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Genetics

Our genes, which are tiny instructions inside our body, play a big role in how our brain grows and how well we can think. Genes help build our brain and control things like memory and problem-solving. Scientists have studied twins to learn more about this. For example, identical twins, who have all the same genes, usually have more similar intelligence than fraternal twins, who don't share as many genes (Plomin et al., 2016).

Some people have genetic conditions, like Down syndrome, which is caused by having an extra chromosome. This can make it harder to learn things like talking or remembering. But even though genes are important, our surroundings, like school and home, also help shape how we think (Carr, 2019).

References

Carr, J. (2019). Down syndrome: The developing child. Cambridge University Press.
Plomin, R., DeFries, J. C., Knopik, V. S., & Neiderhiser, J. M. (2016). Top 10 replicated findings from behavioral genetics. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11(1), 3-23.

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Environment:

Text Post: Where a child grows up, their family's money, and the kind of schooling they get can make a big difference in how their brain develops. Children with families that have more money usually get better access to things like books and good schools, which helps them learn more. Going to a good school and having a family that helps you learn can make your brain grow stronger. But if a child’s family has less money, fewer chances to go to a good school, or hard family situations, it can make learning harder.

Example: A study looked at two groups of children:

One group had lots of books, good schools, and families who helped them learn.

The other group had fewer chances for good education and fewer resources.

Enriched Environment (with good resources):

Results: These children had higher IQs (smarter scores), better speaking skills, and did better in school.

Impoverished Environment (with fewer resources):

Results: These children took longer to learn to talk, had lower IQ scores, and faced more problems with learning.

References

Monzalvo, K., et al. (2012). The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Children’s Brain Structure. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042486

Frontiers in Neuroscience. (n.d.). Effects of socioeconomic status on brain development. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00044/full

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Experiences:

Text Post: Different experiences can change how well kids learn. Going through hard times, like trauma, can make it harder for kids to remember things, pay attention, and learn in school. But when kids hear lots of new words and talk with others, it helps their brains grow, making it easier to learn and solve problems. Positive social interactions, like playing and talking with friends, also help kids understand others' feelings and solve problems.

Example: Early Childhood Programs That Help Kids Learn

Head Start: This program helps kids from families that don't have a lot of money. By going to school early, these kids learn better and do well in school.

Montessori Schools: In Montessori schools, kids learn by doing activities themselves. They become better at solving problems, being creative, and working by themselves. This shows how important early education is for helping kids learn and grow

References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/

Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The science behind the genius. Oxford University Press.