When does it actually begin?

The first five years of child’s life is fundamentally very important. They are the foundation stones that shape children’s future happiness, health, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family, community and life in general.  Early language and literacy (reading and writing) development begins in the first years of life. During those first months and years, children’s experiences with language and literacy can begin to form a basis for their later reading success. Any skill development requires a period of incompetence in order to get competent. In short: to get good at something you have to start out being bad.  Encourage your child to try and try again even if at first they don’t succeed. This is the best way to increase their learning and develop their success in any field.

The first five years are particularly important for the development of the child’s brain, and the first three years are the most critical in shaping the child’s brain architecture. Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. Just like a weak foundation compromises the quality and strength of a house, adverse experiences early in life can impair brain architecture, with negative effects lasting into adulthood. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as emotional and social abilities.

Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. They need love and nurturing to develop a sense of trust and security that turns into confidence as they grow. Children grow, learn and develop rapidly when they receive love affection, attention, encouragement as well as nutritious food and good health care. Understanding the stages of child development helps parents to know what to expect at what stage and age of your child. It is very important to develop a quest for learning in children at early age itself.