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

Subdomain: Construction of Knowledge: Thinking and Reasoning

Goal: Children demonstrate the ability to think about their own thinking: reasoning, taking perspectives, and making decisions

Skill Progression: Taking perspectives

Age: 30-33 Months

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

Provide miniature action figures (movie characters or action figures or family member dolls). Also provide props with the dolls to encourage story making. Miniature characters provide an opportunity for the child to play multiple roles through each of the characters.

No elicitation needed. If needed, the adult can ask, “Why is he doing that?” or “How does Batman feel about that?”

Boys in particular may demonstrate aggressive thoughts, feelings, and actions with their characters; while girls may show more nurturing and traditional thoughts, actions, and feelings.

Dramatic play is a window into the child’s inner world. It allows early childhood educators and parents to see what impresses the child, what worries the child, and what feelings the child is exploring. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to watch and listen to the child’s play and comments within play to get an insight into his inner world.