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

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children identify and use common shapes and concepts about position during play and other activities.

Skill Progression: Spatial understanding

Age: 27-30 Months

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

During playtime have blocks available.

Observe the child building. Talk about what the child is building, and ask questions. “Where do you find that kind of house?” Add comments. “I think it needs…a small one on top; a big one underneath, etc.” The adult builds with the blocks too, and asks the child for advice. “Where should I put this one?”

The child experiments with block placement and may attempt to make a representation of something.

Talking about locations and using directional words helps build the child’s vocabulary and spatial understanding. Give parents examples of how they can support this learning in daily activities. For example, “Let’s go outdoors and see what we can find in the garden under the plant leaves.”