Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: Strategies That Actually Work - post

What is cognitive #development in young children?

Cognitive development is about how children see, think about, and understand their world. It includes many different skills, such as:

• Memory: Remembering names, colors, and rules.
• Problem-solving: Figuring out how to fix a broken toy or share a snack.
• Language: Learning new words to explain thoughts.
• Logic: Understanding that if it rains, the ground gets wet.

Children are born ready to #learn. Their brains are like sponges. They soak up everything they see and hear. By using the right strategies, you can help that sponge soak up even more. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, the 45-Hour Growth and Development Birth-age 12 ONLINE course is a great place to start.

How does a child’s brain grow and learn? 

A child’s brain grows very fast in the first five years. Millions of tiny connections are made every second. These connections happen when a child has new experiences.

For example, when a child touches an ice cube, their brain learns the word "cold." When they drop a ball, they learn about "down." The more often they do these things, the stronger the connection becomes. This is why we say that #BrainDevelopment is a journey, not a race.

What are the best strategies to help children think?

You do not need expensive toys to help a child grow. The best strategies are simple and can be done every day. Here are some methods that really work:

Use "Wait Time"

When you ask a child a question, wait at least five to ten seconds. Their little brains need time to process what you said and think of an answer. If you jump in too fast, you take away their chance to think for themselves.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking questions that have a "yes" or "no" answer, ask questions that start with "Why" or "How."

• "How do you think we can fix this tower?"
• "What do you think will happen if we mix these two colors?" These questions force children to use their imagination and logic.

Encourage "Scaffolding"

Scaffolding is a way of helping just enough so the child can do the rest. If a child is struggling with a puzzle, do not do it for them. Point to a piece and say, "I wonder if this blue piece fits near the sky?" This helps them feel successful while still using their own brainpower.

Why is #play the best way to learn?

Many people think play is just a break from learning. But for a young child, play is learning. When children play, they are experimenting. They are like little scientists.

• Block Play: Helps with #math and gravity.
• Dress-up: Helps with social thinking and understanding different roles.
• Sorting Games: Helps the brain organize information.

By providing a variety of materials, you help children practice different types of thinking. To learn more about how to set up these experiences.

How can you use daily routines to boost learning?

You do not have to set aside a special "thinking time." You can help children grow during lunch, nap time, or outside play. Every routine is a chance to learn.

1. Mealtime: Talk about the shapes of the food. "Look, your cracker is a square!"
2. Clean-up: Practice sorting. "All the red cars go in this bin, and the blue cars go in that bin."
3. Transitions: Use patterns. "First we put on our coats, then we put on our hats."

Using #ChildCareEd strategies during these times makes learning feel natural and fun. For more ideas on daily activities, you can download the Thinking Skills & Cognitive Development resource from our #free resources page.

How do you talk to children to help them grow?

The way you talk to a child changes how they think. Try to narrate what you are doing. This is called "Self-Talk." For example, say, "I am stirring the paint very slowly so it doesn't splash."

You can also use "Parallel Talk." This is when you describe what the child is doing. "You are using the big shovel to dig a very deep hole!" This builds their vocabulary and helps them focus on their own actions.

For more information on why these interactions matter, read our related article: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood.

Why is curiosity so important? 

A curious child is a learning child. When a child asks "Why?" for the hundredth time, it can be tiring. But that question is a sign of a #healthy, growing brain.

Instead of just giving the answer, try saying, "That is a great question! How can we find the answer?" You can look in a book together or go outside to look at nature. This teaches the child how to find information, which is a vital skill for school.

Putting it all together

Helping children with cognitive development is one of the most important parts of your job. By asking good questions, giving them time to think, and letting them play, you are setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

Remember:

• Keep it simple.
• Be patient.
• Make it fun.

You are doing amazing work! Every time you read a story or help a child count their fingers, you are changing a life.

Stay Connected and Keep Learning

We love seeing the amazing things you do in your #classrooms! Please follow ChildCareEd on Facebook for daily tips, #teacher inspiration, and updates on new courses. Join our community of #educators today!