Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: How Young Brains Learn

Early Learning Made Easy

Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: How Young Brains Learn

By Ms. Vanessa — Early Learning Made Easy

Making Early Learning Simple, Joyful, and Evidence-Based

Cognitive development is one of the core standards in early childhood education—and one of the most misunderstood. Parents often hear phrases like “brain development,” “thinking skills,” or “school readiness” and wonder what they’re supposed to be doing.

The good news? Cognitive development doesn’t require flashcards, apps, or formal lessons. It grows naturally through play, relationships, exploration, and everyday experiences.

In simple terms: Cognitive development is how children think, learn, remember, solve problems, and make sense of the world.

What Is Cognitive Development?

Cognitive development refers to how children:

• Explore and understand their environment
• Learn cause and effect
• Remember information
• Solve problems
• Use language and symbols
• Plan, focus, and adapt

These skills develop gradually from birth through early childhood—and continue to grow throughout life.

How the Brain Supports Learning

Young children’s brains are building connections at an extraordinary rate. Each experience—especially repeated, meaningful ones—helps strengthen neural pathways.

Different parts of the brain support different aspects of learning:

• The prefrontal cortex supports attention, planning, and self-control
• The hippocampus helps with memory and learning
• The language centers support communication and understanding
• The sensory systems help children learn through touch, movement, sight, and sound

These systems don’t develop in isolation—they work together, especially during play.

Why Cognitive Development Is an Early Learning Standard

Across states and countries, early learning standards include cognitive development because it lays the foundation for:

• Language and literacy
• Early math thinking
• Problem-solving
• Executive function (focus, flexibility, memory)
• Academic confidence

Importantly, experts agree that these skills are best developed through developmentally appropriate, play-based experiences.

What This Means for Parents & Caregivers

You do not need a preschool or childcare program to support cognitive development. Families support brain development every day—often without realizing it.

Learning happens when children are curious, engaged, emotionally safe, and actively involved—not when they’re pressured to perform.

If you’d like to understand what’s typical at your child’s age, visit our Developmental Milestones page .

A Simple Example: Cognitive Development Through Play

Activities like sorting, building, pretending, and problem-solving games strengthen multiple cognitive skills at once.

Screen-Free Learning Game (Ages 2–6)

Count & Match by Color & Shape builds early cognitive skills through hands-on play—without screens or pressure.

• Problem-solving & reasoning
• Memory & attention
• Early math thinking
• Flexible thinking
• Confidence & persistence

Get the Game on Gumroad

10 Things You Can Do Today to Support Cognitive Development

1. Talk through routines and actions
2. Read daily and ask open-ended questions
3. Encourage pretend play
4. Offer puzzles, blocks, and sorting activities
5. Count real objects, not worksheets
6. Let children try, struggle, and try again
7. Play simple memory or matching games
8. Give choices and encourage decision-making
9. Follow your child’s interests
10. Prioritize connection and emotional safety

Related Reads on Early Learning Made Easy

Early Childhood Education Standards Explained

What parents need to know about standards and play-based learning.

Why Early Learning Starts at Home

Simple ways families build strong brains every day.

Research & Attribution: Content is independently created by Early Learning Made Easy and informed by evidence-based research and reputable organizations (e.g., Piaget, CDC, Head Start, NAEYC). Not affiliated with or endorsed by any external institution or author.

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© 2025 Early Learning Made Easy | Written by Ms. Vanessa | All Rights Reserved.

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About Early Learning Made Easy:
Created by Ms. Vanessa, CDA-certified Early Childhood Educator. This blog provides simple, joyful, evidence-informed learning activities for families and caregivers.

Affiliate & Research Disclosure:
This site may include Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Content is independently created and informed by evidence-based research.

© Early Learning Made Easy — All Rights Reserved.