Exploring how children learn to recognize letters and numbers

CRCNS: Dense longitudinal neuroimaging to evaluate learning in childhood

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-10927453

This study is looking at how first graders learn to recognize letters and numbers, using brain scans to understand the best times for learning, and it will also create fun Sesame Street images to help improve teaching methods for kids.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10927453 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the processes involved in early childhood learning, particularly focusing on how children in first grade develop neural specialization for recognizing letters and digits. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to gather insights into critical learning windows that are often overlooked. The project will also create a unique collection of educational images from Sesame Street, which will be annotated to enhance understanding of visual learning in children. This comprehensive approach not only aims to improve educational strategies but also has implications for developing intelligent machines that can mimic human learning.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 6 to 7 years old who are in the first grade and are learning to read and recognize numbers.

Not a fit: Children outside the age range of 6 to 7 years or those not currently in first grade may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational methods that enhance reading and math literacy in children, ultimately benefiting their long-term academic and life outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding early childhood learning through neuroimaging, making this approach both promising and relevant.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.