The Preschooler's Logical, Musical & Language Brain

The Logical Brain

Skill: Math and Logic
Learning Window: Birth to 4 year olds
What We Know: Circuits for math reside in the brain's cortex, near those for music. Toddlers taught simple concepts, like one and many, do better in math. Music lessons may help develop spatial skills.
What We Can Do About It: Play counting games with a toddler. Have him set the table to learn one-to-one relationships-one plate, one fork per person. To hedge your bets, turn on a Mozart CD.
 

 

The Language Brain

Skill:

Language

Learning Window:

Birth to 10 year olds

What We Know:

Circuits in the auditory cortex, representing the sounds that form words, are wired by the age of 1. The more words a child hears by age 2, the larger her vocabulary will grow. Hearing problems can impair the ability to match sounds to letters.

What We Can Do About It:

Talk to your child - a lot. If you want her to master a second language, introduce it by the age of 10. Protect hearing by treating ear infections promptly.

The Musical Brain

Skill:

Music

Learning Window:

3 year olds to 10 year olds

What We Know:

String players have a larger area of their sensory cortex dedicated to the fingering digits on their left hand. Few concert-level performers begin playing later than the age of 10. It is much harder to learn an instrument as an adult.

What We Can Do About It:

Sing songs with children. Play structured, melodic music. If a child shows any musical aptitude or interest, get an instrument into her hand early.