learning and age

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Home : 2002 : October : 14

learning and age
By Cathy-Dee

I don't know of any studies off the top of my head, but research that I have read and have been told about does talk about the importance not necessarily of "teaching" children at a young age but exposing them to learning
situations at a young age.
I teach in an area where many of my students are not exposed to "learning" when they are young. No colouring, very little reading, for some not even much talking and it shows so much in their development.
Physically as well as mentally a child develops the most during their first years of growth especially before the age of 7 or 8. Some researchers have

said that if a child does not develop certain skills or knowledge in those years they will not be able to as that neural pathway will not be connected.

I do not pretend to understand all the ins and outs of child development, but I do believe that both formal and informal forms of education are very necessary to the development of a child who will be able to reach his or her fullest potential.

I did a quick search and found this site that seems to have a lot of research on it that you might find useful.

http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PAGES/research.cfm