Wired by God to Grow and Know

By Lynda Greene

A stiff-legged one-year old ambled by me this morning in a coffee shop, just escaping from the protective grasp of his parents. His brave exploration of a new environment brought to mind the astonishing development that takes place in the first years of life. In a few short months, the helpless infant is transformed into a walking, talking, exploring, and increasingly independent and determined toddler.

The phenomenal development that occurs in the first years of life encompasses four domains of growth. The growth of the body and mind are readily observed. The development of the brain and the growth of the person— characterized by relationships, social understanding, and emotions— are less visible and harder to measure, but surely as important.

The drive to develop is clearly inborn, but the opportunities for growth and the experiences that children encounter are dependent upon adults to nurture and hopefully not hinder.

A wealth of research has shed light on God’s miracle of human development and provided insights into the blossoming hearts and minds of young children. As we strive to provide our children with the best environment in which to grow and learn, we might learn from studies and reports like these to bolster our efforts:

Pediatrics Group to Recommend Reading Aloud to Children From Birth
A New York Times article relating the importance of early childhood reading to brain development.

Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice
A formal June 2014 policy statement that outlines steps to encourage reading aloud to infants a routine part of healthcare visits.

Development in the First Years of Life
Explanation of the four domains of growth with illuminating insights to enhancing development

Early Childhood Development: The First Five Years
Milestones in language and communication, motor development, and social and emotional growth, and strategies for fostering growth

Cognitive Development in 0-2 Year Olds
Suggestions for enhancing the tremendous amount of learning that occurs during what developmental expert Jean Piaget described as the six stages of the sensorimotor period

Cognitive Development in 3-5 Year Olds
Insight into the rapid growth of thinking abilities, including the development of memory and symbol use

Talking Directly to Toddlers Strengthens Their Language Skills
Research evidence of the importance of child-directed speech and how it enables children to increase the speed of language processing and vocabulary growth

Early Language Learning and Literacy: Neuroscience Implications for Education
Neuroscience research suggests that children learn more and learn earlier than previously thought

—Lynda Greene is director of education at Graham Blanchard. Her columns with tips for parents and children appear regularly. See children’s books for growing up in God and more parent resources at grahamblanchard.com.