Post date: Feb 14, 2016 3:39:31 PM

Noise hinders how children learn

By Lauran Neergaard ASSOCIATED PRESS FEBRUARY 13, 2016

WASHINGTON — From the cacophony of day care to the buzz of TV and electronic toys, noise is more distracting to a child’s brain than an adult’s, and new research shows it can hinder how youngsters learn.

Nor is the challenge just to tune out the background buzz. Brief sudden noises — someone coughs, a car horn blares — can drown out part of a word or sentence. An adult’s experienced brain automatically substitutes a logical choice, often well enough that the person doesn’t notice, Newman said.

‘‘Young children don’t do this. Their brain doesn’t fill in the gaps,’’ she said.

It’s not just a concern for toddlers and preschoolers. The ability to understand and process speech against competing background noise doesn’t mature until adolescence, Leibold said.

The research has implications for classroom design, too, Leibold added, as the type of flooring or ceiling height can either soften kids’ natural noise or bounce it around.

Among the tips:

■ Don’t leave the TV, radio, and other electronics on in the background. It’s not clear whether soft music is distracting, but lyrics might be, Ratner said.

■ Speak clearly and make eye contact.