Cognition and EF in Early Years

Research-Supported Benefits of Daily Cognitive Activities for Ages 2–7

1. Executive Function Boost from Short Training

A randomized controlled trial with 54 four-year-olds showed just four training sessions over a month significantly improved working memory, with effects lasting 3 months and translating into gains in mathematical reasoning.

2. Enhanced Cognition through Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity

A systematic review of 22 RCTs among preschoolers found that physical activities combined with cognitive demands (like rule-switching games) had large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 0.8) in improving inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

• For example, frequent practice of “walk on tiptoes vs heels” 20 min/session × 3 weeks boosted inhibitory control (d = 2.33).
  
  

• Integrated number games during movement yielded large gains in numeracy and cognition.

3. Play-Based Learning Lifts Executive Skills

A 15-month play-based science curriculum in Swedish preschools—where teachers guided conceptual play—documented improvements in working memory, inhibitory control, and attention-shifting among 3‑year-olds.

4. Preschool Curricula Enhance Cognitive Control

The “Tools of the Mind” curriculum showed that classroom-based structured play (without high costs or tech) can significantly enhance preschoolers’ inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility—all crucial for school readiness.

5. Combined Nutrition & Cognitive Stimulation Elevates IQ

In a well-nourished group of 3–5 year-olds in Indonesia, iPad-based tasks plus daily at-home learning for an hour daily led to small but significant increases in full-scale IQ and attention, compared to controls.

6. Movement & Physical Fitness Correlate with Stronger Cognitive Function

A longitudinal study indicated that greater total physical activity in preschoolers was linked with sharper working memory and inhibition, while more sedentary time correlated with weaker performance.

7. Early Cognitive Engagement Reduces Bullying Risk

Regular parent–child cognitive play at age 4 resulted in a 33% reduction in bullying behavior later (ages 6–11), suggesting early stimulation builds prosocial and emotional resilience.

🧩 Summary of Key Findings

3–4

Short EF training

↑ Working memory, sustained after 3 months

3–6

PE + cognitive games

↑ Inhibition, WM, flexibility (Cohen’s d > 0.8)

~3

Teacher-led play science

↑ EF components

4–5

Tools of the Mind curriculum

↑ EF, improved self-regulation

3–5

iPad & home learning

↑ IQ, attention

Preschool

Total PA correlational

↑ WM and inhibition

4

Parent cognitive engagement

↓ Bullying later by 33%

🔍 Overall Conclusions

1. Targeted EF training (even brief) leads to measurable and lasting improvements in memory and reasoning.
   
   

2. Physical activity with cognitive tasks offers powerful synergistic benefits for executive functions.
   
   

3. Structured play-based curricula, such as Tools of the Mind or science-embedded play, effectively build foundational EF skills.
   
   

4. Home stimulation and parent–child interaction promote cognitive development, boost IQ, attention, and reduce antisocial outcomes.
   
   

5. Active lifestyles in early years support cognitive health; too much sedentary time can hinder executive control.

✅ Recommendations for Daily Practice

• Short EF games: 10–20 minutes daily of memory/inhibition activities (e.g., "Simon Says," Stroop-type tasks).
  
  

• Gamified movement: Incorporate physical games with cognitive rules (e.g., “opposite day,” number-step games).
  
  

• Teacher-guided conceptual play: Use storytelling and role-play in preschool to embed learning.
  
  

• Interactive home learning: Combine digital and hands-on cognitive tasks with parents.
  
  

• Encourage active playtime while limiting sedentary screen time.
  
  

• Parental engagement: Daily story-reading, puzzles, and conversation to support cognitive and social development.

🧠 Final Takeaway

Published evidence consistently shows that daily, developmentally appropriate cognitive activities—especially when combined with movement, engaging play, and supportive adult interaction—meaningfully enhance the executive functions, language, memory, and social-emotional skills of children aged 2–7. These early gains translate into better school readiness, academic success, and fewer behavioral issues.