Developing Language and Cognitive Skills at Aspire Cobblebank
Regular participation in long day care enhances the physical and emotional growth of young children, along with fostering language and cognitive development. A longitudinal study undertaken in Australia revealed that establishing strong connections with both peers and teachers, and consistent peer interactions, is crucial for the early language skills of children. This influence then extends into their transition to school and beyond.
Explore the connection between early learning and language and cognitive development and discover how Aspire Cobblebank guides children in improving these skills as part of their curriculum.
Language Skills and Expanding Vocabulary
In early childhood, learning and development happen at a fast rate. As they grow, children learn new words and expand their vocabulary. The development of vocabulary depends on the number of words they hear from adults through conversation, reading books, play and other interactions. As they learn new words children begin to understand and describe new concepts.
Research has found that a child’s early vocabulary development has a substantial influence on their future academic performance. A study conducted by Hansen & Broekhuizen (2020), found that the quality of a toddler’s learning environment related to the level of vocabulary growth from ages three to five. Their research proved that interactions and conversations between children and educators have a significant influence on children’s language skills.
Aspire Cobblebank helps nurture and develop language skills in a variety of ways. One way is through reading books together. Ready and storytelling promotes brain development, imagination, and learning, and is key to developing children’s language skills and vocabulary.
Another activity that the kindergarten children at Aspire Cobblebank love is letter recognition. Letter recognition is a key step in a child’s ability to learn to read and write. Children use letters and then match them to the alphabet board, which helps them understand written language and words. Vocabulary development is crucial for children to expand their knowledge of language, literacy, and communication, and also helps them as they prepare to go to school.
Cognitive Learning and Thinking
The connection between language and cognitive development in preschool-aged children is intricate. During their early years, children experience significant cognitive growth, which includes the development of various mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, attention, and understanding of abstract concepts. Language plays a crucial role in supporting these cognitive advancements.
At Aspire Cobblebank, we believe children need environmental stimuli and experiences to guide their cognitive development. Engaging in sensory play activities is one way that children build cognitive skills and learn about their world.
The children in the Discoverers Room (0-15 months) recently showed their curiosity and intrigue by getting their hands into oranges, water and play dough whilst also using their sense of taste, and sight. While children in Investigators Room (2-3 years old) have recently engaged in sensory painting using a ball to paint with. The sensory ball painting experience is a great way for children to combine movement and creativity and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Sensory play offers many benefits for child development including supporting brain development, enhancing memory, complex tasks and problem solving.
These are only a few examples of the learning environments and experiences at Aspire Cobblebank that help to support a child’s language and cognitive development. Book a tour at our Cobblebank centre today or enquire now to learn more.
