Home Learning Environment Supports Language Development In Early Childhood And Predicts Academic Success At Age 10

A new study finds that a home environment that supports language development in early childhood—across the first four years of life—predicts children’s readiness to learn in pre-school, which in turn predicts the children’s academic skills in fifth grade (age 10-11). The study focused on low-income families.

The findings challenge the idea that pre-school alone can help children “catch-up” after a poor start at home. Rather, support for language development and learning begins in infancy right at home. Other research finds that early support can mitigate the poorer outcomes commonly associated with lower socio-economic status…………..