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’Tween Years Hold Incredible Potential for Skill Development
by Tammy Vaughn, Director of Early
Childhood, Children's Hunger Alliance
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Originally published in the September, 2005 Columbus Parent Magazine.
Reprinted by permission.
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COLUMBUS - Great strides have been made in recognizing and understanding the importance
of brain development in young children age birth to 3. Experts are now finding that another critical period for
brain development takes place during the ages of 9 to 13 years. We know that this period in a child's life includes
much social and physical development, but research told us that brain development likely slowed during the preteen
years. Current research tells a different story.
According to Dr. Jay Giedd, a neurologist with the National Institute of Mental Health, the exuberant
growth during the prepuberty years gives the brain enormous potential. During this time, a 'tween's ability to
be skilled in multiple areas is growing. Experts are only beginning to understand the influences that parents,
teachers, society, nutrition and bacterial and viral infections may have on this growth, which is often referred
to as the building-up phase.
Use It or Lose It
What is perhaps a more crucial (and interesting) period in brain development is the pruning-down phase. It is hypothesized
that this phase employs a "use it or lose it" principle. In other words, the brain cells and connections
that are used will survive and flourish; the cells and connections that aren't used will die. This means that the
activities in which our 'tweens engage are the activities for which their brains keep connections, and these connections
allow them to master skills. The activities in which our 'tweens do not engage are potential connections that are
eventually discarded by the brain, making skills development in those areas much more difficult.
This is an optimal time to replace your child's video game controller with a musical instrument
or foreign language lessons. At the very least, negotiate a cut back on those types of activities and introduce
choices that will encourage brain development.
Health and Nutrition
In addition to monitoring activities and offering enriching experiences, it's also important to guide 'tweens in
the area of health and nutrition. The brain is fueled by food. Promote healthy choices through role modeling. Lead
by examples; purchase and make available only good, nutritious foods.
'Tweens and Temptations
During this period, children are more likely to begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol. As 'tweens become more
independent, it becomes harder to resist temptations. This is a time for liberated control. It's important that
you know your child's friends are where she spends her time.
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BOOKSHELF
For additional information on this important topic, try these resources and links:
- Brain Development (DeBord, North Carolina Cooperatives Extension Service) 1997
- Amazing Brain Facts (Jensen) 1997
- Brain-Based Learning Smart Card (Kagan) 2001
- The Primal Teen (Strauch, Doubleday) 2003
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WEB RESOURCES
Inside the Teenage Brain
The
Adolescent Brain
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