Growing Great Thinkers: Cognitive Development in the Early Years

 Growing Great Thinkers: Cognitive Development in the Early Years

Train the Brain

“Everything we say to a child is absorbed, cataloged, and remembered.” – Maria Montessori

In the early years, every moment matters. From stacking blocks to asking a million “why” questions before lunch, young children are actively wiring their brains for thinking, problem-solving, and understanding the world around them. This is cognitive development in action
and it’s one of the most important foundations we can build.

What Is Cognitive Development?

Cognitive development is the process by which children grow in their ability to think, reason, remember, and solve problems. It starts from birth and continues all the way through adulthood. Think of it as the brain’s "growing up" journey, shaped by genetics, environment, culture, and daily experiences.

In the early years, this growth is rapid and incredibly responsive to stimulation. That’s why the experiences we provide during this time are so powerful.

Why It Matters in the Early Years

Building cognitive skills in the early years isn't just about getting ready for school, it's about setting children up for life. 

Brain Development: These early years are a critical time for building brain connections. Stimulating environments and meaningful experiences help wire the brain for thinking, learning, and remembering.

Academic Success: Skills like attention, memory, and problem-solving are essential building blocks for learning. Children with strong cognitive foundations are better prepared to thrive in school and beyond.

Social & Emotional Growth: Cognitive skills like language and reasoning help children express themselves, solve social conflicts, and understand others’ perspectives.

Self-Regulation: A child who can focus, wait their turn, or manage big emotions is using cognitive tools like attention control and planning—all of which begin developing early.

How We Build Thinking Brains (Without Worksheets!) 

Many strategies are used on a daily basis at school which are purposely planned to encourage cognitive development these include but not limited to:

Creating a stimulating environment - Young children learn best when they are engaged and curious. Creating a stimulating environment with age-appropriate books, toys, puzzles, and games can help encourage exploration and learning.

Encouraging exploration and curiosity -  Encouraging children to explore their environment, ask questions, and try new things and opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery.

Using positive reinforcement and feedback - Positive reinforcement, such as praise,can be an effective way to encourage children to develop cognitive skills. Providing feedback that is specific, constructive, and age-appropriate can help children learn and improve.

Providing opportunities for problem-solving and decision-making  - Encourage children to think critically and solve problems. Provide age-appropriate challenges and opportunities for decision-making to help them develop these skills.

Reading and storytelling - Reading and storytelling are excellent ways to promote language development, cognitive skills, and a love of learning. Encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, and connect what they are reading to their own experiences.

Encouraging imaginative play - Imaginative play, such as playing dress-up or pretending to be a doctor, can help develop creativity, problem-solving, and social skills.

By using these strategies, parents and caregivers can also help support children's cognitive development and set them up for success in life

“The mind is EVERYTHING, what you think you become,
what you feel you attract what you imagine you create ”