In this episode, Professor Sam Wass from the Institute for the Science of Early Years discusses how children's brains process information very differently from adults, particularly in noisy environments where they struggle to filter sounds. This ability to focus develops slowly.

A key insight is the importance of predictability and rhythm in early learning, which helps young brains form stable patterns. While we learn best with an intermediate level of predictability, young children benefit from more predictable environments as their prediction skills are still developing.

Professor Wass also raises concerns about fast-paced screen content, suggesting it might be too difficult for young brains to process and could cause stress. He advises parents to not assume that what benefits an adult brain is the same for a child's brain, highlighting the importance of repetition and appropriate pacing.

Key Takeaways:

• Children process sensory information differently to adults.

• Predictability in routines and interactions is crucial for early learning.

• Be mindful of the pace of digital content for young children.

• What's good for an adult brain isn't necessarily good for a child's.

Produced by Early Ideas Limited, who are building Tandem. 

Podcast music by Tibor Miklos. 

We think we need to talk more about tech for little people, and if it does, or doesn’t help young children to trive. So we’ve started a podcast. Listen to episode 1 now…

We think we need to talk more about tech for little people, and if it does, or doesn’t help young children to trive. So we’ve started a podcast. Listen to episode 1 now…

I was very honored to recently be invited by the Centre for Human Inspired AI at the University of Cambridge to join a panel discussion on AI and early childhood. It was a great discussusion, where we covered a large variety of issues, asking more questions than answers.