Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)
Subdomain: Scientific Exploration and Knowledge
Goal: Children observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world
Skill Progression: Observe and describe characteristics of living things and the physical world
Age: 48-54 Months
Click here to go to all skills for ages 48-54 Months.Demonstrates an understanding of the differences between living and nonliving things
Go to the park or on a nature walk.
While walking, the adult encourages the child to stop and look at different things in nature. Ask the child “Is this a living thing?” When the child answers ask, “How do you know?”
The child may not always be able to distinguish living/nonliving accurately, but he is developing theories beyond “it moves.” He may talk about breathing, having babies, growing, etc.
Early childhood educators and parents need to talk about and describe things they see in nature. Discuss how things are alike or different (alive, not alive, live in a nest, live underground, etc.) Discuss why various animals live in different environments and need different habitats.
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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