Cognition and learning are closely related and essential to children’s development and growth. Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, and using information and include attention, memory, language, problem-solving and decision-making. There are many different cognitive skills.
Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, or behaviours through experience, study, or instruction. Play is where younger children build their brains and learn about the world, how things work, people, processes, and how they interact. The importance of play cannot be underestimated.
Some children may have differences in terms with how they interact with their parents, carers, friends and wider family. They may be less likely to 'play with' someone, and more likely to 'play alongside'. Whilst they will still be learning through individual play, there are elements, such as language skills and social skills that can be better supported through interactions with others.
These interactions can be increased by attending clubs with peers and experiencing a range of activities and people. It is important supporting adults model behaviour and understanding for them. Explaining, wondering, guessing and looking things up together can all help with their learning journey.
Building attention skills in children is core to learning. Visit the ‘Attention and impulse control’ page for more strategies. If you are completing learning activities with younger children, make sure that the environment is right for them before you start. Pick something they enjoy and make sure you have their attention (using their name or a touch) before giving them any information. Reading with and to children is an effective way to promote cognitive development.
Be aware of other factors that may be interrupting the learning. Feeling tired, hungry or unsafe will make it difficult to concentrate and learn.
Remember your passion is important in learning. If you enjoy a subject or activity share this. Your passion will make it exciting and will also make the learning journey easier for you to sustain.
Useful resources:
- Practical approaches to support inclusion for pupils with cognition and learning needs
- Cognition and learning needs and strategies
- Getting started with Metacognition