Optimal times of learning in children are called “Windows of Opportunity.” During the first few years of life, a child’s brain begins to wire approximately 100 trillion neurons for social intelligence, emotional intelligence, motor development, vision and thinking skills. Motor development and vision primarily develop between the ages 2 and puberty. Social and emotional intelligence and thinking skills become heightened between the ages 4 and puberty.
Vocabulary develops between the ages of 0 and 24 months, however, skills become refined between 2 and 7 years. Two reliable indicators for reading success are the size of one’s vocabulary and sound discrimination.
As children grow older (between ages 10 and 25) their brains begin to go into a slow maturation process and won’t be fully developed until age 25. Some children who’s brains may be delayed in some of areas of development, such as social skills, may struggle in school.
The early development stages of children’s brains are windows of opportunity for learning. If a child is struggling to learn in school, parents and educators need to support them with additional help, or the window of opportunity to learn that subject may be missed.
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