The concept of ‘learning readiness’ can be understood if we first consider the meaning of ‘learning’.

In terms of brain development, we learn by making connections between the nerve cells that we call our brains. Everything we know of, all our memories and everything we can do in life is made possible by the communication that takes place between the trillions of nerve cells in our brains and bodies that make up the nervous system.

At birth these nerve cells exist but are not yet developed. This is why young babies have very limited abilities. Their nervous systems are immature and are largely made up of ‘unused’ nerve cells.

In order to develop, the nerve cell needs stimulation in the form of electrical impulses that fire along a particular neural pathway. Once this happens, the nerve responds by building a layer of insulating material (myelin) around the nerve, to ensure more efficient transmission of future electrical messages.

It also starts connecting to other nerves to send the impulse to the correct part of the brain or body. This is how our brains become ‘wired’.

The brain is a lot like a computer. It has to have the hardware needed to function as well as the software needed to run programmes. The neurons, or electrical wires, are the hardware.

Once this wiring system is in place, it becomes possible for us to take in information from everything in our world through our sensory systems of touch, sound, sight, temperature, taste and smell; to know how we are positioned on earth and what space we are occupying in relation to everything and everybody else. This information is processed in the brain.

In other words, the brain is able to give meaning to the information received via the nervous system.Once this has happened, the brain is able to direct the body to respond to the stimuli.

So, in order to understand why a child is finding it difficult to learn, or to move his or her body in organised ways, it is necessary to first examine the way he or she is ‘wired’. Necessary connections may not have been made.

It’s also possible that the quality of the wiring may be less than perfect, or that chemicals needed by the brain and body to direct electrical impulses are not being produced by the body. This is why nutrition and movement are so important to our functioning.

In essence, a child with undeveloped areas of the brain, where the wiring is incomplete or faulty, will not have the hardware needed to learn easily and efficiently. They may show an ability to do those things listed as being important for ‘school readiness’ and will pass the ‘test’ for school readiness, but basically their problem may be rooted in the fact that they are simply not learning ready.

WIRED TO LEARN Professor Kokot’s course ‘Wired to learn’ is designed to help parents, teachers and therapists assess children for important aspects of learning readiness and to help them develop neural networks needed for efficient learning. The aim is to ensure learning readiness before the start of formal schooling.