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

Subdomain: Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning

Goal: Children use their senses to construct knowledge about the world around them

Skill Progression: Constructs knowledge

Age: 30-33 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 30-33 Months.

Provide materials the child needs to examine, use trial-and-error, or rational thinking to solve a problem.

Let the child explore independently. If the child does not use problem solving spontaneously, demonstrate and see if the child can pick up on the problem solving approach. Use physical modeling and verbal commenting.

The child may independently demonstrate the use of observation, trial-and-error, or rational thinking (“A head goes here.” “I need a yellow piece.”) The child can also demonstrate the ability to learn from other’s example.

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to let the child try to learn things through experimentation before telling her what to do. The child needs to discover spatial and conceptual relationships. Early childhood educators and parents can support learning by pointing out key characteristics for the child to examine and relate. The more the child does on her own, the more confident she will feel.