CONNECTING THE DOTS: SCHOOL REVIEW AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN

Summer is presented as a time of leisure and fun for children, away from classrooms and schoolwork. However, there is a hidden gem in the middle of those vacations that often goes unnoticed: school review. Beyond just being a boring task, vacation review can have a significant impact on children's cognitive development, according to numerous scientific studies.

Recent research has revealed that children's brains are incredibly malleable and responsive during the first years of life. This critical period is known as brain plasticity, and it is during this time that school review can play a crucial role. When children review and reinforce what they have learned during the school year, they are consolidating neural connections, strengthening memory, and contributing to the overall development of their cognitive skills.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this connection between revision and cognitive development is how it affects different areas of the brain. For example, studies have shown that review activities that involve solving math problems can stimulate the development of the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for executive functions such as planning and decision-making.

Furthermore, review also plays an important role in improving short- and long-term memory. When children review information, they are strengthening the synaptic connections that form the basis of memory. This not only means that they will retain information more effectively, but they will also be developing retrieval skills that are essential for continued learning.

It is crucial to emphasize that review does not have to be a monotonous and repetitive task. Parents and educators can take the opportunity to make the process engaging and stimulating. Activities such as word games, puzzles and science experiments can make revision a fun and exciting experience for children, which in turn reinforces the positive connection between learning and pleasure.

Beyond the immediate benefits on cognitive development, vacation review also has a long-term impact on children's academic performance. Longitudinal studies have shown that those who participate in review activities during the holidays show more consistent school performance and are less likely to experience so-called "knowledge loss" which often occurs during prolonged periods of rest.

It is important to emphasize that review should not be perceived as an additional and overwhelming task, but as a natural part of the learning process. Instead of seeing it as an imposition, parents can creatively incorporate review into daily activities. For example, a trip to the zoo can become an informal biology lesson, and vacations can be an opportunity to explore museums and learn about history and art hands-on.

In summary, school review during the holidays is not simply a routine task, but a valuable tool for children's cognitive development. By harnessing brain plasticity and strengthening neural connections through review, children not only maintain what they have learned, but also establish a solid foundation for future academic achievements. The key is to make review a positive and exciting experience, integrating it creatively into everyday activities. In this way, vacations become not only a time of rest, but also an opportunity for continuous growth and learning.