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: 27-30 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 27-30 Months.

The adult can elicit vocabulary by being a player. In dramatic play outdoors, say, “I am making a museum of nature for people to come and see.”

Discuss the colors of things the child finds, and point out other colors in nature. Ask, “Are rocks alive? How do you know?” “Oh, look at that ant! Is he alive?”

The child will name several colors, though all may not be correct. She has the concept of color.

When the early childhood educators and parents participate in this outdoor dramatic play they will have an opportunity to see how the outdoors and nature can be a great learning place for the child. Encourage them to help the child notice the various characteristics of the different things in nature.