Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children compare, sort, group, organize and measure objects and create patterns in their everyday environment.

Skill Progression: Classifying

Age: 21-24 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 21-24 Months.

Look at a picture dictionary book for toddlers with the child.

As you look at the pictures talk about them. Say, “I see an animal on this page. Do you?” “I see a plant. Can you find it?” “I see something round like this on the page? Where is it?” Tell the child to ask you questions as well. (They will say, “Where is the flower?”) Take turns asking questions to make it a game.

The child should identify basic categories.

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to talk about basic characteristics of shape, size, and color as they discuss things in the environment. “Look at this rock. It is round.”