. 45). Physical activity holds numerous benefits both physically and mentally, and reduces risk factors that often lead to disease and premature death.  Environment has much to do with an active lifestyle, and children learn these behaviors early from their parents, peers, and teachers. Promoting healthy habits within the whole family can not only be enjoyable, but also will decrease the risk of common chronic illnesses and prevent obesity.

There are an infinite number of ways to promote fitness within the family. A major factor is reducing the amount of time children and parents spend watching television, working or playing at the computer, and playing video games. The National Institutes of Health suggests discouraging sedentary time by limiting screen usage to two hours or less per day (2005). Setting an established and agreed upon limit in the family, leads to clear expectations and discourages using television and computer as easy ways to cure boredom. It will force everyone to be more creative and come up with other activities (Dreisbach, 2011). Their input should be considered when brainstorming physical activities and ideas (National Institutes of Health, 2005). It is important that the pursuits of the family are geared towards the passions and interests of the children as this keeps them excited and engaged in the activities. Lastly, encourage the family to try new activities (Dreisbach, 2011). Finding new hobbies and sports for the family to enjoy will keep physical activity entertaining and enjoyable! 

References

American medical association (2004).Exercise, fitness, and health. American Medical Association Family Medical Guide (45-50). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

Dreisbach, S. (2011). Family fitness makeover. Parenting School Years.  Retrieved from http://www.parenting.com

National Institutes of Health (2005). We can! Retrieved from http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov