Psychology researchers at UC Berkeley and elsewhere are studying children’s incredible capacity and appetite for learning about the world around them. Children are learning all the time, and they do much of this learning during play. In fact, researchers use play as a way to explore and better understand how children think. Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and UC Berkeley, found that as children play, they are reasoning, making guesses, and solving complicated cognitive problems—problems that computers have trouble solving. Much of what makes children such skilled and powerful learners is their curiosity and creativity, both of which are ignited during play. Want to make learning fun and engaging for your children? Don’t worry, they already know how. So follow their lead and play, because playtime is learning time! Watch this video to learn more about the cognitive development research on baby brainpower at UC Berkeley.

This post was written by Sophie Bridgers.

For more information:

Turgeon, Heather (2011). Baby Brian Power. Babble: Baby. Retrieved April 3, 2013 from http://www.babble.com/baby/baby-brain-cognitive-development-parenting-tips/baby-brain-cognitive-development-parenting-tips-5/.

National Science Foundation (2012). Babies Are Born Scientists. National Science Foundation. Retrieved April 3, 2013 from http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=125575.

Goodwyn, S.W., & Acredolo, L. P. (2000).  Baby Minds.  New York:  Bantum Books

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Playful Bee

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Playful Bee is an e-Preschool that delivers inquiry-based preschool learning from the classroom to your home. Our preschool curriculum was created by our talented team of rock star teachers. With years of hands-on preschool and Kindergarten teaching experience, they've developed a high-quality preschool experience that is convenient-to-use and easy-to-teach by you, grandparents, or your nanny at home.

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