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: Making decisions

Age: 48-54 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 48-54 Months.

Children love scraps, junk, and left over toy parts. Provide a box or two of such materials for two or more children.

Tell the children they can use the materials to create whatever they want. If children are hesitant provide prompts by lifting something out of the box and saying, “What could you use this for?” When something is named you may have a theme started. Say, “Oh! Pirates patch great! Let’s see if there are other things we could use to be pirates!”

Once children have an idea to build upon, they can use their imaginations. The child will come up with costumes, props, action sequences, and dialogue as the materials are combined and the imagination is sparked.

Imagination and creativity are important to the child at this level. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to provide an outlet for creative expression in various areas: music, dance, drama, physical expression, etc. This does not need to be in structured lessons or classes, but through opportunities at home with family and at school with friends.