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Neuroscience and I-CRT

How the Brain Learns in Early Childhood

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The early years of a child’s life are a time of rapid brain growth. Between ages 4 and 8, the brain is especially open to learning, it’s building connections, forming habits, and wiring itself through various experiences. During this period, children are not just learning what to think, but how to think, feel, and relate to others.

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Neuroscience tells us that learning happens best when children feel safe, engaged, and connected. Positive relationships, predictable routines, rich language, and playful exploration all help strengthen the brain’s pathways. Repetition and meaningful feedback help build memory and understanding, while movement, visuals, and hands-on activities support focus and retention.

In this window of development, the brain is highly sensitive to emotion, attention, and social interaction.

 

That’s why approaches like I-CRT, which blend thinking, emotion, and culturally relevant connection, are especially powerful in early childhood. When we teach with the brain in mind, we give every child a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.

How the Brain Learns (Ages 4–8) and How I-CRT Supports It

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Children learn best when they feel safe, understood, and engaged. These three I-CRT components align with how young brains grow:

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  • Thinking Power
    • Builds focus, memory, and problem-solving
    • Uses thinking roles and wait time to strengthen attention

  • G.R.O.W.
    • Supports emotional development and self-reflection
    • Helps children name feelings, set goals, and bounce back from      challenges

  • ACCESS
    • Uses visuals, cues, and scaffolds to increase comprehension
    • Makes learning clear, inclusive, and easier to remember

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