Talking, reading and singing to children in early childhood has proven to make a profound difference in the development of their literacy skills and overall academic achievements. Too Small To Fail – an organization aiming to improve the health and well-being of children ages zero to five – recently published an article explaining that a child’s executive functions can also be a big predictor of his or her academic success.

Too Small has largely promoted talking, reading and singing to young children through their campaign, “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing.”  The campaign is largely directed at parents and caregivers and seeks to help them understand that they have the power to help their child succeed through simple, everyday actions.

The article published by Too Small, explained that a child’s executive functions are extremely important, as they allow him or her to regulate behaviors and manage emotions.  Children learn these functions from their parents and caregivers through play and everyday activities.  Research has shown that, “Play is one of the most cognitively stimulating things a child can do,” (Megan McClelland, Early-Childhood-Development Researcher, Oregon State University).  Children who perform well at games like Simon Says or Freeze Tag, typically do well in school – as these types of games require a child to pay attention, remember rules and display self-control early on.

Talking, reading and singing to children during early childhood plays a vital role in their future and academic successes.  Likewise, the early development of a child’s executive functions plays an equally important role.  Young children who develop the necessary skills to learn new information, regulate focus and self-control, and solve problems – will attain greater long-term success.