Brain development

“Between the ages of 4 and 11 the Human brain develops 80%” 

Human brain starts to develop at the age of 3 and it develops 80% between the ages of 4 and 11.

In his ground breaking work Jean Piaget, the renowned Swiss psychologist defined the period of development between the ages of 4 and 11 as the “Concrete Operational Stage”.

According to Piaget the “Concrete operational stage” marked a major turning point in the child's cognitive development, as it marked the beginning of logical or operational thought. This stage of development is marked by remarkable cognitive growth.

According to Burns & Silbey (2000), “hands-on experiences and multiple ways of representing a mathematical solution can be ways of fostering the development of this cognitive stage” (p. 55). The importance of hands-on activities cannot be overemphasized at this stage. These activities provide students an avenue to make abstract ideas concrete, applying Piaget’s Theory allowing them to get their hands on mathematical ideas and concepts as useful tools for solving problems. The soroban abacus provides this much need hands on experience.

KidsBrain students are nurtured and challenged throughout the programme, as their mathematical and problem solving skills improve so too does their sense of self and confidence.

Along the road to mastering mental calculation, each KidsBrain student will also refine their abilities to Concentrate, Visualise, Imagine and Memorise, these skills are known as “Executive Functions”. Executive Functions develop through practice and are strengthened by the experiences through which they are applied and honed. Providing the support that children need to build these skills is one of society’s most important responsibilities.

The KidsBrain programme provides the ideal environment to develop each of the essential skills.