Research shows that nearly 85% of a child’s brain development occurs by the age of six. This makes the early years not just important—but truly foundational. The experiences, environment, and relationships children are exposed to during this period
significantly shape their ability to learn, think, and grow.
A child is born with a fully formed brain structure, but the real magic begins whenneurons start forming connections. These neural pathways are built through exploration, interaction, and meaningful experiences. The richer a child’s exposure to conversations, music, movement, storytelling, and play, the stronger and more complex these connections become.
The Three Pillars of Brain Development
Healthy brain development in early childhood depends largely on three essential factors:
1. Nutrition
Proper nutrition fuels both physical growth and cognitive development. A balanced diet rich in fresh and natural foods supports concentration, energy levels, and overall well-being. Limiting processed and packaged foods—often high in sugar, salt, and preservatives helps improve focus and reduce hyperactivity.
2. Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in consolidating learning. During sleep, the brain processes and stores newly acquired information into long-term memory. Adequate rest ensures that daily experiences transform into lasting knowledge and understanding.
3. Emotional Security
A secure emotional bond builds confidence and curiosity. When children feel loved, valued, and supported, they are more willing to explore and take learning risks. Positive reinforcement—such as appreciation, encouragement, and affection— motivates children to repeat and strengthen desirable behaviors.
Parents: The First Teachers
In the first three years of life, parents are a child’s primary educators. Everyday interactions—talking, reading, singing, and playing—lay the foundation for language development, social skills, and emotional intelligence.
Parental awareness during these formative years is crucial. Simple actions such as maintaining routines, engaging in meaningful conversations, and providing consistent emotional support create a strong developmental base that lasts a lifetime.
The Transition to School: A New Learning World
Around the age of three, children step into the wider world of school. Here, teachers become powerful role models. Young children naturally imitate adults through what scientists refer to as mirror neurons—they observe, absorb, and replicate behaviors.
This is why early childhood educators must model kindness, patience, curiosity, and enthusiasm. For a preschooler, a teacher often becomes “second only to the mother,” playing a significant role in shaping attitudes toward learning and relationships.
Why Play-Based Learning Works
For effective brain development, learning must be joyful and emotionally engaging. When children are happy and relaxed, their brains are more receptive to new information.
Play-based learning promotes:
- Exploration
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Social interaction
Through rhymes, stories, songs, hands-on activities, and collaborative play, children develop strong neural pathways while enjoying the learning process. This is why quality preschools are thoughtfully designed with interactive spaces, stimulating materials, and child-friendly learning environments.
Understanding How the Brain Learns
The Right Brain
The right brain develops first and is associated with creativity, rhythm, imagination, and emotions. Young children naturally absorb learning through music, rhymes, storytelling, and movement—making these powerful educational tools.
The Left Brain
The left brain helps organize, analyze, and retain information gained through rightbrain experiences. Together, both hemispheres ensure meaningful and long-lasting learning.
Emotional Brain vs. Thinking Brain
The lower (emotional) brain manages feelings. If a child feels anxious, fearful, or emotionally blocked, learning becomes difficult because information cannot effectively reach the higher thinking brain.
This explains why children easily memorize songs—such as popular tunes—when they are emotionally engaged and enjoying themselves. Emotion enhances memory.
The Key Takeaway
Children learn best when their entire brain is engaged—emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Early education must therefore be joyful, nurturing, and thoughtfully designed.
Choosing the right preschool is not merely about academic readiness; it is about creating an environment where learning is meaningful, engaging, and long-lasting.
The early years shape the future. When parents and educators work together to provide the right support, children truly build bright and successful futures.
Mrs S.P. Chareja
Headmistress
SSPM Nursery and Primary Day School
