How Does Practice Make Us Better at Things?

What do you like doing? If you play a sport or musical instrument, you probably remember not being very good when you first started. As you spent more time with the activity, you got better. Why does this happen?

To answer this question, we’re going to need to cover some basic brain science. Your brain is full of cells called neurons (NUR-ahnz). Neurons are special nerve cells designed to send messages to your body so that you can move and think. As you do activities, connections are built between the neurons.

When you practice activities more, the connections between neurons get stronger and faster. They become “coated” with brain tissue called myelin (MY-uh-luhn) which works like a fast-forward button on the processes in your brain. The more a certain action in the brain is triggered, the faster it will respond without you having to think about it.

When you practice something, your brain retains the information better. You will be faster and more effective in your skill if you practice it regularly. Isn’t it incredible how God designed our brains to be able to change and grow?

Think on These Things

Practice shapes our brain so that we respond quickly to things. What are you training your brain to do well? Are you practicing serving others with a smile or fighting with them? In Philippians 4:8, God tells us to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise.” As you practice thinking about these things, your brain will become “programmed” to think in a God-honoring way!

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!