In this project, in collaboration with the BabyDEV lab at the University of East London, we are studying how young children develop the ability to transition between periods of recreation, such as, watching cartoons, and completing a task that requires focused attention. This ability to switch between recreation and work might be particularly important for developing school readiness, as children transition from a play-oriented environment, such as preschool or home, to primary school where full engagement during specific periods of work, interspersed with non-work, is necessary.

The study will use DC-EEG and rsfMRI to measure low frequency oscillations during the transition from recreation or rest to task performance. The data collected in this study will allow us to gain a better understanding how the ability to transition between rest or recreation and task develops between the ages of 4 to 6 years and what are the neural and physiological correlates associated with steady ‘states’ transitions.

For more information please email Dr Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne.