By Sharon Mays, ISU Extension Family Life Specialist
In the 1970s, two scientists, David Hubel and Torsten Wiesel, sewed shut one eye on newborn kittens and then opened the eyes two weeks later. They discovered that although the eyes were perfect, they could not see. These two scientists were the first to discover “windows of opportunity” or critical stages of brain development.
A baby’s brain is born ready to send out signals to other parts of the body to form connections or synapses. If the synapses are not formed at the proper time, the potential to connect withers away. This is what happened with the kittens; there was no visual stimulation to activate the cells, so the cells died or were diverted for another function. The potential to develop vision was gone forever.
For human infants, the critical period for vision to develop begins at two to four months, peaking at eight months. Watch an infant take in the world around him through his eyes at this age.
Other areas of development have critical periods as well. Emotional control and social attachment develop most rapidly from 10-18 months. Language development occurs over a period of years, from birth to age five. The basis for math and logic skills is established between years one and four. Children ages three to 10 can learn most easily how to play a musical instrument.
“Windows of opportunities” are times when a child can best learn or refine abilities. After that time it becomes much more difficult to learn. For some skills, missing the window does not mean that the skill cannot be learned. It just means it will take more effort and practice.
These critical periods of development are important. Make use of the “windows of opportunity” by bringing the outside world to your baby through her senses: vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste.
For more family life information, call Story County Extension at 515-382-6551 or e-mail xstory@iastate.edu.