being read to. They also enjoy the benefits years later.
A study has found that if just ten children's books are to hand when a
child is four, a part of their brain involved in language and thought
matures more quickly by the age of 18 or 19.
Access to educational toys and trips to the zoo and amusement parks also help.
However, if introduced at the age of eight, these books and treats
seem to have little impact on the brain, suggesting the age of four is
a critical time in its development, the Society for Neuroscience's
annual conference in New Orleans heard.
The University of Pennsylvania study comes amid concern that
youngsters are abandoning books in favour of TV and computer games.
Lead author Brian Avants said: 'These findings underscore the human
brain's sensitivity to its early environment. They provide powerful
evidence that even relatively minor variations within the normal range
of home experience can affect brain development over a lifetime.'
-Daily post