Brain Development in Children

Brain Development is non-linear. Learning continues across the life cycle; however there are Windows of Opportuinity during which the brain is particularly efficient at specific types of learning. Certain critical periods are conducive to developing specific skills. For example, children are most receptive to second language learning from birth to ten. Children are particularly in tune with music between ages of three and ten.

                        Windows of Opportunity

WINDOW FOR	OPTIMAL          WINDOW	NEXT BEST OPPORTUINITY	FURTHER REWIRING POSSIBLE
Emotional Intelligence	0-24 months	2-5 yrs.	Any age
Motor Development	0-24 months	2-5 yrs.	Decreases with age
Vision	0-2 yrs.	2-5 yrs	---
Early Sounds	4-8 months	8 months- 5 yrs.	Any age
Music	0-36 months	3-10 yrs	Any age
Thinking Skills	0-48 months	4-10 yrs	Any age
Second Language Acquisition	5-10 yrs.	---	Any age