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: 36-42 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 36-42 Months.

Provide boxes, pillows, sheets, etc. for children to combine into complex structures.

Suggest a theme of interest to the child to stimulate the desire to construct a scene for dramatic play. For example, a house for Spiderman, a castle for the princess.

Children will pile, stack, and arrange materials to create structures for play.

When given the opportunity children will become creative with household materials. Early childhood educators and parents can encourage children to use their imaginations by providing props (large boxes, sheets to cover tables, etc.), suggesting themes, and participating as play partners. Explain that building such creative structures teaches children about space, weight, balance, and other important concepts.