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: Thinking and reasoning

Age: 54-60 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 54-60 Months.

Observe the child once she has a goal for a creative production.

Once the child has the materials and props she needs and has a goal (create a castle, dramatize their story, make a piece of winter art, etc.), she can proceed without support (unless requested). Ask the child what she intends to do (i.e. “Tell me what you are doing now.”)

The child will begin to organize materials she needs. She may start randomly and build from one piece, a layout or a sequence of materials. Sometimes the plan precedes actions, and sometimes it develops with the actions.

Children rarely have opportunities to create without rules, directions, or structure. Early childhood educators and parents can do much to promote creativity if they allow children the time, space, and materials to do whatever they can envision.